Where to exchange money in Puntarenas
If you’re planning a trip to Puntarenas, it will definitely be useful to know how to obtain the local currency. Additionally, you may want to be aware of the current exchange rate and the most convenient places to exchange your money.
On this page, we’ll provide you with a list of the best places to exchange currency in Puntarenas. We’ll also introduce you to an alternative, Wise, which may be more cost-effective and save you the hassle of visiting a physical location.
Where to exchange money in Puntarenas
If you’re planning a trip to Puntarenas, it will definitely be useful to know how to obtain the local currency. Additionally, you may want to be aware of the current exchange rate and the most convenient places to exchange your money.
On this page, we’ll provide you with a list of the best places to exchange currency in Puntarenas. We’ll also introduce you to an alternative, Wise, which may be more cost-effective and save you the hassle of visiting a physical location.
Spend abroad without hidden fees
Currency exchanges in Puntarenas
If you have a need to use cash, here are some recommendations to exchange foreign currency in Puntarenas.
Just remember, there's no such thing as completely free or 0% commission when exchanging money. Always check the mid-market exchange rate beforehand so you know the real value of your money.
| Money Changer | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Western Union | Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica | +506 2210 8500 |
| Super Don Félix Herradura | 150 metros norte de los semáforos de herradura a la derecha edificio color verde Puntarenas Garabito jaco, Provincia de Puntarenas, Herradura, 61101, Costa Rica | +506 2637 6396 |
| Western Union | Contiguo A La Cruz Roja Puntarenas Aguirre, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60101, Costa Rica | +506 4800 1703 |
| Global Exchange | Rental Cars, Provincia de Alajuela, Río Segundo, Costa Rica | |
| Banco Nacional de Costa Rica | 859G+4GH, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica | +506 2645 5141 |
| ATM / BCR | 858G+V5J, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica | +506 2287 9000 |
| Bac San Jose | J96G+C44, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica | +506 2643 1122 |
| Tropical Tours Shuttles in Costa Rica | in front of the National Bank Provincia de Puntarenas Santa Teresa Puntarenas Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province, Puntarenas, 60111, Costa Rica | +506 2640 1900 |
| Global Exchange | WWJG+P57, P.º de los Estudiantes, San José, Barrio Chino, Costa Rica | +506 800-456-2259 |
| Banco Nacional | J97F+G45, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica | +506 2212 2000 |
| Supermercado BM • Uvita | Contiguo a Restaurante Marino Ballena, Costanera Sur, Provincia de Puntarenas, Uvita, Costa Rica | +506 2743 8031 |
| Global exchange | Calle 2, entre Avenidas 0 y 1, Detrás del Banco Central, San José, Paso De La Vaca, 11801, Costa Rica | +506 800-456-2259 |
| Banco Nacional | 5787+5G3, Ruta Nacional Primaria 34, Provincia de Puntarenas, Uvita, Costa Rica | +506 2212 2000 |
| Change house | WWM9+MQJ, Av. Central, San José, El Carmen, Costa Rica | |
| Casa de Cambio GLOBAL EXCHANGE | 20101, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, 20201, Costa Rica | +506 2430 1763 |
| Western Union | Sobre Ave Segunda Diagonal A Caja Ande, San José, Soledad, 10101, Costa Rica | +506 2528 5850 |
Notice anything wrong with our results table? Let us know - If there is a genuine mistake, we will do our best to resolve it.
Costa Rican colón rate today
When you're in Puntarenas, and also the rest of Costa Rica, the official currency is the Costa Rican colón.
Yet, when you step into a currency exchange shop, you'll notice they use currency codes. The code associated with the Costa Rican colón is CRC, so be sure to take note of it when comparing exchange rates.
What you should know about exchanging money in Puntarenas
When exchanging money in Puntarenas or any foreign city, it's important to be aware how to get the best deals and avoid excessive charges and hidden fees. If you are planning on staying in Costa Rica long-term or looking to make a larger investment you could consider opening a local bank account. Otherwise, use the tips below to help avoid getting overcharged.
1. Pick local currency on ATMs and card payments
When using an ATM abroad, choose to be charged in Costa Rican colóns for a fairer rate and fees. The same applies if you get the option on card machines.
2. Know the exchange rate
Check what the current exchange rate is so it's easier to spot a bad deal from currency exchanges.
3. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels
It may be highly convenient, but airports and hotels will almost always offer poor rates and high transaction fees. Avoid this where possible.
4. Use ATMs strategically
Check if your local bank has partnerships in Costa Rica banks to avoid unwanted ATM fees. Also try to plan ahead and make as few withdrawals as possible to avoid multiple extra fees.
5. Be wary of 'zero fee' services
Some services claiming 'no commission' often offer poor exchange rates. These may not reflect the mid-market rate, similar to what you'd see when checking the rate on Google. This can lead to higher costs for you and more profits for them.
Consider an alternative to physical currency exchanges
Say goodbye to overcomplicated currency exchange. Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion in over 40 currencies, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Open a personal Wise account online or in the Wise app, and order a linked debit card for a one-time fee to spend and withdraw money in 150+ countries.
There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold, and no foreign transaction fee to worry about. Use your account when you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, send payments in 70+ currencies, and get your own local account details in 9 currencies.
Other currency exchanges
Bottom line
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exchanging money in Puntarenas. Don't forget to do your research on the exchange rate before converting your money, and check Wise out if you want a fuss-free alternative to exchanging cash.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.