Nowadays travelers prefer to carry as little pocket money as possible. The amount of cash to be brought depends mostly on the places you will visit and the type of holiday you are planning. If you have purchased a holiday in which lodging, transportation, tours, and meals have been paid for in advance, then you will surely need less cash than if you are traveling by public bus and staying at small rural hotels that do not take credit cards.
Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and Master Card (American Express is taken in few places, and Diner’s Club is rarely accepted). When purchasing local currency – colones -, consider that Costa Rica handles almost only US Dollars; Euros are being changed in very few banks, but on a very high commission. When you are in the country, bear in mind that most banks close at 3:30 pm (15h30) and do not open during weekends or special holidays.