Colones? Is it necessary?
 

Hi-I'm leaving in 9 days to CR and was wondering if it's necessary to change some $ into colones, just to have. I know US $ and credit cards are widely accepted but is it also helpful to have some of their currency? and if so how much? $100? I appreciate any help/responses from anyone out there-Gracias!

The further you are from cities and towns, the more likely it is that Colones are expected. Dollars are always accepted, though. If you were to exchange today, Consider that the exchange rate will always be moving away from your favor if you have Colones remaining at the end of your trip. If you never exchange your USD for Colones, then the exchange rate is always moving in your favor.

You do not need to change USD into Colones prior to arrival. If you pay in USD you will most likely get Colones in change although sometimes they ask which you would prefer. Even in remote Puerto Jimenez, the stores took dollars. Sometimes atm's will also give you an option - just know how much in colones you wish to take before you put your card in, I once went blank & couldn't remember and ended up taking out 10,000 which was all of about $10.

We just got back from Playa Grande on Saturday and we only used US$. Actually some places preferred it. You will most likely get colones back at the smaller places but some of the larger places gave us change back in US$ as well.

No need to bring colones. Dollars will be accepted in all the tourist areas and you will be given change in colones. You might have trouble using dollars when away from the tourist areas (they wouldn't take them at the mega super mercado in Alajuela)
Credit cards are also widely accepted as well but most credit card companies will charge you a 3% foreigh exchange fee. Many hotels will give you a 10% discount when paying with cash.