Costa Rica Currency Exchange and Credit Cards

When exchanging your money, you can either utilize the services at many of the local banks, or embrace the services of your hotel. Most hotels will exchange your money providing that you are staying at their hotel. The rate they offer is a bit below that offered by the banks, however, changing money at the local banks requires plenty of time due to beauracratic handling procedures. It is not unusual to spend between 30-60 minutes online waiting to exchange your money. We recommend that you maximize the services offered by your hotel as it is almost always safe, and the time saved is worth every penny lost. There are several money exchangers that offer their services around the downtown area of San Jose, as well as at the international airport. Several present themselves as legitimate business practices, however, beware, as the majority are not. Generally speaking, we do not suggest you take advantage of these services. While the exchange rate might be enticing, problems are common and little, if any, recourse is available in the event you have a serious problem.

At the present time, the current exchange rate is 492.00 colon per 1 U.S. dollar. The colon comes in bills denominated in the following amounts: 10,000, 5,000 (called toucans), 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, and 50 colones. The coins are donominated in 100, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 colones. Recently, the central bank has printed gold coins in all the same denominations mentioned above, however, several of them are smaller than those presently in circulation, and therefore, do not work in any of the public machines, i.e. telephones, etc.

Most car rental companies, travel providers, hotels, large restaurants, and department stores will accept all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa and American Express. In the event that you need assistance with stolen cards or in obtaining cash advances, we have included information below which should be of some assistance.

American Express
This American Express office is the only branch that will assist you with card replacement. Customer service and establishment services are also available, including cash advances and bill payment. Several other regional offices are available, however, telephone calls are always forwarded to the central office. English is spoken.

Location: on Calle Central, between Avenidas 3 y 5
English is Spoken
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. M-F, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m Saturdays
Local Telephones: 2257-0155
To call US: 0-800-012-3211

Visa/Mastercard
This Credomatic office is the only branch that will assist you with card replacement for Visa/Mastercard. The card replacement process for Visa/Mastercard is much more time consuming as they have to correspond with U.S. authorities. Customer service and establishment services are also available. Credit card payments can not be paid unless your credit card has been issued through a local bank.

Location: on Calle Central, between Avenidas 3 y 5
English is Spoken
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., M-F, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturdays
Local Telephones: 2257-0155
To call US (Visa): 0-800-011-0030
To call US (Mastercard): 0-800-011-0184

Diners Club International
This branch offers all major custormer services, i.e. available credit, remaining balance, bill payments, etc.

Locatation: in the Scotiabank (2nd floor) near the corner of Ave. 1 y Calle 2; almost diagonal from the Post Office.
Hours: Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Telephones: 2257-2351 (during business hours), 2257-7878 (24 hours)

ATM's are scattered throughout Costa Rica, in most major cities and tourist areas.

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