Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy San Jose (January 27, 2022)

Location: Costa Rica

Subject: Certain Colones Bills to be withdrawn from Circulation February 1, 2022

On February 1, 2022, the Costa Rican government will be withdrawing ¢20,000 colones bills printed on cotton paper from circulation. This represents an extension from the previous deadline. The old cotton bills are soft and feel similar to U.S. currency. The new ¢20,000 bills are printed on polymer plastic and are smooth with a small, transparent window.

Other denominations:

¢5,000 colones bills printed on cotton paper will be withdrawn from circulation on March 1, 2022.
¢2,000 colones bills printed on cotton paper will be withdrawn from circulation on May 1, 2022.
The Central Bank has not announced a withdrawal date for the ¢10,000 and ¢1,000 bills printed on cotton paper.
The ¢50,000 colones bill on cotton paper has already been withdrawn from circulation. There is no replacement for the ¢50,000 bill; that denomination does not exist anymore.

Below is an image of the new 1000 colones note.

Below is an image of the new 10,000 colones note.The new 10,000 colones note

Actions to Take:

American Citizens are encouraged to deposit or exchange any ¢20,000 colones bills printed on cotton paper at a bank as soon as possible, as they will not be accepted as valid currency starting February 1, 2022.

If you encounter problems with the exchange or deposit at bank offices, ATMs or for in-person transactions until the deadline, you may report this to BCCR by telephone at 2243-3333 or by e-mail at atencionalcliente@bccr.fi.cr, in order to review each case.