Special purchases include wood and leather rocking chairs (which dismantle for export), as well as a range of local crafts available in major cities and towns. Local markets are also well worth visiting. Prices are slightly higher than in other Latin American countries. Best buys are wooden items, ceramics, jewelry and leather handicrafts.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1800/1900. There may be variations between areas.
Currency Information:CurrencyCosta Rican Colón (CRC) = 100 céntimos. Notes are
in denominations of CRC10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CRC100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Currency ExchangeAvailable at banks and bureaux de change. Some hotels may also change money.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsDiners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted; American Express slightly less so. Cash may be the only form of payment in more smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs usually accept foreign cards.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800/0900-1500/1800.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | CRC1,026.00 |
| $1.00= | CRC518.80 |
| €1.00= | CRC693.42 |
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