www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Does anyone know of a secure location near La Amistad where I can exchange a couple thousand dollars for colones at a rate close to what Banco de Costa Rica or Scotiabank would pay? I hate to wait in a long line. I need that much because I heard La Amistad wants to be paid in colones not dollars. Is that true? Any idea what the casino near HDR pays (not the casino in HDR)?

Try the Colonial Casino, next to the HDR, I can't remember the limit on exchange but they do give a good rate.
Other than that you will stand in line, either way keep your head on a swivel exchanging that amount, or do a fraction each day.
Regards, 911 Driver

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The happy hour is a device either for getting rid of social obligations hurriedly en masse or for making overtures toward more serious social relationships, as in the etiquette of whoring.- Brooks Atkinson

A couple of years ago I exchanged dollars on the second floor of the INS building. The wait was less than 10 minutes but I might have just gotten lucky.

Be sure to bring your passport.

from my experience and as stated by matt in the past is USD cash is preferred and also the best deal...

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its easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled- mark twain

I pay La Amistad in dollars on every trip. I just paid in dollars in April. You have received some bad info.

the holiday inn downtown will give you dollars from your credit/debit card and they absorb the fees. Just act like you are gambling there. Other than that, The Colonial Casino does give the better rates in town

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Having too much fun. 8)

My 2 colones, Stayed at Castillo and paid with CC, fee was minimal and no hassle. Just remember to put travel notice with your bank.

I did the same.

Both Amsted and Castillo prefer you pay in Dollars. Do not pay in colones, you will lose on the exchange rates.
You always lose when you exchange currencies.
Pay the hotel in Dollars.

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Softbob

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

As others have said, if the price is quoted in dollars, pay in dollars, if quoted in colones, pay in colones.

Be very careful paying a bill that was quoted in dollars using a credit card. Depending on what bank does their credit card processing, companies might convert the bill to colones (usually at a bad rate) before running the charge. Then your credit card company will convert it back to dollars. Double currency conversion and a possible foreign exchange fee can really hurt.

The La Amistad will gladly accept your cash, I stayed there my 2 visits and paid always using US Currency its never been an issue and I always exchange my larger bills at Casino Colonial for Colones as stated below.

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Stay Humble Amigos !

I just returned from San Jose and exchanged some dollars at the BCR location on the second floor of the INS building. Get a ticket on the ground floor. Go up the escalator and go through the door on your right. Wait until they call your number. It was very little wait but YMMV and bank rates given. I would avoid lunch hour as that is when many Ticos that work in the area will use the bank to pay bills, etc. Obviously a very secure location.