Is it better to bring USD or colon to Costa Rica?


Is it better to bring USD or colon to Costa Rica? What is the best currency to take to Costa Rica? We suggest you take dollars, but if you can grab some colones at your bank, it will make the beginning of your trip much more manageable.


Should you have cash in Costa Rica?

We recommend that you bring around $50 to $100 US dollars in cash and a VISA or Master Card. There are other credit cards that are accepted, but VISA and Master Card are the most commonly accepted throughout Costa Rica. If needed, you can get a cash advance on a VISA card if you go to a large bank.


Is Costa Rica expensive for tourists?

If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica expensive?”, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.


What drinks is Costa Rica known for?

When you hear the name Costa Rica, you can't help but think of coffee. Coffee and alchoholic Guaro are the national drinks of this Central America location.


How much money should I bring with me to Costa Rica?

For a one week Costa Rica trip, I recommend to bring around $300 dollars in US dollars cash per person to begin with. Then, exchange about $100 USD to Costa Rican colones when you first arrive at the bank or supermarket.


What shots do I need for Costa Rica?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Recommended for travelers to most regions.


Can we drink tap water in Costa Rica?

It's completely safe to drink the tap water over the majority of the country. That includes your luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste! Costa Rica is quite notable in Latin America as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water.


Is it better to exchange money before going to Costa Rica?

U.S. Dollars are Accepted in Costa Rica For visitors from the U.S. there's no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica. The taxis out in front of the airport, the restaurants and hotels all accept dollars.


Is $10 dollars a good tip in Costa Rica?

The standard percentage to tip in Costa Rica is 10% for tourists. A good way to see the tipping etiquette in Costa Rica for tourists is that there isn't a mandatory minimum percentage so any amount is very much appreciated.


How much is a meal in Costa Rica in US dollars?

The average lunch with a sandwich, fries and drink will cost around 5,000 colones ($10). The average dinner – say spaghetti, pizza, steak, roasted chicken, or a rice and shrimp plate will cost around 7,500 colones ($15). Prices can go up depending on how elegant the restaurant is.


What is the cheapest time to go to Costa Rica?

The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.


How much cash should I bring to Costa Rica for a week?

How Much Cash Should I Carry in Costa Rica? In general, it's a good idea to carry between $50-$100, most of which should be composed of small and medium-sized bills (example exchange rates include $20 =10.000 colones, $10=5.000 colones, $4=2.000 colones, $2=1.000 colones.)


How much cash can I bring to Costa Rica?

While there are no restrictions to importing and exporting local currency and US dollars, anyone with more than US$10,000 or equivalent must declare the amount they are carrying. Failing to declare may see your money being seized.