Costa Rican Colón (CRC) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of CRC10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CRC100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US Dollars are also widely accepted.

Available at banks and bureaux de change. Some hotels may also change money.

Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted; American Express slightly less so. Cash may be the only form of payment in more smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs usually accept foreign cards.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

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.

Mon-Fri 0800/0900-1500/1800.