Traveling in Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience. From lush rainforests and active volcanoes to stunning beaches and friendly locals, the country offers incredible adventures for visitors from around the world. However, like any international destination, Costa Rica comes with its own set of practical considerations—especially when it comes to money, credit cards, and everyday transactions.One of the most overlooked yet important Costa Rica Travel Tips is this:
Always check your credit card receipt carefully before signing it when you buy gasoline.
This may sound simple, but failing to do so can cost you a significant amount of money. In this article, we’ll explain why this happens, how gas stations operate in Costa Rica, what mistakes to look for, and how to protect yourself from accidental or intentional overcharges—while still enjoying a stress-free trip.
Understanding How Gasoline Purchases Work in Costa Rica
For travelers from the United States, Canada, or Europe, the gas station experience in Costa Rica can feel very different.
Full-Service Gas Stations Only
In Costa Rica:
- You are not allowed to pump your own gas
- An attendant fills the tank for you
- You typically stay inside your vehicle
This system is convenient, but it also means you are relying on someone else to enter the correct amount into the payment system.
Gas Is Sold in Liters, Not Gallons
One of the most common sources of confusion for travelers is the metric system.
In Costa Rica:
- Gasoline is sold in liters
- Prices are displayed in Costa Rican colones, not dollars
- Credit card receipts show amounts in colones
For reference:
- 1 gallon = approximately 3.78 liters
If you’re used to gallons and dollars, it’s easy to misread the numbers on the pump or receipt—especially when you’re tired, distracted, or in a hurry.
The Common Gasoline Credit Card Mistake
Here’s where problems can happen.
A Real-Life Example
I once had a client traveling in Costa Rica who decided to pay for gasoline with a credit card. Fortunately, he carefully reviewed the receipt before signing it.
What he noticed was alarming.
- The pump showed how many liters were dispensed
- The receipt incorrectly listed that liter number as the total cost in colones
Because the number of liters is always much higher than the cost in colones, the charge was significantly inflated.
If he had not checked the receipt carefully, he would have been overcharged by a large amount—and likely would not have noticed until much later, when disputing the charge would have been far more complicated.
Why This Happens at Costa Rica Gas Stations
It’s important to understand that not all overcharges are intentional scams.
Possible reasons include:
- Human error when entering numbers
- Confusion between liters and colones
- Inexperience or lack of training
- Miscommunication between attendant and cashier
That said, tourists are more vulnerable because:
- They are unfamiliar with the currency
- They may not speak Spanish
- They may feel rushed or uncomfortable questioning charges
Regardless of intent, the responsibility ultimately falls on the cardholder to verify the amount before signing.
How to Protect Yourself When Charging Gasoline in Costa Rica
1. Watch the Pump Display Carefully
Before the attendant starts pumping:
- Make sure the pump is reset to zero
- Watch the liters increase as fuel is dispensed
- Take note of the final colones total shown on the pump
That number is what you should expect to see on your receipt.
2. Always Ask for the Receipt Before Signing
Never sign a credit card voucher without:
- Seeing the printed receipt
- Verifying the total amount
In Costa Rica, signing the receipt confirms you accept the charge, so take your time.
3. Compare Three Key Numbers
Before signing, check:
- Liters pumped
- Price per liter
- Total amount in colones
The total should reflect:
liters × price per liter = final charge
If the receipt total looks suspiciously high, it probably is.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Question the Attendant
Costa Ricans are generally polite and helpful. If something looks wrong:
- Calmly point to the discrepancy
- Ask for clarification or correction
You can say:
- “Este monto no parece correcto” (This amount doesn’t seem correct)
- “¿Puede revisar el total, por favor?” (Can you please check the total?)
Most mistakes are resolved immediately once pointed out.
5. Use a Credit Card with Alerts
Before your trip:
- Enable real-time transaction alerts
- Set spending notifications in your banking app
If an incorrect charge slips through, you’ll notice it right away.
Should You Pay Cash or Credit Card for Gas?
Both options are commonly used in Costa Rica.
Paying with Credit Card – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient
- Safer than carrying large amounts of cash
- Easy to track expenses
Cons:
- Risk of incorrect charges if you don’t check receipts
- Currency conversion fees (depending on your card)
Paying Cash – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No chance of incorrect credit card charges
- Easier to control spending
Cons:
- Must carry colones
- Not ideal for large fill-ups
If you pay cash, still verify the amount requested before handing over money.
Other Credit Card Tips for Travelers in Costa Rica
While gasoline charges are one of the most common problem areas, they are not the only ones.
Restaurants and Hotels
- Always review the total before signing
- Check if a service charge (10%) is already included
- Verify currency (colones vs USD)
ATMs and Currency Conversion
- Use ATMs attached to major banks
- Decline “dynamic currency conversion” when offered
- Let your bank handle the exchange rate
Notify Your Bank Before Traveling
Before arriving in Costa Rica:
- Inform your bank of travel dates
- Confirm international usage is enabled
- Ask about foreign transaction fees
This prevents declined transactions and unexpected charges.
Why This Tip Matters So Much for Travelers
Gasoline in Costa Rica is already expensive compared to many countries. Add:
- Currency confusion
- Metric system differences
- Tourist unfamiliarity
And a simple mistake can quickly turn into a costly one.
By taking 30 extra seconds to check your receipt, you can avoid:
- Overcharges
- Stressful disputes
- Time wasted contacting your credit card company
Final Thoughts: Smart Travelers Check Before They Sign
Costa Rica is a safe, welcoming, and beautiful country, and most people you interact with will be honest and helpful. However, travel smart habits are essential anywhere in the world.
When it comes to buying gasoline in Costa Rica:
- Watch the pump
- Verify the receipt
- Double-check the total in colones
- Never sign without confirming accuracy
A little attention goes a long way toward ensuring your Costa Rica vacation remains memorable for the right reasons.