Costa Rica currency guide

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’re probably already fine-tuning your itinerary. From hot springs and waterfalls in La Fortuna to canopy zip-lines in Monteverde Cloud Forest, this Central American destination packs in plenty of things to do.

Before you go, it’s also worth getting familiar with some Costa Rican currency basics – so you know what to expect while you’re away. We’ve covered all the essentials in our Costa Rica currency guide below, from denominations to average prices. Plus, you can buy your Costa Rican colónes before you go – ticking one more thing off your holiday to-do list.

Costa Rican currency: everything you need to know

The Costa Rican colón has been the official currency and legal tender of Costa Rica since it was introduced in 1896 to replace the Costa Rican peso. It’s represented by the currency code CRC and the symbol ₡, and is named after Christopher Colombus – known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish. Colónes come in both coins and banknotes.

Costa Rican colón denominations

Coins include:

5 ₡, 10 ₡, 20 ₡, 25 ₡, 50 ₡, 100 ₡, 500 ₡

Banknotes include:

1000 ₡, 2000 ₡, 5000 ₡, 10,000 ₡, 20,000 ₡, 50,000 ₡

What is the current exchange rate for the Costa Rican colón?

Exchange rates fluctuate, so use our currency calculator to check today’s GBP to CRC rate.

What currencies can you use in Costa Rica?

As Costa Rica’s official currency, the Costa Rican colón is the country’s most-used currency. You’ll also find that US dollars are widely accepted here, although you’ll need Costa Rican colónes for things like motorway tolls and market stalls, particularly in more rural areas. If you’re not sure how much foreign currency to take with you, bear in mind that you can sell currency back at an M&S Travel Money bureau* – perfect for any leftover colón notes.

Can you use US dollars in Costa Rica?

Yes, you’ll find US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica – especially in areas that are popular with tourists – although there are some places that will only accept the Costa Rican colón. If you’re paying by card, bear in mind that if you choose to pay in US dollars you may end up paying more once any currency conversion fees are factored in, which is why it’s usually best to pay in Costa Rican colón if you can. We’ve explained more on this topic in our guide to paying in the local currency or pounds when abroad.

What payment methods are accepted in Costa Rica?

You can use a variety of payment options in Costa Rica, which we’ve taken a closer look at below.

Cash

Cash is a popular way to pay in Costa Rica, especially outside major cities and tourist hubs where card payments aren’t always possible. It’s also useful to carry some Costa Rican colóns for smaller purchases, local buses, taxis, markets and rural cafés and shops. Cash is also handy for tipping when you’ve received good service, as although there’s usually a 10% service charge included in restaurant bills by law, it doesn’t include a tip.

Debit and credit cards

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted across Costa Rica, particularly in cities, tourist areas, hotels and larger restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted card networks, but you may find American Express is less widely accepted. Always check what fees you might be charged by your card issuer before travelling and consider taking some cash, as there are likely to be charges applied when using your card abroad. Also bear in mind that car rental companies may require a credit card – not a debit card – for a deposit. 

Digital wallets

Apple Pay and Google Pay are available in Costa Rica, and many hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept contactless mobile payments – especially in busier destinations and tourist areas. You might find digital wallets are more limited in rural regions and at smaller local businesses, so it’s best not to rely solely on your phone to make payments and to carry a few different payment options.

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

The amount of spending money you’ll need for your trip will depend on what’s on your wish-list in Costa Rica. Entrance fees for the Monteverde Cloud Forest start at around CRC 11,287/USD 25, which is around £18.50*. And access to famous beaches like Manuel Antonio Beach is likely to cost you around CRC 4,514/USD 10, which is about £7.40, while there are lots of alternative beaches that are free.

At the time of writing, the cost of living in Costa Rica is around 17.8% lower than it is in the United Kingdom, so you’re likely to find prices at shops and restaurants are a little lower while you’re there. To give you an idea of how much money you might need, we’ve listed some example costs in Costa Rica vs the UK below* – just bear in mind these prices are illustrative.

A mid-range three-course meal for two: £65.00 in the UK vs £42.27 (CRC 26,000) in Costa Rica

A small domestic draught beer: £5.00 in the UK vs £2.44 (CRC 1,500) in Costa Rica

A regular cappuccino: £3.55 in the UK vs £3.24 (CRC 1,992.15) in Costa Rica

A one-way ticket on local transport: £2.50 in the UK vs 81p (CRC 500) in Costa Rica

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at June 2026. All prices are illustrative.

Buying Costa Rican colón with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to travel? Don’t forget to take some local currency in cash to use alongside card payments. You can buy Costa Rican colón online to collect for free from 580+ participating M&S stores*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.