Using an ATM in Costa Rica is one of the most convenient ways to access both local Colones (CRC) and U.S. Dollars (USD) in 2026. ATMs, known locally as cajeros automáticos, are ubiquitous in major cities like San José and popular tourist hubs like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. Most machines accept international debit and credit cards on the Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus networks. However, you should be prepared for transaction fees ranging from $1 to $5 from the local bank, in addition to any "out-of-network" or foreign exchange fees charged by your home bank. It is highly recommended to use ATMs located inside or attached to established banks like Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) or Banco Nacional for better security and lower fees. Always choose the "without conversion" option if the machine offers its own exchange rate, as your home bank almost always provides a better deal. Before heading to remote jungle areas or small surf towns, ensure you have sufficient cash on hand, as ATMs in these locations can frequently run out of money or experience technical outages during peak holiday seasons.