Money & costs
Costs
Tipping
It is customary to tip the bellhop/porter (US$0.50 to US$1 per service) and the housekeeper (US$1 per day in top-end hotels, less in budget places). On guided tours, tip the guide US$1 to US$5 per person per day. Tip the tour driver about half of what you tip the guide. Naturally, tips depend upon quality of service. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, unless some special service is provided.
Upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge onto the bill. If not, you might leave a small tip to show your appreciation, but it is not required.
Money
ATMs
It’s increasingly easy to find ATMs (cajeros automáticos in Spanish). The Visa Plus network is the standard, but machines on the Cirrus network, which accept most foreign ATM cards, can be found in San José and in larger towns. Some ATMs will dispense US dollars. Note that some machines (eg at Banco Nacional) will only accept cards held by their own customers.
Credit cards
Holders of credit and debit cards can buy colones and sometimes US dollars in some banks. Cards are widely accepted at some midrange and most top-end hotels, as well as top-end restaurants and some travel agencies. All car-rental agencies accept credit cards.
Visa is the most widely accepted, MasterCard less so and American Express (Amex) rarely. Some hotels might charge a 7% fee for using credit cards, in addition to government and service taxes. Check their policies and prices carefully.
Exchanging money
All banks will exchange US dollars, and some will exchange euros; other currencies are more difficult. Most banks have excruciatingly long lines, especially at the state-run institutions (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Popular). However, they don’t charge commissions on cash exchanges. Private banks (Banex, Banco Interfin, Scotiabank) tend to be faster. Make sure the dollar bills you want to exchange are in good condition or they may be refused.
Changing money at hotels and travel agencies is even faster and more convenient, though many charge hefty commissions. Changing money on the streets is not recommended, except possibly at land borders. Street changers don’t give better rates, and scammers abound.
Non-US travelers should buy US dollars before they arrive in Costa Rica. Carry your passport when exchanging currency and try not to leave the country with many excess colones; it’s difficult to buy back more than US$50 at the border or airport.
Taxes
Travelers will notice a 13.39% percent sales tax at midrange and upscale hotels and restaurants, while hotels also charge an additional 3% tourist surcharge. Everybody must pay a US$26 airport tax upon leaving the country. It is payable in US dollars or in colones and credit cards are accepted.
Traveler’s checks
Most banks and exchange bureaus will cash traveler’s checks at a commission of 1% to 3%. Many hotels will accept them as payment, but check policies carefully as many hotels do not. US dollar traveler’s checks are preferred. It may be difficult or impossible to change checks of other currencies.
Amex checks are the easiest to replace quickly in Costa Rica. If your checks are lost or stolen, call Amex (800-012 0039) to have them replaced.
Costa Rica
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