Money & Payments in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Bring USD or debit cards with no foreign ATM fees (e.g., Charles Schwab, Wise) to minimize cash-withdrawal costs; ATM fees vary widely by bank and card issuer.
Use only bank-affiliated ATMs, especially in Puerto Viejo; standalone machines in tourist shops carry higher fees and pose greater fraud risk.
Always choose 'decline conversion' or 'charge in colones' at ATM prompts to avoid dynamic currency conversion markup.
Puerto Viejo is a smaller beach town; always carry cash for small vendors, sodas, and local services. Cards are less reliable outside tourist restaurants and lodging.
Tip pooling and service-charge practices vary by establishment—check your bill to see if gratuity is already included before adding extra.
USD cash is widely accepted in Puerto Viejo's tourist areas but exchange rates are poor; withdraw colones via ATM for better value.

ATM Information

Dispensing: Most ATMs dispense both colones and USD
Daily Limit: Typically USD 1,500 per day
ATM Security: Use ATMs inside or attached to bank branches; avoid standalone machines in parking lots or secluded areas, especially at night. Cover PIN pad when entering code.
Availability: ATMs available in Puerto Viejo town center; rural outlying areas have limited access
Withdrawal Limits: CRC 100,000

Best Banks For Fees

No fee on BCR end; overall lowest cost option
Bank Name
Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)
Typical ATM Fee
Varies by home bank (may be $0 if using fee-waiving card)
No fee on BNCR end
Bank Name
Banco Nacional (BNCR)
Typical ATM Fee
Varies by home bank
Foreign-card friendly
Bank Name
BAC (Banco de Crédito)
Typical ATM Fee
CRC 3,000
Reliable for foreign cards
Bank Name
Promerica
Typical ATM Fee
CRC 3,000
Generally reliable
Bank Name
Scotiabank
Typical ATM Fee
CRC 1,500

Banking

Overview: Banking services are available in Puerto Viejo, though account opening as a non-resident or tourist involves limitations and complex documentation. In-person visits to branch required.
ATM And Branches: Multiple ATM and branch locations across Puerto Viejo and surrounding areas. Public banks have wider ATM networks but fewer modern services; private banks have fewer locations but better digital banking.
Currency Options: Most banks offer accounts in both Costa Rican colones (CRC) and US dollars (USD); dual-currency accounts common
Best Options For Nomads: BAC Credomatic for best service and app; state banks (Banco Nacional, BCR) for security and accessibility but with more bureaucracy. English-speaking staff more likely at BAC and larger branches.

Bank Presence

Banco De Costa Rica (BCR)
Type
State-owned
Notes
Available in Puerto Viejo area; accommodates non-residents since 2016; government-backed security
Banco Nacional (BNCR)
Type
State-owned
Notes
Government-backed; accommodates non-residents for account opening
BAC Credomatic
Type
Private
Notes
Most expat-friendly private bank; bilingual service; best mobile app; offers 'Expat Package' with simplified documentation

Account Opening For Residents

Access Level: Full accounts with fewer restrictions
Documents Required: DIMEX residency card, passport, proof of local address, proof of income (CPA-certified letter recommended)

Account Opening For Tourists And Nonresidents

Access Level: Limited—tourists and non-residents can open simplified accounts only
Deposit Caps: Typical monthly deposit limits of $1,500–$2,000
Processing Time: Typically 3–5 business days after approval
Documents Required: Passport with entry stamp, proof of income, proof of address, completed Know Your Customer (KYC) form. Non-residents may need additional documents such as reference letters from home bank.
Residency Note: Full account opening requires legal residency (DIMEX card). In-person visit to branch is mandatory.

Currency Info

Symbol: ₡
Currency Code: CRC
Local Currency: Costa Rican Colón

Tipping Norms

Payment Method: Cash (colones) preferred for tips; cards rarely used for tipping.

Taxis

Customary Percentage: Optional, roughly 5–10% or rounding up
Context: Tipping not obligatory, but locals often round fares to nearest colón or add small tip.

Tour Guides

Customary Tip: USD 10–20 per day of guiding (or equivalent in colones)
Context: Common for half-day or full-day eco-tours and adventure activities.

Hotel Housekeeping

Customary Tip: CRC 1,000
Context: Per night; leave on bed or at front desk.

Casual Sodas Fast Food

Customary Percentage: 0–5%
Context: Tipping is optional at counter-service establishments; small change or rounding up is appreciated but not expected.

Restaurants With Service

Customary Percentage: 10–15%
Context: Tip is expected when service staff attends your table. Many bills show 'Service Charge' line; check whether tip is already included.

Card Acceptance

Debit Cards: Widely accepted at major retailers, restaurants, and lodging; Visa and Mastercard most reliable
Credit Cards: Accepted in tourist zones and established businesses; some venues charge a surcharge (2-3%)
General Status: Cards widely accepted in tourist establishments but not universal in smaller local businesses
Mobile Payment: Apple Pay accepted at most businesses according to traveler reports, though adoption variable
Contactless Payment: Limited; available at some larger establishments and chains but not dependable as primary payment method

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Good to know

Good to Know

ATM Information

Best Banks For Fees

No fee on BCR end; overall lowest cost option

No fee on BNCR end

Foreign-card friendly

Reliable for foreign cards

Generally reliable