www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The BAC bank booth on the departure level is not the only place to exchange money. After hours, use the ATM (there are 2 in the baggage claim area when you arrive). Worst comes to worst, take the dollars you come with and exchange them at SL or Del Rey. Yes, you will lose about 5%, no big deal.

This reminds me of the people who drive 25 miles out of the way because they can save 20 cents/gallon on gas in the next town.

I had a friend that would do that, actually.

It depends on your methods. I convert all my budget at one time, rather than the little-by-little for each day. So for me, the bank is the best solution. Spend 30 minutes on the first day and get it out of the way.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Take some colones with you when you go home so that you're prepared next time.

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

If it makes any difference to anybody, the ATM near the baggage belts at SJO is a Bank of San Jose (BAC) machine, NOT a Bank of Costa Rica (BAC) machine. I believe there are NOT any BAC machines at SJO.

Thanks everyone. I guess I should just use the ATM in the departure area and be done for the night. I was thinking of using the pre-paid taxi service and that would remove any immediate need for colones.

Also, HDR and other places will take my dollars so I should be fine. I need the colones to pay the taxi guys when I leave for Mona Lisa.

Wouldn't mind hanging out with experts: Nov 22-29th.

The HDR exchange rate's not that good. The Colonial next door is better.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

The taxis will take dollars. Keep exact change. So have a few $20, $10, $5 and $1 s with you fare should be $25 or $30 from airport to hotel. The one dollar bills can be used for a trip from Mona Lisa to DR.
Change money at the Colonial.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

I've been to C.R. maybe 4 times and outside of the first when I traveled throughout the country I haven't converted my dollars to colones. Next time in C.R., for 4 days, I will be at the SL, might hit Zona II, certainly some restaurants, taxi to/from the airport. Normal stuff. My question is how necessary is to exchange dollars in your opinions? I'm sure I can save a few dollars but that's not a huge incentive for me. Saving maybe $100, yes. Thanks in advance.