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, carved masks, ceramics, gold pre-Columbian replica jewelry and leather handicrafts.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1800/1900. There may be variations between areas.
Currency Information:CurrencyCosta Rican Colón
(CRC; symbol ₡) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of ₡10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₡100, 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. Many banks will only process MasterCard for cash credits. Cash may be the only form of payment in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs usually accept foreign cards.
Traveller's ChequesAlthough travelers can avoid additional exchange rate charges by taking traveller's cheques in US Dollars, fewer and fewer businesses in Costa Rica are willing to accept them.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800/0900-1500/1800.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | ₡803.06 |
| $1.00= | ₡550.22 |
| €1.00= | ₡749.21 |
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