From family support to funding a slice of the pura vida lifestyle, sending money to Costa Rica is easy and inexpensive in 2026 — provided you avoid the bank, which is startlingly costly on this corridor. Here is how to get colones there cheaply and fast.
Wise is often cheapest for bank deposits at the real mid-market rate; Remitly is frequently cheapest for cash pickup (~1.9%). Both crush banks, which average a staggering ~17% total cost to Costa Rica. Specialists run 2%–5% better than banks. Fund from a bank account or card to stay exempt from the new 1% US remittance tax.
Costa Rica’s currency: the colon (CRC)
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colon, written ₡ and coded CRC. US dollars circulate in tourist areas, but bank deposits and everyday payments are in colones, so what your recipient receives depends on both the fee and the exchange rate. Benchmark any provider’s offer against the mid-market rate on our live USD to CRC converter.
Best options for sending money to Costa Rica
| Provider | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Bank deposits | Real mid-market rate, transparent fee; often cheapest for bank transfers; fast |
| Remitly | Cash pickup & small sends | Often cheapest cash pickup (~1.9%); fees from $0; first-transfer promos |
| WorldRemit | Alternative | Competitive on some routes; bank and cash options |
| Bank wire | Avoid for cost | Averages ~17% total cost — by far the most expensive route |
Why the bank is the expensive choice
The standout number for Costa Rica is grim: the average total cost of sending money through a traditional bank has been measured at roughly 17% of the transfer amount once fees and rate markup are combined. On a $1,000 transfer that is about $170 lost. Specialist services typically run 2% to 5% better than banks — often far more. If you take one thing from this guide, it is to never use a bank wire to send colones.
SINPE Movil and local delivery
Costa Rica has an excellent home-grown instant-payment system, SINPE Movil, run by the central bank, which lets locals send money using just a phone number. International transfer services generally deposit into a bank account rather than SINPE Movil directly, but once the money lands your recipient can move it into their SINPE-linked account and use it instantly. For most senders, a straightforward bank deposit via Wise is the cheapest and simplest path.
Bank deposit vs cash pickup
If your recipient has a bank account, Wise’s mid-market pricing usually makes a deposit the cheapest option. If they need cash, Remitly is frequently the cheapest cash-pickup choice at around 1.9%, with Western Union and MoneyGram also offering wide pickup networks and minutes-fast collection.
The 1% US remittance tax
Since January 1, 2026, a 1% US federal excise tax applies to outbound remittances funded with cash or a money order. Transfers funded from a US bank account or with a debit or credit card are exempt. Sending online from your bank gets the best rate and avoids this tax entirely.
How to get the best deal
Compare providers on the colones received, choose Wise for a bank deposit or Remitly for cash pickup, and above all skip the bank wire. Fund electronically, and you will keep far more of your money working for your family in Costa Rica.
Check today’s USD to CRC rate
The colon rate moves daily. See the real mid-market USD to CRC rate before you send so you can judge each provider’s markup.