Though US dollars are widely accepted for many if not most transactions in Costa Rica, it is still advisable to carry Costa Rican currency for the numerous small dollar transactions that are required daily.  Generally speaking, local vendors of food and fruit on the roadside and artists selling items at the beach or other souvenir stalls prefer to do transactions with Costa Rican currency.  For banking services and currency exchange there are a few locations that we can recommend;

San Jose (Juan Santamaria – SJO) Airport

There is the opportunity to exchange foreign currency at SJO airport in the baggage claim area.  The exchange rate is generally not favorable at the airport since these vendors at SJO are designed to make a profit.  But this is an option if it is known in advance that there will not be an ideal opportunity to visit a bank during the beginning of your travels.

ATM Machine in Playa Dominical

Address: 744P+JMH, Dominical, Puntarenas Province, Savegre de Aguirre, Costa Rica

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BCR Bank in Uvita

Address: 300 Metros Sur Bomba De Uvita, Osa, Puntarenas Osa, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

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Banco Nacional in Uvita

Address: 5787+5G3, 34, Puntarenas Province, Uvita, Costa Rica

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Coopealianza Uvita, Osa

Address: 5787+M87, Puntarenas Province, Uvita, Costa Rica

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