What is the currency and rate of exchange?
The colon(es) is the currency of Costa Rica. The exchange rate varies a little, but as of January 2011 one dollar exchanges for approximately 505 colones. U.S. dollars, especially 20s or less, can be used in many places, although exchanging some money will be helpful for you in some areas and contributes to your experience of the Costa Rican culture. Also, one very important point is that it is very difficult to use U.S. currency here if there are any holes or tears in the bills. Hundred dollar bills from the year 2001 are also difficult to get cashed as there are many counterfeit bills in Costa Rica with that date. We do not recommend any hundreds, as most places will not accept them.
