Can I use the Revolut card in Costa Rica in 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica - or planning to move there to live, work or study - you’ve got an exciting time ahead. As the Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the official currency in Costa Rica you’ll need to find convenient ways to spend in CRC while you’re there.
This guide walks through how to use the Revolut card in Costa Rica for convenient and secure transactions, and offers some handy hints about making your money go further when you’re abroad.
Can I use the Revolut card in Costa Rica?
If you are a resident of the USA and have a Revolut card - or if you’re thinking of getting one - you’re probably wondering: can I use my Revolut card to pay for things in Costa Rica?
The answer is yes, you can use the Revolut card for everyday spending in Costa Rica. You can use the card to pay for things in Costa Rican Colons with competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees. This guide walks through how you’ll be able to use your Revolut card to help manage your travel spending.
How to order a Revolut card
Order your Revolut card in the USA by downloading the Revolut app. You’ll then be able to manage your money conveniently in the app too. Here’s what to do:
Select the Revolut account tier that’s the best for your needs and tap Sign up
Enter your personal and contact details following the prompts
Complete the verification step by snapping a photo of your ID and proof of address documents and uploading them
Confirm your shipping address, and your card will arrive in the mail
Can I get the Revolut card in Costa Rica?
Unfortunately, the Revolut card is not yet available for residents of Costa Rica. You may find that Wise is a better option for residents; check whether Wise is available below.
See alternatives to RevolutWhat happens if I move to Costa Rica?
Revolut does not offer cards in Costa Rica, so your card may stop working. You may still be able to use other services, such as money transfers.
An alternative to Revolut in Costa Rica: Wise
Visa/Mastercard debit card
Mid-market exchange rate
40+ currenciesSpend in CRC when visiting Costa Rica ✅
Not available to residents of Costa Rica ❌
Earn healthy interest rates on USD, EUR and GBP balances 💸
Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your account and spend with your Wise card in 150+ countries globally. You’ll get the mid-market rate to convert currencies wherever you are in the world, with low fees - and some free ATM withdrawals every month, too.
Will my ATM card work in Costa Rica?
Yes. Access to ATMs shouldn’t be a problem during your stay in Costa Rica.
It’s good to know that Costa Rica is well developed and ATMs can be found in most towns and cities - you’ll only usually run into a problem if you’re heading somewhere really off the beaten path. If that’s the case, plan in advance and stock up on CRC from an ATM while you can.
Generally having and using a low cost ATM card when you’re in Costa Rica is convenient, reliable and secure. You can take out cash little and often to avoid the need to carry too much at any one time, and spend with your card in stores and restaurants. Keep more than one way to pay in your pocket at any given time, so you’re prepared no matter what happens.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Costa Rica?
Don’t pay more than you need to when using an ATM. Here are some hints to avoid unexpected ATM fees in Costa Rica:
Get a low cost ATM card which offers some free or cheap international withdrawals
Always pay in the local currency when you withdraw - this avoids additional charges and poor exchange rates offered by an ATM
Check if there’s a fixed cost per transaction for your ATM card. This might mean that making fewer, larger withdrawals is cheaper
Watch the ATM screen for warnings of extra fees the ATM operator may add - if there are going to be extra charges you may want to find an alternative terminal
Tips for saving on your travel budget for Costa Rica
Make the most of your money so you can do more on your trip to Costa Rica. Here are some travel budget tips:
Pay for your luggage when you book your flight - this is cheaper than at the airport
Don’t exchange currency at the airport or your hotel, as this is often the most expensive place
Always pay in the local currency
Keep a few different payment methods on you at any time, just in case you need a backup plan
Get a travel card which has good exchange rates and low or no cost ATM withdrawals overseas
What is the best currency to take to Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the official currency in Costa Rica.
You can exchange your USD before you leave the USA if you’d like - but bear in mind that you won’t be able to spend USD in Costa Rica. If you arrive with cash in your pocket you’ll need to exchange it locally, which may come with unexpected costs, and take time out of your trip unnecessarily.
A better plan for lots of people is to get a travel card for spending in CRC while in Costa Rica, with low costs and secure transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Revolut card will be OK for your trip to Costa Rica. Use your Revolut card in Costa Rica to get low cost currency conversion and cash withdrawals, and to keep your budget down overall.
Unfortunately, the Revolut card is not yet available for residents of Costa Rica, so if you're planning on relocating you may need to consider alternatives.
Using the Revolut card when you’re spending overseas can mean you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs. Explore your card’s features and fees carefully to make sure you can get the most of it when travelling abroad.
The delivery time for a travel card in the USA can vary a lot depending on the provider you pick. Get ready in advance so you’ve got your card in good time before your trip to Costa Rica.
The information in this article is correct as of 20/02/2024. We retrieved Wise's and Revolut's card coverage from the following sources: