The Central Bank of Costa Rica has set a deadline for three older coin denominations to leave everyday use. Starting July 1, 2026, the old designs of the ₡5, ₡10, and ₡25 colones coins will no longer serve as legal tender for payments. Officials from the Banco Central de Costa Rica made the announcement this week, giving residents and visitors six months to prepare. The move targets coins that have circulated for years but now face replacement with updated versions.
The affected coins include the old ₡5 colones, which the bank stopped minting long ago due to production costs exceeding their face value. The old ₡10 and ₡25 colones designs also fall under the change. After the cutoff date, stores, markets, and other businesses across the country will refuse them for transactions.
Newer designs of the ₡10 and ₡25 colones remain in circulation and will continue as valid payment options. These updated coins feature improved materials for better durability and security, part of the bank’s ongoing effort to modernize the currency system.
For those holding old coins, options exist to avoid any loss. Banks, cooperatives, and other financial institutions will accept exchanges or deposits, converting the coins to current currency or account credits. This process ensures full value retention, though it requires a trip to a branch.
The shift aims to streamline Costa Rica’s money supply. By removing older designs, the Central Bank reduces maintenance costs and enhances efficiency in handling physical cash. Similar updates have occurred in recent years with higher denominations, like the ₡500 coin replaced in 2025.
Travelers heading to Costa Rica should note the timeline. Until June 30, 2026, all current coins work for purchases, including small ones like bus fares or street food. Post-July 1, sticking to newer coins, bills, cards, or digital payments like SINPE Móvil avoids issues.
Expats and locals with stockpiles of change can act now. Checking coin designs and swapping out old ones at a bank prevents last-minute hassles. Most daily dealings already lean toward electronic methods, so the impact hits cash-heavy users hardest.
