Budget to visit Costa Rica

Budget to visit Costa Rica

Understanding Costa Rican Currency

The Colón (CRC) vs. The US Dollar (USD)

• The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), often identified with the ₡ symbol.
• US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist-heavy areas for hotels, tours, and shuttle services.
• We advise carrying small denominations of both currencies. It is an ideal approach for flexibility. Be aware that if you pay for an item in USD, your change will often be given in colones, sometimes at a less favorable, on-the-spot exchange rate.
• Prices at smaller, local businesses (called “sodas”), fresh markets, and on public buses are typically listed and paid for in colones.

Getting the Best Exchange Rate

• Avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at airport kiosks, as they consistently offer the poorest rates.
• The best rates are generally found by withdrawing colones directly from an official bank ATM, such as those from Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) or Banco de Costa Rica (BCR).
• For clarity and value, it is best to pay in the currency that is quoted. If a price is listed in USD, pay in USD. If it is in CRC, pay in CRC to avoid unfavorable conversions.

Daily Spending Estimates (Per Person)

The following estimates are designed to help you budget for daily in-country expenses that are not included in your pre-paid travel package. This covers costs such as most meals, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities, and gratuities.

Budget Traveler Style

• Estimate: $40 – $60 USD per day.
• Assumes: Eating primarily at local “sodas,” using public transportation for any independent travel, and focusing on low-cost activities like visiting public beaches or hiking in national parks without a guide.

Mid-Range Traveler Style

• Estimate: $75 – $150 USD per day.
• Assumes: A mix of meals at sodas and mid-range restaurants, using shared shuttles for transport, and participating in one paid activity or tour per day.

Luxury Traveler Style

• Estimate: $200+ USD per day.
• Assumes: Dining at upscale restaurants, using private transfers or a premium 4×4 rental for transport, and enjoying multiple guided tours, spa treatments, or other high-end experiences.

Key Expense Categories: A Breakdown

Food & Drink

• Casado (typical lunch plate) at a Soda: $6 – $10 USD.
• Meal at a mid-range tourist restaurant: $15 – $30 USD per person.
• Dinner at an upscale restaurant: $40+ USD per person.
• National Beer (Imperial/Pilsen): $2 – $4 USD.
• Gallo Pinto (breakfast): $5 – $8 USD.
• Coffee at a café: $2 – $5 USD.

Local Transportation

Please review your confirmed itinerary for transfers that are already included in your package. The costs below are for independent exploration you may wish to undertake.

• Public Bus: $1 – $15 USD depending on distance.
• Official Red Taxis (with “maria”/meter): $5 – $20 USD for in-town trips.
• Shared Tourist Shuttle: $45 – $65 USD per person for routes between major destinations (e.g., La Fortuna to Monteverde).
• Gasoline: Approximately $5.50 – $6.50 USD per gallon.

Activities & Park Fees

• National Park Entrance Fee: $12 – $20 USD per person.
• Guided Nature Hike (3 hours): $45 – $70 USD per person.
• Zipline/Canopy Tour: $60 – $95 USD per person.
• Surf Lesson (group): $50 – $75 USD per person.
• Hot Springs Entrance: $25 (basic) to $70+ (resort-style) USD per person.

Tipping & Gratuities

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge (“servicio”) and 13% tax are legally included in all menu prices. Tipping extra is not expected but is certainly appreciated for exceptional service (an additional 5-10% is a kind gesture).
• Tour Guides: $10 – $20 USD per person for a full-day tour is a common and appreciated guideline.
• Drivers (for transfers): $5 – $10 USD is customary for a professional, safe transfer.
• Hotel Staff (bellhops/housekeeping): $2 – $5 USD per day is a thoughtful gesture.

Money Management & Payment Methods

Cash vs. Credit Cards

• Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at mid-to-high-end hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. American Express is less common.
• Cash: Essential for small purchases, local “sodas,” markets, taxis, and for all gratuities.
• Important: We strongly advise you to notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates before you depart. This simple step prevents your cards from being frozen due to what they might perceive as suspicious international activity.

Using ATMs (“Cajeros Automáticos”)

• ATMs are readily available in towns and cities, but they can be scarce in more remote, rural areas. Plan accordingly.
• For maximum security, it is best to withdraw from ATMs that are physically attached to a bank and to do so during business hours.
• Be aware of your home bank’s foreign transaction fees as well as any local ATM fees that may be applied.
• Most ATMs dispense both CRC and USD, but it is often more cost-effective to withdraw CRC directly to get a better exchange rate from your bank.

Smart Spending & Cost-Saving Tips

How to Save on Daily Expenses

• Eat at “Sodas”: These small, family-run eateries offer delicious, authentic Costa Rican food at a fraction of the price of tourist-oriented restaurants. Ordering the “casado” (a set plate with a choice of meat, rice, beans, and salad) provides the best value.
• Shop at Local Markets: Purchase snacks, fruit, and water from local “pulperías” (corner stores) or supermarkets instead of from hotel minibars or tourist shops to save significantly.
• Leverage Happy Hour: Many bars and restaurants, particularly in beach towns, offer “2 for 1” happy hour specials on cocktails and beer, usually in the late afternoon.
• Refill Your Water Bottle: Tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica. Bringing a reusable bottle saves money and is an excellent way to reduce plastic waste.
• Pay in Local Currency: While USD is accepted in many places, you will almost always get a better effective price when paying for smaller items, transport, and local meals in colones.