Before sending money to Costa Rica, confirm how the recipient will receive it, which currencies are supported and the full cost of the transaction. Compare the amount the recipient actually receives, not just an advertised transfer fee.
Official BCR transfer guidance and BCCR exchange-rate resources reviewed on 7 September 2026. Prices, limits and availability must be checked for your particular transfer.
Start with the receiving account or payout method
Ask the recipient’s bank for its current incoming international-transfer instructions. Confirm the account holder’s exact name, account details, receiving currency and any intermediary-bank instructions. A domestic payment instruction may not contain everything the sending bank needs for an international wire.
For example, Banco de Costa Rica’s official transfer page asks recipients to provide their name as registered with BCR, physical address and IBAN account. It also publishes the bank’s identifying details. Obtain the instructions from the bank directly and confirm that they apply to the currency and account you intend to use.
Compare the complete quote
For each bank or transfer service, request a quote for the same sending amount, funding method, receiving currency and payout method. Ask whether the quote is guaranteed and when it expires.
- How much will leave your account, including any funding charge?
- What exchange rate will apply, and who performs the conversion?
- Are sending, intermediary or receiving charges included?
- How much is expected to reach the recipient?
- What delivery estimate applies, and what could delay it?
- What happens if the details are wrong or the payment is returned?
There is no universally cheapest service for every country, amount and payment method. A promotional rate for a first transfer is not necessarily the rate for future transfers. Do not rely on an old comparison table when authorizing a payment.
Check exchange rates without mistaking them for a transfer quote
The BCCR’s counter-rate table lists authorized entities’ buying and selling rates and update times. It is a useful comparison resource; confirm the rate and charges for your actual transfer with the provider.
Our currency-exchange guide explains compra and venta, colones versus dollars, and questions to ask about conversion. If money is converted more than once, ask what each conversion costs.
Prepare the documents the provider requests
Ask the sending service and receiving bank what information they need for your transaction. Explain its purpose accurately and keep the supporting records. Account-opening conditions and transaction checks are separate questions; a generic online list cannot guarantee approval.
For a property purchase or another large commitment, coordinate with the receiving bank and the professionals handling the transaction before the payment deadline. Confirm the intended recipient and the accepted payment route independently. Do not split payments to avoid checks or reporting requirements.
Verify instructions and track the payment
Confirm unexpected changes to bank details through a contact channel you already trust. Avoid relying solely on a new email, message or attached invoice. Protect account credentials and verification codes.
Keep the receipt, transfer reference, instructions used and quoted delivery estimate. If the payment does not arrive, ask the sending provider how to trace it and ask the recipient to check with the receiving institution. An estimated arrival time is not a guarantee that funds will be available for immediate use.
Keep banking, tax and immigration questions separate
A completed transfer does not establish tax treatment or satisfy a particular immigration requirement. Seek advice about your own reporting obligations and check residency evidence directly with DGME when relevant.
If you need a local account, see our bank-account planning guide. For household planning, include transfer and conversion costs in your Costa Rica budget.