Costa Rica's card acceptance is high — cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including small vendors and taxis. Keep cash on hand for small sodas (local eateries) and tipping.
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Costa Rica's card acceptance is high — cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including small vendors and taxis. Cards are widely accepted across Costa Rica, including at many small businesses — cash is mainly useful for tipping and very small local eateries.
Yes, mainly for small sodas (local eateries) and tipping.
Yes — contactless is widely used and often the default payment method in Costa Rica.
Having some local currency in cash is generally more useful than foreign cash for everyday spending — exchange or withdraw a small amount on arrival to cover small sodas (local eateries) and tipping.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Costa Rica like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
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