How to send money to Costa Rica from the UK

Are you looking for the best way to send money from the UK to a family member, friend, or business in Costa Rica?

Recipients will get more colones if you send money to Costa Rica from the UK with an online international money transfer service because they offer more competitive exchange rates and cheaper transfer fees.

Money transfer services offer several advantages over traditional banks when sending money to Costa Rica from the UK. They are typically faster, cheaper, and more convenient. This guide will walk you through the process of getting started.

1. Choose a money transfer service. Look for one that offers reasonable rates and low fees. Also compare transfer times and delivery options before choosing which one to use.
2. Set up an account. This can be done online within a few minutes.
3. Configure the transfer. Enter the recipient’s full name, address, bank account number (if you want to deliver funds to a bank account), and how much money you want to send. Various options may be available for how funds are to be delivered or collected. Choose what works best for you and the recipient.
4. Choose your payment method. You can make a bank transfer or use a debit card. Credit cards may also be accepted, depending on the service.
5. Start the transfer. Once initiated, you’ll be able to track the progress of your funds online.

• Service fee. The amount a money transfer service charges for sending money to Costa Rica will depend on various factors, including how much money is being sent, how it will be delivered, and how you plan to fund the transaction.
• Collection fee. There may be a fee to collect funds in person.
• Delivery fee. Charged if funds are to be delivered to the recipient's address.
• Cash advance fee. Most credit card issuers classify money transfers as a cash equivalent, meaning the cash advance fee and interest rate will be applied to the transaction.
• Currency exchange rate. When you send large amounts of money abroad, the exchange rate between the British pound and the Costa Rican colón can significantly impact how much your recipient will get.

Here are some alternative methods for sending money to Costa Rica if you do not want to use an online money transfer service.

• Bank transfer. Sending money with your bank may be easy, but it is typically more expensive, slower, and less flexible than an international money transfer service.
• Crypto. Although crypto is a volatile asset, transferring crypto is generally very fast and can be extremely cheap. Once the crypto is in the recipient's wallet, they can decide whether to hold it there or withdraw fiat currency to their bank account.
• Money orders. A money order is one of the oldest ways of transferring funds between people. Once you buy the money order, it can be sent to the recipient’s address, who can cash it in. Money orders are, however, comparatively slow.
• Money transfer agents. Located in most large towns and cities. A popular option for the unbanked or if you want to use cash. Exchange rates are not as competitive as what's available online.
• Prepaid cards. Suitable for small amounts, impractical for large transfers due to limits on how much a card can hold and how much can be withdrawn in one go.

How long does it take for money sent from the UK to arrive in Costa Rica?

The time frame will depend on the method used to send the money. For example, a bank transfer can take a few days, while money sent with a money transfer service can arrive within minutes.

Can I send money to Costa Rica if the recipient has no bank account?

Yes. You can still send money through a transfer service if the recipient has no bank account. The sender can configure the money transfer so the recipient can collect cash from a specific location, or a courier can deliver the cash. Alternatively, you could use a money order, send crypto, or even send a prepaid card.

Is it safe to send money to Costa Rica from the UK?

Yes, sending money to Costa Rica from the UK is safe when you use a reputable company. We only list established money transfer services on Finty.

Can I send a money order to Costa Rica from the UK?

Yes, it is possible to purchase a money order in the UK and send it to Costa Rica via postal mail or tracked courier. The recipient can then cash the money order at a bank, credit union, local post office, etc.

Can I use my credit card to send money to Costa Rica from the UK?

Yes. You can fund a money transfer to Costa Rica with a credit card. However, your credit card issuer may charge a cash advance fee since the transaction will most likely be classified as a cash equivalent. Additionally, the transaction will immediately incur interest at the cash advance rate.

Can I send cryptocurrency to Costa Rica from the UK?

Yes, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum can be sent to Costa Rica from the UK. The recipient can then choose whether to sell the crypto for cash or use it to transact in stores and with people who accept it.