When exchanging your money, you can either utilize the services at many of the local banks, or the services of your hotel -most will exchange your money providing that you are staying there. The rate they offer might be a bit below that offered by banks, however, changing money at the local banks requires plenty of time due to beauracratic handling procedures. 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.
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. The central bank also 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 many of the public machines, i.e. telephones, etc. To calculate the current exchange rate of your currency with that of the Costa Rica Colon, simply enter the desired amount in the approriate fields below.
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: 257-0155
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: 257-0155
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: 257-2351 (during business hours), 257-7878
(24 hours)
- ATM's are scattered throughout Costa Rica, in most
major cities and tourist areas.
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