www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Wed. 624 today 594 ???????

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

My bet is normal fluctuations as it continues on it's upward path, just like the stock market.

There's nothing either affecting the dollar or the colone that suggests a change in this trajectory will occur, but I suspect a settling for awhile or at least a slowdown as the dollar heads to 650 and maybe even eventually 700.

I wouldn't read much into it, in fact, that was a strong drop for the end of the day, so I'll also bet we'll see a strong lift next week sending it right back to the 620 range...

That's my take and I'm sticking to it!

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

The dollar traded lower on the market Friday

Keeping funds in dollars, exchange with caution, when needed, is a good idea. The banks do not exchange at the rates listed on the internet, the HDR is stuck at 550. The Colonial is fairer, and who knows what you get when you use dollars at AMPM, Automercado, or Mas x Menos.
I use a US Paypal account and when I withdraw colones at the ATN, the rate is pretty close to the rates listed on the internet. The ATM fees are onle $1.50, but what the local ATM service charges is highway robbery.

I expect some strong inflation as the exchange rate goes higher. CR imports a lot of goods and produces little. The imported prices against the colones has to keep up.

In the end, I think China is waiting for things to get tougher, wait till real estate prices drop, and then swoop in and bail out CR with long term bonds/loans.

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Having too much fun. 8)

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

Man, not looking good at all.

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Take The Highway To The End Of The Night...The Doors

Looking QUITE good for us! I'm up almost $200 a month on my humble modest but nice retirement income here since January!

Chicken feed in the USA but a nice chunk here! Lots of extra MP visits, lol.

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

What happened to the dollar? I say that every time I check my Canadian currency.

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The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword

"The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword"

Haha, love this, stealing it from you, how true.

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

For now, it's best to keep everything in dollars, and convert on an as-needed basis. Most of us have pension or business income in dollars and are insulated from this. The poor tico that gets paid in colones and has their mortgage and car loan in dollars is suffering.
There is a reason why the banks here offer accounts in colones, and accounts in dollars.

Who knows ? El Salvador dumped their local currency and now operates 100% in US dollars, Costa Rica may choose to eliminate the colon in favor of the dollar ( or the chinese yuan, lol), if it benefits the politicians skimming off the top and bottom.

December, with the year end bonus, christmas shopping and other items creates a high demand for colones and the exchange rate stays the same or goes down. I suspect that in January the exchange rate will continue to climb over the 600 mark.

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Having too much fun. 8)

I learned this the hard way by getting into business with a "friend".

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The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword

"I'm from the Federal Government, and I'm here to help"...

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...