Money
Currency
Costa Rican Coln (c) = 100 cntimos. 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
There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency (but only US Dollars are exchangeable).
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Costa Rican Coln against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | 1.00= | 771.40 | 815.38 | 861.56 | 912.39 | | $1.00= | 431.89 | 442.58 | 454.96 | 483.13 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 08000900-1500/1700.
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