Is the us dollar widely accepted in Costa Rica?

Question

Travelling all round the country do I need to change dollars into the colon

Answer 1

I went there last weekend and didnt have any problems. Anyway, you can change into colones at banks, casinos, etc

Answer 2

Dollars are accepted everywhere, pretty much, but you'll save a bit using the local currency...they cut some little corners in the conversion.

Answer 3

Yes, usually the dollar is accepted in the touristy areas by the beaches.

Answer 4

yes it is. however some places dont take it. when i went there we had trouble getting money out of atms with our credit card. they wouldnt take it for some reason. you want to keep a few colones for like some of the backwoods places if you go there. also, wahtever the exchange rate is, if you pay for something in american dollars the people will try to cheat you a few dollars by not giving you enough change. but if not american dollars work fine. and credit cards work there too, sometimes its hard to get money out of the atms like it was for us.

Answer 5

Yes...However, (IMO) part of the travel is to use their $$.   When I was there, I saw waaaay too many US Americans acting like it was 'automatic'...etc... So, I would encourage you to exchange some US Currency @ a Bank when you get there...Everyone was very nice & helpful...& many, many are fluent in English.

Answer 6

Most places will accept US dollars, but make sure to carry bills smaller than $100. You can expect your change to be colones though...

Answer 7

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Costa Rica.  You can essentially pay for everything with the dollar; however most of the time you will be receiving your change in Costa Rican colones.  Nearly every business in Costa Rica commonly receives U.S. dollars so they are ready to punch in the daily conversion into their calculator and give you the correct valuation and change in colones.  Usually the exchange rate hoovers between 515 to 520 colones to the dollar.  Keep in mind that large bills $50 & $100's are pretty much a no no in Costa Rica and for really small businesses even a $20 can be difficult to find change so try to keep some smaller bills with you for the little items you purchase.