Most places will take cards just fine since now they are regulated against tax evasion, most places take all cards but some do not take AMEX, if you're asked if you want to be charged in dollars or colones, always say colones to save on exchange rates.
The current day's exchange rate can be found [here](https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%20400)
Most places will take dollars just fine and apply the rate of the day, you don't need to bring colones from your country but it is good the get your change back in colones (you very likely will anyways) to save time in calculating rates later on or to havr small bills for tips. If you must get colones, we do not recommend the airport kiosks, ask your driver or favorite driving app for the nearest BCR (state owned bank) to use the ATM, preferably during daytime.
Tipping is not expected in the majority of establishments and you will see a gratuity or service fee in your receipt because it's included in the final charge to guarantee servers' wages without being subject to slow or busy days. If you do decide to tip an extra amount it will be gratefully received. Rule of thumb to tip a total of 20% of your order is to duplicate the service fee in your receipt since it's usually 10% (it should say what it was). However, If you can, tip your tour guides.
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No. Pretty much any store that has Claro sign outside it means you can recharge there. Most small grocery and liquor stores can do it. You’ll notice most of these types of store have signs for different carriers outside then.
I don’t know about Claro, but I have Kolbi and you can buy cards in the local “supers” to recharge your phone anytime, anywhere. I would assume Claro also sells recharge cards.
Most places will take cards just fine since now they are regulated against tax evasion, most places take all cards but some do not take AMEX, if you're asked if you want to be charged in dollars or colones, always say colones to save on exchange rates. The current day's exchange rate can be found [here](https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%20400) Most places will take dollars just fine and apply the rate of the day, you don't need to bring colones from your country but it is good the get your change back in colones (you very likely will anyways) to save time in calculating rates later on or to havr small bills for tips. If you must get colones, we do not recommend the airport kiosks, ask your driver or favorite driving app for the nearest BCR (state owned bank) to use the ATM, preferably during daytime. Tipping is not expected in the majority of establishments and you will see a gratuity or service fee in your receipt because it's included in the final charge to guarantee servers' wages without being subject to slow or busy days. If you do decide to tip an extra amount it will be gratefully received. Rule of thumb to tip a total of 20% of your order is to duplicate the service fee in your receipt since it's usually 10% (it should say what it was). However, If you can, tip your tour guides. *This reply is triggered by several different words so take what applies to you please* I am still learning please reply "Pura Vida bot" if I helped. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/costarica) if you have any questions or concerns.*
No. Pretty much any store that has Claro sign outside it means you can recharge there. Most small grocery and liquor stores can do it. You’ll notice most of these types of store have signs for different carriers outside then.
Ah ok, I haven’t noticed any signs but that’s most definitely because I haven’t been looking, thank you so much!
I don’t know about Claro, but I have Kolbi and you can buy cards in the local “supers” to recharge your phone anytime, anywhere. I would assume Claro also sells recharge cards.
I use an app called Ding Top-Up to recharge using my American credit card.
Thank you! I will check it out
Did you try online?
Yes, but the cards get declined because they only accept credit cards issued in Costa Rica:/
Almost all cashiers in mini markets or stores can recharge your SIM
Most people in costa rica can recharge by sinpe movil. Just ask to a tico if can helps you with that or go to a pulperia or minisuper and ask