Travelling to Costa Rica?

Get the best rates for Costa Rican currency online

Gear up for your unforgettable trip to Costa Rica! Grab your Costa Rican currency from Manor FX today. Our fantastic Costa Rican colon exchange rate means you get the most out of your vacation budget.

We guarantee quick delivery times and straightforward online ordering for your colones travel money.

Costa Rican travel money

Costa Rica, a jewel in Central America, is renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. Ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary information about cash and card payments and currency in Costa Rica.

Where can I get Costa Rican colónes?

The best place to buy Costa Rican colones is through currency exchange offices or reliable online platforms like Manor FX. 

Exchange your British pounds to Costa Rican colones now. Why not get your colones delivered directly to you for the utmost convenience?

Experience hassle-free ordering and excellent foreign exchange rates with us, giving you more to enjoy on your Costa Rican escape!

If you’re around Heathrow, you can also collect them from the Manor FX bureau, benefiting from the same great rates in person.

Can you buy Costa Rican colones in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Costa Rican colones in many places across the UK. Currency exchange offices and specialist travel agencies often provide this service.

For added convenience, consider online currency exchange platforms like Manor FX.

Getting Costa Rican colones for your trip has never been simpler. Plus, we offer free delivery on orders over £750. Convert your GBP to colones today!

Should I exchange money before I travel to Costa Rica?

Absolutely! Exchanging some currency before heading to Costa Rica is smart. You’ll avoid poor Costa Rican colones rates at airports and have local currency for immediate expenses like transport and snacks.

Cash is essential in Costa Rica, especially outside of big cities. Many vendors, taxi drivers, and tour guides prefer or only accept cash. So it’s important to always keep some notes and coins on you.

What is the best currency to bring to Costa Rica from the UK?

Costa Rican colones are the best currency to bring with you. With colones on hand, you’re all set for all kinds of purchases, whether grabbing a delicious bite to eat or paying for a cab ride.

US dollars are accepted in many tourist spots. However, using the local currency can save you from unnecessary exchange rate fees and ensure you always pay a fair price.

At Manor FX, we offer the best Costa Rica exchange rate. Convert your GBP to Costa Rican colones today!

Should I bring USD or colones to Costa Rica?

Deciding between USD or colones for your Costa Rican adventure can be tricky! Here’s the inside scoop:

USD:

• Accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and major cities, so there’s no need to exchange currencies before landing.
• The exchange rate might not be the best. 
• Change is often given in colones, leaving you with mixed currencies to manage. 
• Dollars might not be accepted everywhere, especially outside tourist zones.

Colones:

• It’s the official currency, so it’s accepted everywhere! 
• Often gives you a better exchange rate, saving you money.
• You might need to exchange some before your trip, but many airports and banks in Costa Rica offer this service.

So, what to do?

• Pack some USD for emergencies and convenience in tourist areas. Small bills ($5 or $10) are best.
• Exchange some money to colones before your trip for everyday spending. Check online for reputable exchange services like Manor FX.

Remember, flexibility is key! A mix of USD and colones will ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

Can I use my bank card in Costa Rica?

Absolutely! Using your debit card in Costa Rica offers a hassle-free method to manage your expenses. You’ll find that most large hotels and shopping malls welcome international credit and debit cards without a hitch.

Remember to keep an eye out for any charges your UK bank might apply to overseas transactions. A quick chat with your bank before your trip can save you from unexpected costs.

Should I use cash in Costa Rica?

Yes, you should use cash in Costa Rica, especially for smaller purchases and in more remote areas.

Cash is king in local markets, street vendors, and rural spots where cards might only sometimes be welcome. It ensures you can always grab a bite, catch a ride, or pick up souvenirs without a hitch. 

Plus, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand for those places where electronic payments aren’t an option. Remember to carry what you need for the day to keep it safe and secure.

If you have any leftover travel money from your trip to Costa Rica, remember to sell back your Costa Rica colones to GBP.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Costa Rica?

Using cash and cards is the best approach in Costa Rica. Cards are great for security and convenience in cities and tourist spots where they’re widely accepted.

However, cash is essential in rural areas and for smaller purchases, as many places don’t accept cards. 

Keep a mix of both to cover all bases, ensuring you have enough cash for everyday expenses and emergencies.

Remember to always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

How much cash should I take to Costa Rica?

Are you heading to Costa Rica with a backpack and a dream? You might want to budget around £50, around 33,000 CRC, daily. This will cover a hostel stay, cooking your meals with a mix of street food, getting around on public transport, and enjoying free fun like beach days and hikes.

If you’re looking to step it up a notch, about £130, around 84,400 CRC a day, gets you a cosy Airbnb and paid adventures like guided tours, surf lessons, or museum hopping.

For those wanting to splash out on a luxury experience, £250, around 162,000 CRC a day, opens up a world of possibilities. You can cruise in your rented car, enjoy endless drinks, and dive into as many activities as your heart desires. These include scuba diving and zipping through the treetops. 

How can I avoid ATM fees in Costa Rica?

Outsmart those sneaky ATM fees in Costa Rica! Here’s the lowdown:

• Befriend fee-free ATMs: Look for ones affiliated with your bank or networks like Global ATM Alliance. 
• Plan your withdrawals: Bigger withdrawals often mean fewer fees. Aim for a few days’ worth of cash at once, considering ATM limits.
• Ask your bank about fee reimbursements: Some banks may reimburse foreign ATM fees. Check before your trip!
• Consider a travel debit card: Some offer fee-free withdrawals abroad. Do your research to see if it fits your budget.
• Go plastic (strategically): Many businesses accept credit cards. While some charge fees, it might still be cheaper than multiple ATM withdrawals. 
• Inform your bank: Let them know you’re travelling to avoid them blocking your card for suspicious activity.

With these tips, you can keep your vacation budget happy in Costa Rica!

How does tipping work in Costa Rica?

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is often included in the bill.

For bars, small change or rounding up is common.

If you have any leftover travel money, make sure to convert your extra Costa Rica colones to pounds upon your return.

Is Costa Rica a cheap country to visit?

Yes, Costa Rica is an affordable destination for many travellers. Compared to fancy European vacations, Costa Rica is wallet-friendly. On the other hand, it’s a bit pricier than some of its Central American neighbours.

Don’t worry, though! You can still have a fantastic time on a budget if you plan ahead. Just remember, prices jump during peak season, so if you’re flexible with your dates, you can score even better deals!

Costa Rican Currency

Banknotes in Costa Rica

In 2010, Costa Rica started switching from paper to polymer banknotes. By 2018, the Central Bank of Costa Rica rolled out a series of these polymer notes. These vibrant and eye-catching banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000. 

These Costa Rican colon banknotes carry forward a design theme that honours the nation’s key historical figures. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of these notes:

1000 CRC polymer note: This note features Braulio Carrillo Colina on the front. The Costa Rican Pitahaya cactus flower and a white-tailed deer on the back.

2000 CRC polymer note: You’ll find Mauro Fernández Acuña on the front. The back showcases a bull shark, a sea star, and sea pens.

5000 CRC polymer note: Alfredo González Flores graces the front of this note. The back depicts a Panamanian white-faced capuchin.

10000 CRC polymer note: Jose Figueres Ferrer is on the front. A three-toed sloth is featured on the back.

20000 CRC polymer note: Maria Isabel Carvajal, a pioneering female Costa Rican writer, is on the front. The back presents a Chispita hummingbird.

Do you have any leftover CRC banknotes from your recent travels? You can sell back your Costa Rica currency to GBP with Manor FX!

Coins in Costa Rica

The Central Bank of Costa Rica mints Costa Rican colones coins. Each proudly displays the Costa Rican Coat of Arms on one side and beautiful coffee branches on the other. The coins come in denominations of 25, 50, 100 and 500 colones.

Costa Rica’s currency import and export regulations

When heading to or leaving Costa Rica, you can carry any amount of currency. It’s important to declare whether you’re carrying over $10,000 USD or equivalent. This rule helps keep things transparent and safe, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Ordering Costa Rican colones online

Order your currency online and convert your GBP to CRC today. Have your travel money delivered swiftly and securely to your home or office. 

Alternatively, pick them up from our travel money shop near Heathrow. Click here to convert pounds to colones.

Selling back Costa Rican colones to GBP

If you have leftover Costa Rican colones, follow this link to exchange Costa Rican colones to GBP. We offer great rates for your unused currency, exchange your CRC to GBP now!

FAQs

---