Money, Money, Money
As you are getting ready for your trip, you might have visions of
credit cards, ATM machines, currency exchange, and cash dancing in your head.
Let’s discuss!
Should I order Costa Rican colones from my financial institution or currency exhange prior to my departure?
Short answer - NO. But, if it makes you nervous to not have any local currency in your wallet before you leave for your trip, then, YES! You will most likely get a better exchange rate from your bank, rather than a currency exchange. But, there will be a pretty steep rate no matter what. And, if this is an option you choose, please visit your bank 2 weeks before your trip to order colones.
What about cold hard cash - the US kind?
YES! It’s a great idea to bring US dollars with you. US currency is widely accepted. Only bring 1s, 5s, and 20s. Avoid bringing large bills. The bills cannot have any rips, or show damage. Also, do not bring brand new bills.
Ok. I am not going to bother to get colones ahead of time. Is there a currency exchange in the San Jose International Airport?
YES! When you get to the baggage claim, you will notice the currency exhange on the right side of the baggage area. If you choose to buy colones here, we recommend just getting what you need for the first few days or so of your trip. This is very handy if you are driving and need colones for toll roads, roadside food stands, etc…
I have some old colones from a previous trip. I can just use those, right?
WRONG. As of 2022, the old cotton colones were removed from distribution and are no longer accepted. So, be sure your bills are the new ones, which are printed on polymer plastic and are smooth with a small, transparent window. You can learn more about this here.
So, who takes US dollars and who takes colones?
Most places accept both. But, if you pay in US dollars, they will typically round up instead of trying to do the precise exchange rate. If you pay in dollars, you will get change back in colones. This is a great way to accumulate some small denominations of colones. Some shops will offer a discount if you pay in cash versus a card. Roadside food stands, sodas (small restaurants), and market vendors typically do not accept US dollars. Tuk and tuk and taxi drivers do accept dollars, but prefer colones if you have them. You can tip in either dollars or colones, but if you have colones - that is probably better. Also, try to keep small bills on you at all times. Often, someone might not have the right change for you if you pay with a $20 bill or 10.000₡ (10,000₡).
Do Costa Ricans expect tips?
It is not in the Tico culture to tip, however, tips (“propinas”) from tourists are greatly appreciated. Here is a rundown of tipping ettiquiette:
10% is a fair tip for tour guides. 20% is a great tip!
Restaurants include 10% in the bill, so we often just leave a little extra cash.
At the airport, if you need help with your baggage, you can be guaranteed to be greeted by baggage handlers the second you walk into the baggage claim area. I will say that these handlers have begun to expect a generous tip. (If you don’t need help, just say “No, gracias.”)
Shuttle drivers, boat drivers, parking attendants and bellhops appreciate a small tip. 1.000₡-2.000₡ can go a long way in thanking them for their service.
We also generously tip private drivers, taxi drivers, and tuk tuk drivers. If a private driver’s rate is $80, I will give them $20. If a tuk tuk ride is 4000₡ , I will give them 5.000₡. Of course, this is to show our appreciation, but it also is a good way to maintain a good relationship with them when you need them.
1.000₡ is a nice way to thank the gas station attendants.
Can I use credit cards?
VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely accepted credit cards. Not all places accept American Express. And, of course, be sure you let your credit card company you will be traveling. Most restaurants and shops accept cards. But, keep in mind, if there is a power outage - cards won’t work. So, always keep some backup cash in your wallet when dining out.
Are there ATM machines in the area?
There are several ATM machines in Puerto Viejo. There are none in Manzanillo, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, or Cocles. Again, let your financial institution know you will be traveling. There is a small limit of cash you can withdraw in one transaction. So, if you need $300 - you might need to break it up into 3 transactions. If you are visiting during a holiday, such as Christmas, New Year, or Easter - avoid waiting till the weekend to withdraw money. Sometimes the machines run out of cash when the bank has been closed for several days.
BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) - We prefer using this ATM as it is right on the main road near the entrance to Puerto Viejo and is easy to find. We also like this one because it dispenses both US dollars and colones. The ATM machine accepts cards with the Visa symbol. The bank does foreign exchange and offers full bank services. Open Monday to Friday 8am - 3:45pm.
Banco Nacional - Offers banking services Monday-Friday from 8:30 - 3:45 pm. The ATM is open from 6am to 10pm.
What else should I know?
Notice that in Spanish, when writing about money, a period is used in place of a comma. So, one thousand colones is written as 1.000.
Also, it is a good idea to know these numbers in Spanish:
1.000₡ - mil (worth about $2US, also known as a “rojo” because of it’s red color)
1.500₡ - mil quinientos (this is a rojo plus a 500₡ coin)
5.000₡ - cinco mil (worth about $10US)
10.000₡ - diez mil (worth about $20 US)
$1 - un dolar
$2 - dos dolares
$3 - tres dolares
$4 - cuatro dolares
$5 - cinco dolares
$6 - seis dolares
$7 - siete dolares
$8 - ocho dolares
$9 - nueve dolares
$10 - diez dolares
$11 - once dolares
$12 - doce dolares
$13 - trece dolares
$14 - catorce dolares
$15 - quince dolares
$16 - diez y sies dolares
$17 - diez y siete dolares
$18 - diez y ocho dolares
$19 - diez y nueve dolares
$20 - viente dolares
$21 - vientiuno dolares
$22 - vientdós dolares
$23 - vientitrés dolares
$24 - vienticuatro dolares
$25 - vienticinco dolares
$30 - treinta dolares
$40 - cuarenta dolares
$50 - cincuenta dolares
$60 - sesenta dolares
$70 - setenta dolares
$80 - ochenta dolares
$90 - noventa dolares
$100 - cien dolares