The official currency is the colon. However, US dollars are readily accepted, although outside of hotels and tourist areas, usually only bills under$20 are accepted.

There is a wide selection of state-owned and private banks in Costa Rica. Many private banks, though, won’t change Traveler’s checks, so you may have to go to the state banks (Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica). Bring a copy of your passport. We do not recommend changing money in the street.