www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Is it difficult to cash $100.00 and $500.00 travelers checks? Anywhere to cash them and get american dollars? I noticed casino's give a pretty fair rate of exchange in colones, but what if I want a mix of colones and dollars? Thanks in advance for all the help. Leaving for CR newbie trip this Friday, 14th to the 22nd. Thanks to all those veterans who have gone before me and paved the way.
AkronIrish

Travelers Checks are not widely used in Costa Rica and are not readily accepted at most places in San Jose and in almost no place outside of the city. That is for any denomination and I would venture a guess that a $500.00 denomination would be almost impossible to cash.

I believe the Banco National kiosk near the Post Office does cash traveler checks.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

On my first trip, I brought travelers checks, Big mistake ..........The DR wanted 5% fee to cash them and the Bank charged me 2% fee. Of course I had to stand in line for 40 minutes until I got waited on. The casino at the Del Rey cash them dollar for dollar at the tables...but if you don't win, kind of another fee. If you get up right after they cash your check, I imagine they would not let you do that very much.

Another idea would be a prepaid visa card, have not done this but it could be interesting if you could find a fee free ATM.

Cash is always best unless you like using the ATMs

_________________
GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

Traveler's checks have worked very well for me.

The advantage is that you are protected from theft and you get the best rate around.

The disadvante is that you pay a $5 fee and the only place to change them is the Bank of Costa Rica. Also, you need your passport and they are only open from like 9 to 3 and even close down for lunch.

I used the location in front of the Royal Dutch. I didn't have to wait and they even gave me small denominations which is very helpful.

The Presidente will cash them if you stay there for 10-15 less colones per dollar.

_________________
Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

The only cash I take to Costa Rica is to gamble with. Everything else I do with my ATM card. $2 fee per transaction from my bank after the first 2 and the rate is very good.

I usually get 100,000c (approx $210) at a time.

DO NOT waste your time with TC's, period!!!!

_________________
u reap what u sow

I use them as back up. That way, if my things are stolen or lost, I can always go to American Express and get new checks, and my vacation is not lost. When I do not use them, I just deposit them back in the back at home. It is really a win/win, I get extra peace of mind, at no cost. This saved my A*S many years ago, and I have traveled this way since.

Psychman

_________________
I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

I used Visa Travelor checks and the Del Rey quit taking them. Had to go to Banco De Costa Rica across from the tropical casino. American Express has out a new card that you can buy. This was recommended to me by Earl Montoya the cab driver. Good guy with good info. The Colonial Casino cashed some for me on Sunday after i arrived on Sat. If you do go to the bank i mentioned just pay your airport tax at the same time.

Always take American express TC for an emergency. Cash at ScottiaBank, they are located on Ave 1, 5 and one half blocks west of the Del Rey on the left side of the street. There is no fee. They will probably have a $300 limit per day unless they know you. Bring your passport. SEAHAWK

_________________
DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO