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Vegas7-11 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:47 pm

I have some advice for anyone going to Costa Rica for the first time. I just got back last week. Don't be an idiot and use the ATM machines in the banks or especially at the Del Rey. When I got home after my trip I noticed every time I drew cash it was about 10% to draw the cash and another $3.00 for every transaction by my Wells Fargo Bank. I had about $120 in charges I could have spent on 3 more hours at Zona Blue or one hour with one of those overpriced Ticas at the Del Rey.

When I do it again in July, it will be $1,000 hidden on me in good ole USA greenbacks and right into my room safe as soon as I get there. Everywhere I went they took American and in fact they preferred American. A few Colones was OK to have for the certain very few places that didn't take American, but I learned a lot from this first trip. The best part is if you have money left over when you return to America; America uses American money and you dont have to get ripped off in another exchange transaction.

If anyone else out there can do better or knows a better way, speak up, because if somone did let me know I most likely would have taken their advice.

Other than that.....Costa Rica ROCKS!!!!

Irish Drifter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:34 pm

Quote:

it was about 10% to draw the cash and another $3.00 for every transaction by my Wells Fargo Bank

Think you need to find a new bank pronto. I have used the ATM's at the Del Rey and never got a charge from CR or a charge by my bank in the US. The rate of exchange (determined by your US bank) was excellent from my bank.

Sounds like Wells Fargo is ripping you off guess they figured out the James Brothers made more money than their stage coaches did.

El Tranquilo · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:44 pm

The charges for international ATM withdrawals vary greatly from one banking institution to another.

I bank with a medium sized employees' credit union in Virginia and it's actually cheaper for me to make withrawals in C.R. than in the U.S.

I make about 15 withdrawals a month and am charged a flat monthly fee of $5.00 ---and don't pay the owner of the particular machine I'm using a transaction fee.

The only problem I've ever had was when a machine down here didn't return my card and I had to wait for a replacement to be sent down. Since then, I've actually preferred the Del Ray machine since you just swipe it.

Bottom line: If you plan on frequently using your ATM card, ask your banking institution about their fees.

Money · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:27 pm

i got commerce bank and no charges......actually looks like i made out in the deal somehow.....i been home for a week now so any charges woulda shown up by now.

PacoLoco · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:57 pm

Vegas7-11 wrote:

When I do it again in July, it will be $1,000 hidden on me in good ole USA greenbacks and right into my room safe as soon as I get there.
If anyone else out there can do better or knows a better way, speak up, because if somone did let me know I most likely would have taken their advice.

Hey 7-11 there's tons of info on exchanging dinero here, you probably just didn't ask or look before your trip.
Get one of these for your 1k- http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catal ... =124&id=32

Many guys swear by the ATM's but I don't use them much. If you're gonna bring a bankroll, I follow Latinoheat's plan and exchange my dinero upon arrival at the upstairs banco at el aerpuerto, (NOT the new ripoff cambio booth at arrival.) Or the Colonial Casino usually has the same rate as the banks. The desk at the Presidente is convenient and not bad rate if you're staying there.
Leaving the country hit the same bank right after paying the departure tax to get any dollares back.
More info-
https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=26256

Rolex · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:30 pm

Funny this should just come up.

The ATM infront of the INS building N. or Morazon park just ate my atm card and didn't give it back. I'm pissed.

SafaDino · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:56 pm

Vegas 7-11,

How in the world did you get $120 of ATM charges for being only 5 days in CR? You mentioned the "10%" charge every time you withdraw money. That sounds to me like a cash advance fee that most credit card charges when you take money out of the credit card. Are you talking about your bank debit card or the credit card issued by your bank?

Coqui · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:45 pm

Texasrolex wrote:

Funny this should just come up.

The ATM infront of the INS building N. or Morazon park just ate my atm card and didn't give it back. I'm pissed.

Was it a ATM Card, Debit Card or Credit Card?

Everywomanshero · **Joined:** Sat Mar 12, 2005 8:15 am **Posts:** 23

I used the Del Rey ATM machine and did not get screwed at all.
I believe I was charged 1.50 per transaction or so. Some debit cards
charge a percentage fee for currency conversion. Just use another
debit card. Problem solved. As Dino pointed out, most credit cards
have a minimun finance charge to provide a cash advance. Not a
good deal at all.

Debit cards are excellent insurance. I do not think carrying large
sums of cash (over 500USD) is a very good idea at all. Travelers
checks are OK for an emergancy backup as I understand it. Currently, I take two debit cards and a credit card with me. I keep the credit card in my bags, one debit card in the safe (if available), and another debit card on my person.

If you use the wrong pin or cannot read Spanish and hit buttons
without entering your pin more than 3x or so, then your card will
be eaten. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions, let the
issuing back know you're abroad, and know your pin number before
traveling. If you do this, I cannot imagine a situation where you'd
get into more trouble than carrying large sums of cash. Cash is
just enough for an airport transfer, some food, and tax.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Irish Drifter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:03 pm

Quote:

Since then, I've actually preferred the Del Ray machine since you just swipe it.

Great advantage to the ATM at the Del Rey, you get your card back before you start the transaction. No fear of the machine eating it.

CapoD2TCapo · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:11 pm

My biggest Beef with the Hotel Del Rey ATM is you have to swipe your card then get a receipt (IT DOES NOT DISPENSE CASH) at least last time I was there it did not and then you take the receipt to the cage to get your Cash...

The Cage always seems to closing for short periods of time, which means you have to wait for your money until they open.. GOD FORBID YOU LOSE THE RECEIPT... I just feel there are better ATM options.....

The Horseshoe ATM has English optional instructions and is secure right next to the cage......

Dapanz1 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:18 pm

Quote:

My biggest Beef with the Hotel Del Rey ATM is you have to swipe your card then get a receipt (IT DOES NOT DISPENSE CASH) at least last time I was there it did not and then you take the receipt to the cage to get your Cash...

Still the same.

Quote:

The Cage always seems to closing for short periods of time, which means you have to wait for your money until they open.. GOD FORBID YOU LOSE THE RECEIPT... I just feel there are better ATM options.....

I thought that only happened to me. LOL That damn place is always "temporarily closed."

dapanz1

Koppite · **Posted:** Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:10 am

On all 3 of my trips I have used the ATM at the DR extensively and have always got the cash right from the machine. Also when you swipe your card the first prompt is Spanish/English choice.That is the machine to the right of the check-in desk.Has this machine changed since my last visit in February? I have never paid an exchange premium but my bank does levy a per withdrawal service charge.I found the exchange rate I got to be very favorable.

SafaDino · **Posted:** Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:50 am

Capo,

There are 2 ATMs in the Delrey. One each on either side of the check in desk. The one to the left is the one that dispense the receipt in which you take to the Cashier booth. The one on the right, by the computers, dispenses cash directly. Both ATM do not charge any fee for using it.

On another note, my bank has recently started to charge me $5.00 per withdraw overseas. What happened was that my bank charge me $3.00 for using another bank's ATM and that ATM also charge me $2.00. So now I opened another bank account with COMPASS BANK which currently provides free checking and free ATM usage even if you use other banks' ATMs. Compass Bank will reimburse any fees other bank charges you for using their ATMs. All you need to do is keep the receipts of the charges by other banks and turn them in to Compass bank and they will reimburse you. I used my Compass Bank ATM card on my last trip to CR and used the Delrey ATM, there was no charge at all on my bank account.

Irish Drifter · **Posted:** Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:09 am

Quote:

There are 2 ATMs in the Delrey. One each on either side of the check in desk. The one to the left is the one that dispense the receipt in which you take to the Cashier booth. The one on the right, by the computers, dispenses cash directly. Both ATM do not charge any fee for using it.

And both return your card before you start the transaction.

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