President Rodrigo Chaves and President-elect Laura Fernández say the U.S. dollar will stay at low levels against the colón. Both leaders point to steady inflows from foreign investment and tourism revenue as the reasons the local currency holds firm. Chaves said people should adapt to the situation. He stated that dollar availability no longer counts as a short-term issue because the country grows more productive each year. He referred to statements from Fernández on the topic.
Fernández noted that the Costa Rican economy has changed. Dollars now arrive on a regular basis, not just during peak tourism months. Exports, foreign direct investment, and activities from multinational companies keep the supply steady throughout the year. The exchange rate has remained below 500 colones per dollar since December 2025. It reached levels near 472 colones in the wholesale market in recent sessions. The Central Bank has increased its purchases of dollars to manage the movement and build reserves.
Officials link the colón strength directly to higher foreign investment figures from the Chaves administration and consistent tourism receipts. Export items, such as medical devices, plus operations in free trade zones add to the inflows. This development carries direct effects for foreign residents who bring in income from abroad. Their dollars buy fewer colones, which raises the cost of housing, services, and daily living expenses paid in the local currency.
The statements come as businesses and households adjust to the exchange levels. Chaves and Fernández both stress that the pattern stems from deeper economic shifts rather than temporary conditions.
