Q COSTARICA — The recent behavior of the dollar—which fell back below 500 colones and reached 494.8 colones on the Monex exchange, its lowest level in almost two decades—has reinforced expectations of exchange rate stability.
However, the focus is now on what will happen in 2026.
According to economic analyst Daniel Suchar, current fundamentals allow for a projection of a stable exchange rate in 2026.
The main reason is the country’s financial strength.
“The country’s international reserves have exceeded US$16 billion dollars, and interest rates remain high. Therefore, we could say that the dollar exchange rate should not experience any sharp movements in 2026,” he stated.
Suchar also noted that, historically, electoral processes in Costa Rica do not cause abrupt currency fluctuations, so next year would be no exception.
What could the dollar exchange rate be in 2026?
According to his analysis, the dollar will move within a relatively narrow range throughout the year.
“I believe the dollar will be between ¢500, ¢520, and ¢525 colones throughout 2026,” he projected.
With a recent increase in foreign currency availability and a solid financial position at the Central Bank, indicators suggest that 2026 will pass without any major fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Currently, the exchange rate is so low due to the movements of multinational companies and conversions to meet obligations such as Aguinaldo (year-end bonus) payments, as well as the start of the peak tourist season.
The dollar exchange this Friday morning set by the Central Bank is ¢490.19 for the buy and ¢496.59 for the sell.
At the banks, the exchange rate ranges between ¢482 (Scotiabank) and ¢487.50 (Banco Cathay) for the sell and ¢499.50 (Banco Cathay) and ¢501 (Banco Popular, Banco BCT and Banco General).
See here the latest exchange rates as reported by the Central Bank.