Currency
Costa Rican Colón (c) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of c10,000, c5000, c2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of c100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Currency exchange
Visitors should consult their banks for the current rate of exchange (there is no direct local quotation for sterling; the cross rate with the US Dollar is used). ATMs are available throughout the country.
Credit & debit cards
Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted; American Express slightly less so, but check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
Up to US$10,000 can be brought to Costa Rica without any restrictions. Amounts above that figure must be declared to customs upon arrival.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Costa Rican Colón against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | May '05 | | £1.00= | 815.38 | 861.56 | 912.39 | 837.814 | | $1.00= | 442.58 | 454.96 | 483.13 | 479.200 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 08000900-1500/1800.
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