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Costa Rica Costa Rica Currency Guide

The currency of Costa Rica and how to prepare for payments — all on one page. The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

Currency

Costa Rican Colón

CRC

Reference rate · October 31, 2026

1 USD ≈ 455 CRC

1 EUR ≈ 508 CRC

1 GBP ≈ 609 CRC

Costa Rican Colón conversion table

Reference values calculated at the mid-market rate as of October 31, 2026. Banks and card issuers add their own fees to actual exchanges and card payments.

USDCRC
1 USD455 CRC
5 USD2,274 CRC
10 USD4,548 CRC
50 USD22,738 CRC
100 USD45,476 CRC
500 USD227,382 CRC
CRCUSD
1,000 CRC2.20 USD
5,000 CRC11.0 USD
10,000 CRC22.0 USD
50,000 CRC110 USD

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Costa Rica before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Costa Rica

San José

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located at the heart of the country and serving as its center of politics, economy, and culture. It's a great place to explore the downtown area.

Alajuela

Alajuela is the capital of Alajuela Province in Costa Rica. It's home to a variety of attractions, including the Heredia Fortress, the Museum of Popular Culture, and an amusement park.

Limón

Limón is a port city on Costa Rica's eastern coast and the capital of Limón Province. Also known as Puerto Limón, it's a pleasant place to explore along the waterfront.

Puntarenas

Puntarenas is the capital of Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province. It's a good base for exploring nearby islands such as San Lucas and Isla Guayabo, along with its cathedral.

Cartago

Cartago is the capital of Costa Rica's Cartago Province. Visitors can explore religious landmarks and gardens, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and Lankester Botanical Garden.