www.CostaRicaTicas.com

First trip to CR, leaving in a few days. What do you guys usually do as far as exchanging money? Is it better to make all your transactions in colones, or to have a little bit of both? Which currency do you normally get the better deals on? Thanks for any info

My rule of thumb is to pay in the currency that I'm quoted in. If you pay in the other currency, they will have to do a conversion and the rate they will use will not be in your favor. Hotels quote in dollars so that's how I pay them. Most stores will quote in colones. MP's that quote in colones, so use that. The only exceptions vare HLH and New Fantasy. Their prices in colones are higher than dollars, so better to pay in dollars.

As for the girls, they will take either. 500:1 exchange rate will work, i.e. $80 or ¢40,000.

You can exchange money at the airport, UPSTAIRS on the departure level. Go outside arrivals and cross to the garage and go back up into the terminal. There is a bank (red square booth) on the right side as you walk in. They give true rates. The exchange windows in baggage claim rip you off for like 11%.

Read this newbie thread: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16357

If you're heading downtown, you can pay the taxis at the airport in $$$$. DR and Colonia exchange colonies at decent rates.

I am planning my first trip for the 4th of March and have been reading (and planning) like crazy. I just learned my local chase bank will do the exchange (currently 500:1) for no fees (as a customer), but they need 24 hour notice. Oh and $5 flat rate for non-customers.