Costa Rica Financial FAQ

Do Costa Rican Businesses Accept MasterCard, Visa, Amex, Discover, Etc?

The majority of hotels and businesses in Costa Rica will accept US dollars and major credit cards, such as VISA, Master Card and American Express. VISA is the most widely accepted out of all the major credit cards. In general, they are all widely accepted. Before going, tell your bank and credit card company that you will be going to Costa Rica. Many will block your credit cards, especially for cash withdrawals. Also, set a realistic daily withdrawal limit that fits your needs.

Hint: Use your credit card as much as possible for purchases so you will always get the correct exchange rate. And be organized! While in any country where you can't read the language, and you are using your charge card, write on the charge slip right away the amount, items, date, and place of purchase so you can read it when the statement comes at the end of the month. Makes for a lot easier bookkeeping. Many times the ink is so faint you can't read what it says in any language.