Slim RFID-blocking money belt
Holds a passport, a backup card and cash under your clothes.
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Costa Rica’s currency is the colón (₡). US dollars are widely quoted for larger purchases, and prices can be shown in either.
The reference rate
The Banco Central de Costa Rica publishes a reference exchange rate with two figures: compra (what the system pays to buy dollars) and venta (what it charges to sell dollars). Banks and exchange services set their own rates and fees, and they usually differ from the reference.
We do not print a rate on this site because it changes every day. Use the currency converter with the rate you were quoted.
How to compare
- Ask for the all-in cost in your own currency.
- Compare the rate and the fee together.
- Write down the rate and date of each transfer you make.
Carrying cash and cards safely
When you arrive with dollars or colones, keep cards and some cash apart from your main wallet.
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