Costa Rica Colon
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rica colón as its currency. Each colon is then subdivided into 100 céntimos. The currency is issued by the Costa Rican Central Bank and is issued in both coins and notes. Coins are issued in the form of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100 and 500 colones and notes in the form of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 colones. So the division into 100 céntimos is actually academic, since inflation has long since seen off these 'cents'.
The currency is identified by the letters CRC. One interesting little fact about the colones, is that the name is actually a reference to Christopher Columbus, who was called Colon in Spanish.
History of the Costa Rican Colón
The colón was initially introduced to Costa Rica as early as 1896, when it replaced the Costa Rican peso which like other peso currencies was sub-divided into reales and then centavos.
Although there have been some minor 'tweaks' to the currency in the sense that it was changed to centavos instead of centimos at one stage, the currency that is in use today is still pretty much the same currency as was introduced in 1896, which gives an indication of the stability of this currency, since it has not needed to be replaced due to inflation.
Getting hold of Colones
It is actually quite easy to acquire colones in Costa Rica, due to the fact that it has quite an extensive network of ATM machines, certainly in the towns and not just the major towns, but really in all of them.
Often people are slightly confused about the location of Costa Rica, thinking that it is a Southern American country. However, it is actually in Central America and so it has influences from North America as well and part of this influence shows itself in a relatively sophisticated system of financial networks.
You may even find that the ATM dispenses US dollars, as well as colones. In the tourist areas of Costa Rica, the dollar is used almost as widely as colones. But one thing to bear in mind is that the colones price may be lower than the price in US dollars, so it is worth checking the colones price and not just paying the US dollars rate. It is almost like two rates: one for the tourists and one for others. The 'others' rate will be cheaper, so if you can try to pay this price.
If you are concerned about using your card at an ATM machine, then you can take traveller's cheques with you. However, if you cash these at your hotel you will get a very poor rate. In addition, only the bigger hotels may accept them. So you are better off going to a bank first, to change them there, because you will get a better rate but the drawback to this is that there may be long queues and sometimes there almost seems to be an idiosyncratic bureaucracy in the banks. One day you will go and the transaction will be quite straightforward, the next day you go, it seems to take forever and is masked with suspicion. Most people find it so much easier just to take their card and go to the ATM. It really does save time and trouble. If however, you really only feel comfortable with traveller's cheques, then make sure that you take them in dollars, so that it is easier to cash them.
You can take cash in with you, but for security issues, it is probably better just to take some cash to get you through arrival and the first night and then spend the rest of the time using ATMs.
When you first arrive, particularly near the border, you may be asked if you want to change money with a money 'exchanger'. Basically extreme caution should be used and you are probably better off just relying on US dollars for the first few hours or until you can find an ATM. They can be criminals who are just masquerading as money changers and they may be trying to rip you off, so unless desperate, avoid them at all costs. Remember that they will simply regard you as a wealthy tourist, so they really won't care too much about taking a few extra dollars off you. But it may make a lot of difference to you.
It is possible to use your traveller's cheques in most of the restaurants and hotels, but you will find that you are charged up to 10% on top of the bill, for the privilege of doing so.
In addition, you will find that when out and about in Costa Rica, you will be charged more than locals. For example, if you go, as a tourist, into a National Park, you will be charged more than double what the locals pay. This is justified by the fact that it is local taxes that pay for the parks in the first place.
Most items that tourists buy will also be given a 17% tax, which is known as the tourism tax. However, the government are quite clear that this tax pays for the public facilities such as police or roads, that tourists will use or have the right to use when in the country. So there is no discussion. It is also regarded as quite rude to complain or argue about these taxes. They are part of life in Costa Rica and help fund its tourism industry, so travellers are expected to tolerate the taxes, in order to have their holiday there.
Safety Issues
Before talking about how to stay safe in Costa Rica, it is really important to think about the fact that it is a very safe country overall to visit. Around 2 million travellers visit Costa Rica each year and the vast majority simply have a lovely holiday and enjoy the time in this wonderful country. So whilst it is important to be aware of the risks, this is only to arm you with the knowledge required to ensure that your stay is a happy and safe one. Generally, the risk of crime is actually very low.
However, there are some crimes that take place more than others. First of all there is a risk of pickpockets, particularly in the tourist areas and places such as train stations or really any crowded area.
There has been an increase in the number of armed robberies that have taken place, particularly in San Jose, which is the capital. However, these are relatively few and far between, so it is just worth bearing in mind and taking sensible precautions, not straying too far from crowded streets and at night, do not take any short cuts down ill lit streets. It is better to take a longer route and arrive safely.
Car jackings are also in the increase, particularly at night and if you are driving, then you should ensure that you do not leave any valuables on show, even when you are in the car. It is not uncommon that thieves smash through the window when you are stopped at traffic lights and then make away with your goods.
Passport theft is also a problem, with more passports stolen in Costa Rica than anywhere else in the world, so you need to be ever vigilant about your passport. Since you can be jailed for not having a passport on you, or at least a photocopy of the passport, which clearly shows the date you entered the country, then you obviously have to be wary. If possible, leave the original passport locked up securely in your hotel and just carry the photocopy around with you.
But all these incidents are actually relatively rare, when you add up the fact that there are almost 2 million visitors every year. So for the vast majority, it is simply an ideal holiday destination.
Using Colones
Costa Rica is not wildly cheap but if compared to the US, then it is less expensive, however, in the tourist areas, it is almost a case of how much or how little you want to spend. There are very pricey options, but also some options that are very inexpensive and much less 'tourist orientated'.
Beers are also cheaper and there are lots of bars where you can buy a boca, which is really the Cost Rican version of tapas and you may even get free bocas during Happy Hour!
Many people who come to Costa Rica come specifically for the wildlife, which is simply amazing and extremely diverse. From over 1000 different types of butterfly through to leaf cutter ants and the poison dart frogs, as well as sea turtles and crocodiles, there really is something for everyone and there are even some really different monkeys to be seen here as well as the very lazy sloth monkeys!
There are many tours that can easily be picked up and it is often better to see the animals on an organised tour, just to ensure that you are safe, but having come this far, make sure that you do take in some of the wildlife.
Overview
Costa Rica is a country that is a fascinating one to visit and despite the fact that it has had an increase in crime of recent years, it really is not an unsafe country on the whole, although you do just need to take care and be sensible at all times.
It has a culture and ambience which is relatively different from its neighbours and on the whole people are warm and quite welcoming, although in the tourist areas, perhaps less so as locals become quite 'overrun' with tourists at times.
Undoubtedly it is not 'dirt cheap' but it still presents really good value for money and a very different holiday experience for those who are willing to venture just that little bit further a field than normal. But when you are in Costa Rica, just take care to ensure that you do keep an eye on security and do not place yourself at risk and then simply enjoy !
For further details about tourism in Costa Rica, look at the official tourism website at www.tourism-costarica.com. It may not give you the full honest picture about crime and safety, but it does give you a flavour of what the country is like.
This article pointed out my bad geography to me, as I thought Costa Rica was in South America as well. It certainly seems as if the country is worth visiting in places though; at least it’s good to know you can get your money out fairly easily. With some countries you never know where the nearest cash point is. It’s easy to take them for granted if you are used to having them at home.
It doesn’t sound like traveller’s cheques are a good idea though, which is a shame because they are easy to use in many other places.
— Kate · Jan 27, 01:40 PM · #