www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Bringing US cash with me. What bill denominations are best to bring? Not carrying a lot. 100's 50's 20's or what is best? Thanks, I forgot from my cherry breaking trip last year.

I say bring whatever, its all good...

Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Off the cuff. I'd say 20's because they are not counterfeited (at least not yet) and are the easiest for CR merchants to break. For your hotel bill, any denomination will do but it's nice to have your bank in the US certify them as genuine--I'd be wary of the CB bills.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Safest bills are 20's. There are many merchants who will not accept 100's and some who will not accept anything over a twenty. Even if they accept large bills you will get your change in colones and the rate will not be favorable.

Their mentality is geared to that. Remember the largest bill in CR currency is the 10,000 colon which is less then a 20 dollar bill.

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Alex Levine

I always bring 50s and exchange them at the bank. Sometimes I would exchange at the Colonial Casino, but it seems they will no longer let you do that.

It's never a hassle at the bank, however, they do want to see your ORIGINAL passport when you make the exchange. I use the bank on the 2nd floor of the INS building; rarely much of a line there. You can pay your exit tax at the same time.

As always...keep your guard up. I had been shortchanged by a bank teller one time.....a teller who I seemed to have a good rapport with.....I think that was my mistake.

Thanks for the info. Looks like mostly 20's and 50's for me. The rate at the hotel was basically the same as far as exchanging.

I like to take 50s 20s and some 10s. Chicas don't make change. So if you negotiate $60 and then you only have 100s in your room your going to be in for a head ache or she is getting a good tip.

Yeah....I always bring a lot of small denomination US currency; especially dollar bills. They work out good for tips, when a 1000 colone note is too much........and a dollar bill is just right.

I want to piggy back a question on to this thread

When I arrive Friday night, where is the best place for me to exchange dollars to colones? I will be staying at the SL and would much rather use local currency.

It's posted the bank upstairs in departure area is open until 10 PM

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You can exchange money at the Del Rey at night; not the best exchange rate, but works in a pinch until you can get to the bank.

On my last trip, 50s, 20s, and 10s worked best. That way, you're covered for whatever you negotiate with the chicas: $50, $60, $70, $80.

Its a plus, to bring like a hundred dollars worth of 10 dollar bills.If you find a unfavorable exchange rate somewhere ,like a Bank,Mcdonalds, or a Merchant,you wont be duped out of a large denomination like 50 dollar bill.Sometimes you have to search for a better exchange rate since it can benefit you in the long run.

Im in Miami Chicas...

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DEEP UNDERCOVER~

If you are arriving late you will be okay until morning. Unless you are planning to paint the town I wouldn't worry about rushing around to get some colones. You will find everything you need for an evening's entertainment at SL. The chicas will take $ and food & drink can be charged to your room.

If you do want to go to the HDR there is a colone dispensing ATM there or you could exchange some $ for colones with the casino cashier.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Besides what has already been said I would not bring any bills that are torn or have a corner or something torn off. Banks may accept a bill with a small tear but nothing with a larger one or a piece missing. At least that has been my experience even when there own atm dispensed the bill.

Most bank ATM's at the airport and in town will dispense both US & CR currency.

Bill