Is Costa Rica cashless?
Mostly cashless#56 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #6 of 35 in Americas
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Cards work at hotels, tour operators and most restaurants. Sodas, buses and rural shops often want cash. US dollars are widely accepted.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Costa Rica, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Costa Rica, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
How does tipping work?
A 10% service charge is included by law in restaurants.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica cashless?
Costa Rica scores 68/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #56 of 197 countries. Cards work at hotels, tour operators and most restaurants. Sodas, buses and rural shops often want cash. US dollars are widely accepted.
Do I need cash in Costa Rica?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Costa Rica, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Costa Rica, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
A 10% service charge is included by law in restaurants.
Compare with Americas
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.