www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Where is the best place you have found to exchange dollars for colones?

The best is a bank. Avoid the government banks, BCR, BN as they usually have long lines. Private banks Scotia, BAC, Lafise, Promerica, HSBC, Citi, etc. are usually quicker. The rate difference between banks is usually only 2 or 3 colones not worth worrying about. Colonial casino is reported to use the bank rate but some have said they were turned down if they were not gambling there. HDR rate is terrible do not use them.

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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

thanks. i read about a place at the airport, dont remember if it was upstairs or downstairs and i cant find the post. do you know anything about it?

Upstairs, far right from the departures area.

BAC-San Jose is the bank located on the departure level (second floor) of the airport. Across from the TACA counters next to the cashiers for the departure tax. Do not under any circumstances use the money exchange booth located in the baggage claim area. You will pay a penalty of at least 15%.

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

ok thanks. so BAC on the second floor is good correct?

Its on the 2nd floor in the departure area, so you have to walk across the street and take the escalator up, once inside go to the right all the to the end you will see the bank kiosk there. I always go there upon arrival and usually convert about $600 into colonnes. never had any problems, always a pleasant experience.

Yes BAC-San Jose is a large non government bank. They have operations through out Central America and connected with Credomatic who issue credit cards and are the principal processor of credit card transactions in Costa Rica

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

Just to clarify since this is your first trip to CR. When you leave the bag claim area the street you walk across takes you into the parking garage where there is the escalator to the departure area.

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

...Or to simplify, depending on where you're staying, try your hotel. The Dunn Inn for example gives you a reasonable rate. The others are for when you are scratching for every penny. Yes, I understand you meant the absolute best rate.

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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

thank you very much. actually, i will be staying at the Dunn.

Dapper, for hotel and restaurant guests of the Dunn Inn we exchange at the bank rate daily. We do not take a margin.


BKTUNA/Boyd
I am never going home

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BKTUNA/Boyd
I am never going home

thank you BK. i sent u an email this morning from gmail.com asking that question but there is no need to respond now. I will see you on May 20th.

Other than exchanging at the Global currency exchange windows at the airport (the one at baggage claim and also one upstairs as you walk from gate to immigration), just about any hotel, bank, or casino is ok. You should never lose more than about 20-25 colones per dollar (about 5%). Some places are better than others. Call it a convenience charge. I'm sick of waiting 20-30 minutes at a bank to get the bank rate. I rarely change more than $100 at a time, that's about $5 that I'm losing. No biggie.

In all honesty, I can't think of too many reasons to exchange currency when you can simply use an ATM. Maybe you want to have a bunch of cash upfront?

Consider the alternative - I NEVER exchange money. Yes, I do bring some U.S. cash with me, just in case (I use it for the exit tax and maybe the cab ride to the airport, but usually bring most of it home with me). Some chicas actually prefer U.S. money. However, beyond that, I use colones from the ATM or my Capital One credit card. I use the ATM machines at the McDonalds on Avenida Central or at the INS/Jade Museum. My bank doesn't charge any fees, including any currency transaction fees. I get the current exchange rate. When I use my Capital One credit card (at Cafe Mundo, for example), I also pay no transaction fee.

Do yourself a favor and avoid the exchange fees, the less than market translation, and the hassle of a currency exchange....and consider an ATM card (even if you open an account SOLELY for international travel).

Just my two cents.