www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I did a search on this and didn't find really helpful references (except maybe for ZB) so help me out.

Do most of the places that are most frequented and frequently mentioned here (ZB, DR, Pantera Rosa, etc,etc) accept MC or only Visa? I don't have a Visa card, and use MC exclusively. While I'm more likely to carry reasonable amounts of cash with me anyway (as opposed to large amounts) there might be times when having the card will be handy, provided it's accepted.

Also, I'm assuming that the ATMs are on the Cirrus network, and that using my canadian debit card will work in the machines there, but as I've run into this problem in some places before I'd like to make sure.

I've just joined recently, and I gotta tell you this is a great forum. A real wealth of info. thanks all!

Master Card is very hit or miss.Some places accept it and outhers don't.Visa is accepted just about everywhere.rbc100

I've been traveling to CR for business & pleasure the last 4 years and have used exactly one credit card during that time frame, but business MasterCard. I charge all meals, as well as lodging......

It has never ever been rejected or have I been asked for a second card. Just my expieriences....

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The Boss of All Bosses!!! Hey I'm a drunk alcoholics go to meetings!

MasterCard was intended to be a North American bank card, whereas Visa is international. While I encountered a number of merchants who readily accepted the Visa, few said they would accept MC.

The Cirrus network is one international network, but some ATM's in San Jose are on the Plus network, which means your debit card might not work. The best bet is to check with your bank prior to travel. You should be able to acquire a current Costa Rica ATM list for your bank's network.

During my two trips to C.R., I had to do a little searching to find an ATM which accepts my card. Fortunately, the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) a block from both the Presidente and the Del Rey accepts both Cirrus and Plus network cash cards. The bank is located 1 block north of Hotel Presidente, one block west of the Hotel del Rey, at the corner of calle 7 and avenida 1, southeast corner. Numerous other banks also offer ATM's, as do the casinos. Here's a helpful hint: The ATM in the Colonial Casino does not dispense cash directly; rather, a receipt is issued by the machine, which you then take to the casino cashier to obtain your cash. This is very handy, as you can get the cash in whatever bill/coin denomination combination you choose.

Smart travelers will carry an ATM, a major credit card and perhaps a second ATM card from a different system, just to make sure.

I'm curious why you do not carry Visa? Is there an advantage to carrying only MasterCard?

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

I used my credit card to buy merchandice on ave central. There was no fee and it was the best exchange rate I have ever gotton on my statement when I got home.

As a fellow Canadian I can assure you that I have used my ATM card (Royal Bank) extensively in CR. Particularly at the ATMs in the DR. Good exchange rate as well.

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Y.N.W.A.

A few years ago VISA was widely accepted and MC was shunned by most merchants.

However that has changed and I find MC is now accepted by most merchants. There may be some who accept only VISA but I have not encountered them.

My ATM card is part of the Cirrus network and has worked at every ATM machine in CR that I have tried. That includes Del Rey, Colonial, BAC San Jose, Red Total, Banco Interfin and Scotia Bank to name a few.

El Ciego makes a good point about the ATM at the Colonial. The ATM to the left of the registration desk at the Del Rey works the same way you get a voucher rather than cash. It also returns your card before you enter the transaction so there is no danger your card will get "swallowed".

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

I was going to ask a similar question. Regarding ATM cards, I have heard that a 4 digit PIN # is required in some countries, whereas mine has a 6 digit PIN #. Is this the case in CR. or does it matter. Thanks for your help.

I have never heard of a 6 digit PIN # for an ATM..........what phuckin country are you from.........oh yea Texas I read they do things different there! They do it bigger!

J/K ....Jstone.......call and ask your bank about this. they should be able to answer your international traveling needs!

Oh yes and Welcome to the board! You did the smart thing and joined as a VIP member.........you will see the dividends you save!

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

6 is what I got, so guess I will just have to deal with it. Thanks for ur help anyways. My trip is next week and only for 4 days, so I will just take cash, no big deal.

i have been leaving my master card at home, and have been using my visa. chase and citi bank mc were charging 2% extra never had a problem using my mc, but 2% cuts into my kitten fund HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Gah. that's bad news. I have a citibank MC. Was that 2% on straight use as well or just for cash advances?

2% straight purchases ,i have never got a cash advance or use my atm down there.i just take plenty of cash i would call up citi bank and ask them about purchases in CR. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Sportsmens Lodge accepts MC. I used my MBNA MC in October to pay for my room.

yeah most places take mc down there. but chase and citi and on 2% on your purchase. this adds up esp, since my hotel bill is $900- 1500.