Planning a trip to Costa Rica comes with plenty of excitement soaring zip lines, lush rainforests, white-sand beaches, and of course, thrilling adventures like ATV Costa Rica tours. But amidst all the fun, it’s important to think about the practical side of travel, including how much cash you’ll need.
While Costa Rica is a relatively easy place to travel, knowing when and where to use cash versus cards can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re budgeting for meals, tours, tips, or spontaneous adventures, here’s everything you need to know about bringing cash to Costa Rica.
1. Cash vs. Card: What’s Accepted?
Costa Rica is a well-developed travel destination, and major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in popular tourist areas. Restaurants, hotels, tour companies, and larger stores typically welcome Visa and MasterCard, with some also accepting American Express. In fact, many ATV Costa Rica tour providers accept card payments when booking online or in person.
However, not every place is card-friendly. Smaller businesses, street vendors, local eateries (known as sodas), public buses, and rural shops may only accept cash. Also, taxi drivers often prefer cash, especially outside major cities.
It’s also worth noting that some places charge an additional fee for using cards, or may offer better prices if you pay with cash. So having local currency Costa Rican colón (CRC) on hand is always a smart move.
2. How Much Cash Should You Bring?
How much cash you bring depends on your travel style, length of stay, and planned activities. For a typical week-long vacation, a good guideline is to carry around $200 to $300 USD in cash per person.
Here’s a suggested breakdown:
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$20–$50 USD in small bills for tips, snacks, street food, and minor purchases.
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$100–$200 USD for cash-only transportation, entrance fees, souvenirs, or local tours not booked online.
While many travelers bring U.S. dollars, the local currency is often preferred for small transactions. U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but you may receive change in colón, sometimes at a less favorable rate. Also, paying in CRC can help you avoid slight markups that may occur when paying in USD.
3. Where to Get Cash in Costa Rica
If you don’t want to carry large amounts of cash from home, no problem—Costa Rica has plenty of ATMs (called cajeros automáticos). You’ll find them at banks, shopping centers, supermarkets, and near tourist zones. Most ATMs allow you to withdraw money in either colón or U.S. dollars.
Keep in mind:
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Some ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit, often around 100,000–250,000 CRC (~$150–$375 USD).
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Your home bank may charge international withdrawal or currency conversion fees.
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It’s safer to withdraw money as needed than to carry too much cash at once.
Try to avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at the airport, as their rates are usually less favorable than those found at banks or ATMs in town.
4. Tipping and Daily Expenses
Tipping in Costa Rica isn’t obligatory, but it’s always appreciated. Most restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill. However, it’s common to leave a little extra for good service. Tour guides, hotel staff, and drivers also appreciate small tips.
Here are a few common scenarios where cash comes in handy:
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Souvenirs and crafts from local artisans.
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Public transportation like buses and ferries.
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Taxis or shuttles that don’t accept cards.
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Entry fees to national parks, waterfalls, or hot springs.
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Adventures like ATV Costa Rica tours, especially when tipping your guide or paying on-site.
5. Smart Travel Tips for Carrying Cash
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Use a money belt or neck pouch to keep your cash and cards secure while exploring. Avoid carrying large amounts in your wallet or backpack.
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Split your cash between your bags so you’re not left empty-handed if one gets lost.
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Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid frozen cards due to suspicious international activity.
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Save receipts and track your spending to stay within budget.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to carry a huge amount of cash when visiting Costa Rica, but having a modest sum on hand is essential for smooth, stress-free travel. Most expenses like hotels and tour bookings can be paid with cards, but cash is crucial for tipping, small purchases, and local experiences.
For unforgettable moments like ATV Costa Rica tours, where you’re exploring muddy jungle paths, river crossings, and scenic mountaintop views, it’s good to be prepared for tips or additional on-site fees. By balancing your use of cash and cards wisely, you can enjoy your Costa Rican adventure with peace of mind.
So pack light, budget smart, and get ready to explore the best of Costa Rica from the jungle trails to the open beaches—all with the perfect mix of adventure and financial readiness!
