Money Currency is the colon, comprising 100 centimos. Tourists should carry money in travelers checks, which can easily be exchanged at all banks. Be prepared to wait a while. The exchange process is a laborious exercise in officialdom. Credit cards are also widely accepted.
Banks have normal weekday hours and are in all main towns.
Travel Costs Travel costs in Costa Rica are higher than in many Latin American countries. With its higher standard of living and well-developed tourism industry, the country can't really be considered a budget destination, although there are some ways to keep costs down. Accommodations and the probable need of a rental car for some of your visit will be your highest costs. Most rooms cost about what you would pay for a night in an American motel. Staying a week or longer should give you a better rate.