How to Pay in Costa Rica

WhatsApp is the backbone of communication in Costa Rica. Businesses, tour operators, and hosts all use it. Outside of San José and major tourist hubs, app coverage thins out significantly, so download offline maps before heading into the rainforest or mountains.

Payment & Finance Apps

SINPE MóvilEssential

Costa Rica's national instant payment system, run by the central bank. Locals pay everyone by phone number, from sodas and taxis to farmers markets, through their regular banking apps.

Pro tip: SINPE needs a Costa Rican bank account and local phone number, so tourists cannot use it. Pay with a contactless Visa or Mastercard instead, accepted almost everywhere, and keep small colones bills for rural spots that only take cash or SINPE.

Wise

Multi-currency card that handles Costa Rica's dual pricing in dollars and colones. Withdraw colones at ATMs and tap to pay at card-friendly businesses nationwide.

Pro tip: Always choose to be charged in colones, never in US dollars, when a terminal or ATM offers the choice. Dynamic currency conversion in tourist areas can quietly add several percent to every payment.

App Store Play Store Website

App details

SINPE Móvil in other countries Wise in other countries

These apps need data

Guac eSIM covers Costa Rica with plans from $1.50 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.

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