Get
Costa Rican Colones Fast!
- Free home delivery over £750
- with Royal Mail Special Delivery 1pm
- Better rates than the banks
Travelling to Costa Rica?
Get the best rates for Costa Rican currency online
Gear up for your unforgettable trip! Grab your Costa Rican currency from Manor FX today.
Our fantastic Costa Rican colon exchange rate means you get the most out of your vacation budget.
We guarantee quick delivery times and straightforward online ordering for your colones travel money.
“Easy process from start to finish. Competitive prices and excellent customer support. Would highly recommend and will use again.”
Emma Thompson
Costa Rican travel money
Ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary information about cash and card payments and Costa Rican currency exchange.
What is Costa Rica’s currency?
The official Costa Rican currency is the Costa Rican colón, symbolised as ₡.
What is the three-letter code for the Costa Rican colon?
The three-letter code is CRC.
Where can I get Costa Rican colónes?
Get your Costa Rican colon currency from Manor FX
Exchange your British pounds to Costa Rican colones now. You can get your colones delivered directly to you for the utmost convenience.
Experience hassle-free ordering and excellent foreign exchange rates with us, giving you more to enjoy on your trip!
If you’re around Heathrow, you can also collect them from the Manor FX bureau, benefiting from the same great rates in person.
Can I buy Costa Rican colones in the UK?
Yes, you can buy Costa Rican colones from Manor FX in the UK.
Plus, we offer free delivery on orders over £750. Convert GBP to colones today!
Should I exchange money before I travel to Costa Rica?
Absolutely! Exchanging some currency before heading to Costa Rica is smart.
You’ll avoid poor Costa Rican colones rates at airports and have local currency for immediate expenses like transport and snacks.
Cash is essential in Costa Rica, especially outside of big cities. Many vendors, taxi drivers, and tour guides prefer or only accept cash. So it’s necessary to always keep some notes and coins on you.
What is the best currency to take to Costa Rica?
CRC is the best currency to bring with you. With colones on hand, you’re all set for all kinds of purchases, whether grabbing a delicious bite to eat or paying for a cab ride.
US dollars are accepted in many tourist spots. However, using the local currency can save you from unnecessary exchange rate fees and ensure you always pay a fair price.
At Manor FX, we offer the best Costa Rica exchange rate. Convert your GBP to Costa Rican colones today!
Should I bring USD or colones to Costa Rica?
Bring both USD and Costa Rican colones. USD are okay to use in many tourist areas, but colones are better for local shops, transport, and getting the best prices.
Do Costa Ricans prefer dollars or colones?
Costa Ricans generally prefer colones for everyday transactions, but USD is ok in many tourist areas.
Can I use my bank card in Costa Rica?
Absolutely! Using your debit card in Costa Rica offers a hassle-free method to manage your expenses.
You’ll find that most large hotels and shopping malls welcome international credit and debit cards without a hitch.
Should I use cash in Costa Rica?
Cards are widely used in Costa Rica, but carrying some cash is smart, especially for small shops, tips, buses, and rural areas where cards may not work.
We recommend taking a mix of Costa Rican colones and US dollars for maximum convenience.
If you have any leftover travel money from your trip to Costa Rica, remember to sell back your Costa Rica colones to GBP.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in Costa Rica?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, but it’s best to carry some cash, colones or US dollars, for small purchases, tips, and places that don’t take cards.
Remember always to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
Buy your colones now
How much cash should I take to Costa Rica?
Here’s a rough daily cash estimate:
- Budget: £16–£32 / ₡10,500–₡21,000 – local meals, buses, basic souvenirs
- Mid-range: £40–£80 / ₡26,000–₡52,500 – restaurants, tours, occasional taxi
- Luxury: £80–£160+ / ₡52,500–₡105,000+ for fine dining, private tours, shopping
Cards are widely accepted, but money is handy for small towns and to pay for tips.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Costa Rica?
To avoid ATM fees in Costa Rica, use ATMS at major banks, choose a bank that reimburses international fees, and withdraw money in larger amounts less frequently.
How does tipping work in Costa Rica?
Tipping is customary for exceptional service, but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is often included in the bill. For bars, small change or rounding up is common.
If you have any leftover travel money, convert your extra Costa Rica colones to pounds upon your return.
Buy your colones now
Currency in Costa Rica
Banknotes
Costa Rica began updating its paper bills to polymer in 2010, completing the transition by 2018.
Today’s Costa Rican banknotes are made of durable polymer and feature vibrant designs.
These Costa Rican colon banknotes are available in denominations of ₡1,000, ₡2,000, ₡5,000, ₡10,000 and ₡20,000.
Each note reflects the official Costa Rican currency’s cultural pride, honouring key national figures and showcasing native wildlife and flora.
- ₡1,000 note – Features Braulio Carrillo Colina, with a white-tailed deer and a pitahaya cactus flower on the reverse.
- ₡2,000 note – Highlights Mauro Fernández Acuña, with a bull shark, sea star, and sea pens.
- ₡5,000 note – Shows Alfredo González Flores, with a white-faced capuchin monkey on the back.
- ₡10,000 note – Displays José Figueres Ferrer, alongside a three-toed sloth.
- ₡20,000 note – Celebrates María Isabel Carvajal, Aunt Panchita, with a Chispita hummingbird on the reverse.
If you’re planning to bring travel money, the official currency makes it easy to pay for everything from restaurants to tips and shops.
Exchanging pounds before you go can help save money and avoid unnecessary foreign transaction fees.
Remember: the currency code CRC stands for the Costa Rican colón, the official currency of Costa Rica.
For the best Costa Rican colón exchange rates, order online or visit us in person before your trip.
Do you have any leftover CRC banknotes from your recent travels? You can sell back your Costa Rica currency to GBP with Manor FX!
Coins
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Nacional) issues the country’s coins, which are an important part of the currency system.
On one side, you’ll find the Costa Rican Coat of Arms; on the other, elegant coffee branches—a national symbol. These coins circulate in denominations of ₡25, ₡50, ₡100, and ₡500.
They’re commonly used for local transport, market stalls, shops, and supermarkets, or to pay small bills and tips in cafés and restaurants.
It’s wise to keep a few in your pocket during your trip, especially when exploring smaller towns.
Many visitors find cash more practical for low-cost purchases, as not all vendors accept card.
Taking physical money with you helps you spend confidently and may also help you avoid fees linked to using a debit card abroad.
Costa Rica’s currency import and export regulations
When heading to or leaving the country, you can carry any amount of currency. It’s important to declare whether you’re carrying over USD 10,000 or equivalent.
This rule helps keep things transparent and safe, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Ordering Costa Rican colones online
Get the best Costa Rican colon rates!
Order online and convert your GBP to CRC today at the best Costa Rican colon exchange rate. Click here to convert pounds to colones.
Have your travel money delivered swiftly and securely to your home or office.
Alternatively, collect them from our travel money shop near Heathrow and get the same great Costa Rican colon rates.
Sell costa rican colons
If you have leftover holiday money, convert Costa Rican colones to GBP.
We offer the best market exchange rates for your unused currency. Exchange your CRC to GBP now!
FAQs
Do you need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
You don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your visit.
This visa-free entry lets you enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture without the extra paperwork.
Remember to check travel advice before you go, as rules can change. Enjoy your trip!
What vaccinations are required for Costa Rica?
Ensure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR and tetanus. Also, consider getting shots for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which you can catch from food or water there.
No vaccines are required for entry, but you should check with a doctor before you go.
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
The best time is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for beaches and outdoor adventures.
However, the green season (May to November) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, especially great for rainforest exploration.
What does 500 colones buy in Costa Rica?
With 500 colones, you can enjoy simple pleasures! This might get you a fresh cup of local coffee or a tasty tropical fruit at a market.
Feel the Trustpilot love
Great competitive rates & friendly & helpful staff. Easy to order online & collect in person or delivery.
Great, fast and reliable service would certainly use again for my travel needs, as the rates are the best around!
This amazing company have gone above and beyond in getting a large amount of a rare currency across the pond to Ireland.
Great rates and really responsive, friendly customer support, will definitely be using Manor FX again.
Manor FX gave me a better rate than my bank with great customer service, I highly recommend them.
Family run business that’s always super helpful. Manor FX’s rates are always really good as well!
Get
Costa Rican Colones Fast!
- Free home delivery over £750
- with Royal Mail Special Delivery 1pm
- Better rates than the banks