Money in Costa Rica
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- CRCCosta Rican colón
- Symbol
- ₡
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Costa Rica
US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change given in colones.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Local buses, small sodas, corner stores and roadside stands usually want colones. Card machines in small towns do not always work.
- ATMs
- ATMs at or inside banks are the easiest way to get colones, and many let you choose colones or dollars. Costa Rican Vacations reports a flat fee of between $1 and $3 per transaction and advises carrying two ATM cards.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are accepted at most tourist businesses, with change usually given in colones at the business's own rate.
- Exchanging money
- Banks give the best rates and require your passport. Airport and hotel exchange desks usually give poor rates.
- Watch out for
- Bills of $50 and $100 can be hard to break and are sometimes refused, and torn notes may not be accepted. Choose colones at card terminals to avoid a worse conversion rate.
Tipping in Costa Rica
Restaurants usually add 13% tax and 10% service, so extra is optional. Tip guides and drivers.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Costa Rican Vacations, Tico Travel, Tico Travel, Camino Travel, Discover Corps.
Convert to and from CRC
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 454 CRC | 509 CRC | 609 CRC |
| 10 | 4,540 CRC | 5,086 CRC | 6,092 CRC |
| 50 | 22,701 CRC | 25,432 CRC | 30,462 CRC |
| 100 | 45,402 CRC | 50,864 CRC | 60,924 CRC |
| 500 | 227,011 CRC | 254,319 CRC | 304,619 CRC |
What each amount is worth in CRC. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC).
Do you need to tip in Costa Rica?
Appreciated. Restaurants usually add 13% tax and 10% service, so extra is optional. Tip guides and drivers.
Can you pay by card in Costa Rica?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Local buses, small sodas, corner stores and roadside stands usually want colones. Card machines in small towns do not always work.
Are there ATMs in Costa Rica?
ATMs at or inside banks are the easiest way to get colones, and many let you choose colones or dollars. Costa Rican Vacations reports a flat fee of between $1 and $3 per transaction and advises carrying two ATM cards.