What Currency Is Used in Costa Rica?
QUICK ANSWER
Costa Rica's currency is the Costa Rican colon, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and tours. You will often get change back in colones. Cards work in cities, tap water is generally safe in populated areas, and US-style plugs fit without an adapter.
Costa Rica is one of the easier Latin American countries for travelers when it comes to money and logistics, though a few local details help. Here is what you need to know about the currency, tipping, power outlets, and tap water before your trip, so you can focus on the rainforests and beaches.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rican colon (CRC), often shown with the symbol resembling a C with two strokes. In practice, the tourism economy runs heavily on US dollars: hotels, tour operators, and many restaurants and shops in tourist areas accept dollars readily, and prices are sometimes quoted in them. That said, you will usually receive change in colones, and smaller local businesses, buses, and rural vendors prefer or require colones. The best approach is to carry some colones for small everyday purchases, use dollars where convenient, and pay by card in cities, where cards are widely accepted at a fair rate.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
Tipping in Costa Rica is modest and often already handled. Restaurants typically add a 10 percent service charge to the bill by law, along with tax, so an extra tip is not required, though leaving a little more for good service is appreciated. For guides on tours, which are a big part of visiting Costa Rica, a tip is customary and valued: a few dollars per person for a half-day tour and more for a full day or a great guide. Tip drivers, hotel porters, and housekeeping a dollar or two. Check your restaurant bill for the included service charge before adding more.
What power adapter do you need for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses the same outlets as the United States, so US travelers need no adapter or converter. The sockets are Type A and Type B, the flat two- and three-prong plugs, running on 120 volts, just like at home, meaning American devices and chargers work directly. Visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter for Type A and B sockets and should check that their electronics support 120-volt input. Most phone, tablet, and laptop chargers are dual voltage and adjust automatically, but higher-wattage items like hair dryers may not, so verify before plugging in.
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
In most of Costa Rica, tap water is safe to drink. The water in the Central Valley, including San Jose, and in most established towns and tourist areas is treated and generally considered safe for visitors. That said, in some rural, remote, or coastal areas the quality is less reliable, so in those places bottled or filtered water is the safer choice. If you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure about a specific location, sticking to bottled water is a low-cost precaution, especially early in your trip. Ask your hotel about the local supply; in the main destinations, tap water is typically fine.
Costa Rica uses the colon, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, usually with change given in colones, so carry both and pay by card in cities. Restaurants add a 10 percent service charge, US plugs and 120-volt devices work without an adapter, and tap water is generally safe in populated areas, with bottled water wise in remote spots.
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