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| Dollars versus Colones https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=34678 |
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| Author: | Ready4fun2006 [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Dollars versus Colones |
I will be making my first trip to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks and need some advice on currency. I'm sure there are previous posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find them. My main question is whether I should bring U.S. currency or get Colones out of an ATM. Do provider's prefer and/or accept U.S. currency? I assume that hotels and various vendors who offer tourist activities (rafting) take credit cards. I would also assume that local restaurants/gift shops would only take Colones (and some may take credit cards). Any help on this matter would be appreciated - I don't want to take U.S. currency if no one takes it. Thanks!!! |
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| Author: | JazzboCR [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Dollars versus Colones |
Limited experience here but I believe USD are accepted in all but the most rural areas. THE most important thing is the condition of the US currencey--the smallest tear or any marking on it will cause rejection. $50 bills are acceptable for larger purchases like bar and hotel bills, but $20's are much better. The HDR has 2 ATMs--one for colones, one for USD, plus the Govt banks have ATMs disbursing colones only. I'll leave it to others to speak on when or whether to use Credit Cards--I avoid using them except for my Hotel bill--it's a trust thing and I don't. |
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| Author: | Irish Drifter [ Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Dollars versus Colones |
Ready4fun2006 wrote: I will be making my first trip to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks and need some advice on currency. I'm sure there are previous posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find them. (1) My main question is whether I should bring U.S. currency or get Colones out of an ATM. (2) Do provider's prefer and/or accept U.S. currency? (3) I assume that hotels and various vendors who offer tourist activities (rafting) take credit cards. (4) I would also assume that local restaurants/gift shops would only take Colones (and some may take credit cards). Any help on this matter would be appreciated - I don't want to take U.S. currency if no one takes it. Thanks!!! (1) Bring USD and exchange for colones at a bank or use ATM machines and withdraw colones.(PS: Banco Costa Rica ATM at most of their bank branches will dispense both USD or colones) (2) Will accept either but for someone not really familiar with the exchange math better to negotiate in dollars. (3) All most every hotel and tour companies will accept credit cards. (4) In tourist areas, that includes gringo gulch, almost every merchant will accept dollars but will give you change in colones and the exchange rate they use will not be to your advantage. In rural areas you will need colones. |
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| Author: | GoodDayJohn [ Fri Jul 30, 2010 8:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Dollars versus Colones |
I use dollars to pay the hotel and the ladies - colones for everything else. Do the initial exchange of your dollars for colones in the [b]departure[/b] area of the airport. Check with your credit card company to determine the fees they charge for foreign transactions, it may be prohibitive. |
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