Should I bring my debit card to Costa Rica?
CPI recommends that students bring both a credit and/or debit card as well as a certain amount of cash. ATM machines are a good option for withdrawing money and your debit card should work during your stay in Costa Rica (notify your bank in advance that you will be traveling to avoid unwanted fraud alerts).
Can I use my US debit card in Costa Rica?
MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Costa Rica, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept them, especially in touristy areas. Discover and Diners Club are far less widely accepted.
Can you pay with card in Costa Rica?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica for payment of touristy things like hotel stays, shuttle services, meals, tours, and attractions. Conveniently, credit cards allow many trip items to be paid for from home, so there’s less you need to concern yourself with when on vacation.
How do you pay for things in Costa Rica?
Using US Cash US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Bring smaller bills like $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. The bills will need to be in good condition as they will not be accepted if they are ripped or torn. The larger the bill, the more perfect it needs to be.
Is it better to have cash or card in Costa Rica?
Cash is the most accepted payment method in Costa Rica. Especially if you’re traveling in more rural areas where cards are not an option. The US dollars are also accepted in the capital but exchanging them to Costa Rican colones is best.
Should I exchange money before going to Costa Rica?
Tourists should not exchange money before leaving the U.S., as American agents will give them significantly worse rates if even available. We advise to use an ATM when arriving in Costa Rica and to pull out Costa Rica Colones. This is a much easier option of going to a bank.
Is it better to use cash or card in Costa Rica?
Should I exchange money before I travel to Costa Rica?
Can I tip in US dollars in Costa Rica?
Tipping in Costa Rica – Dollars or Colones? You can tip in Costa Rican colones or USD. Locals readily accept USD, especially now that the exchange rate is around 640 to 1 so they get more colones to the dollar.
Is it better to pay in dollars or colones?
To avoid exchange costs, pay for things priced in U.S. dollars with dollars (typically higher cost items like tours, hotels, negotiated fares for long taxi rides, restaurants). Pay for things priced in colones with colones (typically local sodas and fast food, taxis using a meter, and sometimes bar tabs).
Can you drink tap water Costa Rica?
The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.
Is it rude to tip in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional, though it’s polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.
Will my phone charger work in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Costa Rica?
Shorts and skimpy clothing are common at the beach, but as soon as you head into the mountains you’ll want long pants. This isn’t just about temperature. In places like San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, locals almost never wear shorts in public.
Do I need an outlet adapter in Costa Rica?
Do I need a converter/ adapter for the electricity? Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
Do you flush toilet paper in Costa Rica?
Except in exclusive hotels and gated communities that are constructed with advanced plumbing, flushing toilet paper in Costa Rica is a no-no. The simple reason for the request is that Costa Rica’s small and antiquated septic systems can’t accommodate discarded toilet paper without clogging.
How much do you tip in Costa Rica?
10%
However, tipping as a tourist is completely optional and the standard percentage to tip in Costa Rica is 10%. A good way to see the tipping etiquette in Costa Rica for tourists is that it’s never mandatory but very much appreciated.