Banking

When banking in Costa Rica, remember that there are two types of banks, Government run and Private. Banks operated by the Costa Rican Government include Banco Nacional, Banco Costa Rica, and Banco Credito Agricola. All money in these banks is guaranteed. These banks also have locations all over the country from which you can access your funds from branches or ATM machines, most small towns have either a bank or an ATM located there. There are also many private banks now, many affiliated with international banks, these banks are overseen by the government and often provide better service, however they may have less remote branch availability. You can change American dollars to the Costa Rican Colon at an average of about 500/1 although this fluctuates with the market. Changing money to Colones is easy in Costa Rica, there are no official money changing offices however you can change your money at supermarkets, restaurants, Bars or any Bank in Costa Rica. Don't forget to bring your passport and ID along when going to the bank they will require it. Visa, American Express and MasterCard are all widely accepted at larger resort or hotel locations as well as most restaurants and supermarkets, smaller venues will ask for cash whether it be American or Colones.