Money and duty free for Costa Rica
Currency and Money
Currency information
Costa Rican colón (CRC; symbol ₡) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of ₡50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₡500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.
US dollars, particularly in smaller denominations, are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and some restaurants.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, particularly in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and tourist-oriented businesses. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express acceptance is more limited outside higher-end establishments.
Contactless payment and mobile payment systems, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are increasingly common in urban areas and larger tourist destinations, though cash remains useful in smaller towns, local markets and rural areas.
ATM
ATMs are widely available in San José, provincial cities, tourist destinations and most larger towns. Machines generally dispense Costa Rican colones, while some also offer withdrawals in US dollars. International debit and credit cards are commonly accepted, though withdrawal fees may apply.
In remote rural areas and smaller beach communities, ATMs may be limited or occasionally out of service, so carrying sufficient cash is advisable when travelling away from major centres.
Banking hours
Mon to Fri 09:00 to 17:00. Some banks in shopping centres and larger commercial areas may operate longer hours or open on Saturdays.
Currency restrictions
Travellers entering or leaving Costa Rica with cash or monetary instruments equivalent to US$10,000 or more must declare the amount to customs authorities.
Costa Rica duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Costa Rica without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• Up to 5L of alcoholic beverages (travellers aged 18 and over only).
• Goods to the value of up to US$500.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Banned Imports
Prohibited imports into Costa Rica include narcotics and illegal drugs, counterfeit and pirated goods, certain weapons and explosives, and products considered harmful to public health, safety or the environment. Restrictions also apply to some agricultural products, plants, animal products and used goods including used tyres without rims.
Travellers may bring personal medication into Costa Rica for personal use in reasonable quantities. It is advisable to carry medicines in their original packaging together with a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter, particularly for controlled or prescription-only medication.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
Banned Exports
Prohibited exports include narcotics and illegal drugs, protected wildlife and products derived from endangered species covered under CITES regulations, as well as archaeological and cultural artefacts removed without official authorisation.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.