Do most Costa Rican stores accept U.S. dollars and credit cards?
Yes, U.S. dollars and credit card are accepted in most Costa Rica stores. However, it is advisable to exchange a small amount of dollars ($20 per person) into Costa Rican colones to spend locally. It is very difficult to exchange bills of $50 or more, so we recommend only brand-new $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. Costa Rican stores and banks only accept U.S. bills in brand-new condition. Bankswill not accept new U.S. bills that have even small rips, words, or any kind of marking on the bill; or old bills. Euros, Canadian dollars, and currency from other countries are generally not accepted in Costa Rica, and the banks give poor exchange rates for all currencies other than U.S.
Yes, U.S. dollars and credit cards are accepted in most Costa Rica stores. However, it is advisable to exchange a small amount of dollars ($20 per person) into Costa Rican colones to spend locally. It is very difficult to exchange bills of $50 or more, so we recommend only brand-new $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. Please note that Costa Rican stores and banks only accept U.S. bills in brand-new condition, and will not accept U.S. bills that have even small rips, words, any kind of marking on the bill, or old bills. Euros, Canadian dollars, and currency from other countries are generally not accepted in Costa Rica, and the banks give poor exchange rates for all currencies other than U.S. dollars.
