Costa Rica is a Central American pioneer in sustainability, home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity and a stable, high-income economy. Its capital, San José, serves as the industrial and technological heart of the nation. With a population of approximately 5.3 million in 2026, GDP growth is projected at 3.3%, driven by high-value manufacturing and professional services. Major exports include medical devices—which now lead the nation’s export profile—alongside pineapples, bananas, and high-quality coffee, all supported by a robust tourism sector and green energy leadership.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union maintains an extensive network through Grupo Tepeyac, AirPak, and retail partners like Más x Menos and Maxi Pali supermarkets.
- San José – Avenida Central, San Pedro, Escazú, and Desamparados
- Alajuela – City Mall and Juan Santamaría International Airport area
- Heredia – Paseo de las Flores and Belén business district
- Cartago – Near the Basilica and Paseo Metrópoli
- Puntarenas – Paseo de los Turistas and Jacó Beach hub
- Liberia (Guanacaste) – Main Square and Daniel Oduber Airport area
- Limón – Port area and Puerto Viejo (Talamanca)
- San Isidro de El General – Pérez Zeledón town center
- Quesada (San Carlos) – Northern Region hub
- Tamarindo – Coastal tourist district
- Grecia – Central Park area
MoneyGram
MoneyGram services are widely accessible through Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), Walmart, and Correos de Costa Rica (National Post) locations.
- San José – Plaza de la Cultura and La Uruca
- Alajuela – Near the Central Market
- Heredia – Lagunilla industrial zone
- Curridabat – Multiplaza del Este area
- Nicoya – Guanacaste colonial zone center
- Quepos – Near Manuel Antonio National Park entrance
- Turrialba – Central District
Ria Money Transfer
Ria is facilitated through Baco San José (BAC Credomatic) and specialized Teledolar agent locations across the country.
- San José – Calle Blancos and Pavas
- Escazú – Avenida Escazú and Multiplaza
- Liberia – Near the Inter-American Highway
- Guápiles – Pococí regional hub
- Golfito – Southern border trade zone
Major Bank & Financial Partners
In 2026, international remittances are frequently settled via “SINPE” (the national real-time payment system) through these major institutions:
- BAC Credomatic (Leader in private and digital banking)
- Banco Nacional (BNCR) – Widest rural branch and ATM network
- Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)
- Banco Popular (Major focus on workers and cooperatives)
- Scotiabank Costa Rica
- Davivienda Costa Rica
- Correos de Costa Rica (National Postal Service Payouts)
- Coopenae / Coopealianza (Major credit unions for local payouts)