www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Thanks to all who have taken time to share their wisdom and experiences in the Newbie section. I have been reading endlessly and may not remember reading the answers, so my apologies if it missed it. Chances are my eyes were burning from crawling through the posts and information overload. But if you will bear with me and answer a couple of questions...

1. Money: I thought I read some place that there is a problem with $100 bills? Is that right? I'm trying to avoid the wad of cash and travelers checks.

2. Money #2. Also thought I read that the condition of the bills/money (U.S.) is a problem and that the bills all need to be in mint condition. True?

3. Taxis: At the airport I have read take the red cabs with yellow stickers and take the orange cabs? Which one is right? I'd hate to start out the trip by taking the wrong cab.

I'm heading down in March and will post in the Roll Call section also. Thanks in advance.

1: I just returned and brought a wad of 100's with me, they were in pretty good condition except that 1 had a tear in it. When I attempted to use it the cashier asked if I had another one. Your money doesn't have to be perfect but don't expect it to be accepted if torn.

3: I took the orange airport taxi when I arrived. It was 15K colones or about $30. Definitely a bit steep but I was going solo with a few bags and didn't want to deal with buses. Took a ride back to the airport from Gato for $25. He hangs out at the Sportsmen if you're looking for a reliable return trip.

the deal with hundys has to do with the serial number. i believe if it begins in a CD they will rebuke it just about anywhere.
its like the chupacabra of money.

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

1. I have had some places not even accept fifties. Before I come to CR I get myself a roll of twenties.
2. When I get my twenties I do ask for them in good condition. As I count them I also check for the condition so that I make sure there are no banks stamps on the money (had that problem exchanging in the airport), also no tears, and not too much wear.
3. If you are taking a cab ... Take the red cabs with the orange sticker. But, I would recommend using Interbus. It is the same as an airport pickup because there will be someone waiting for you with your name on a sign as you exit the airport. If they are not there then just ask for Interbus and they will show you your guy. Also, it is the same as sharing a taxi. No chance of getting ripped off and you will make it to you hotel will little delay.


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--==xpatriot==--

40 trips over 15 years - I think i have a "perspective" so I'll take a swing at your questions, although you have not received any bad info:

They wouldn't take $100 at the smoking bar in the basement in the airport, nor at Pali, major supermarket chain. But you can bring hundreds and change them at the casino at the delrey without that big of a hit, or at alot of places when you make a purchase, ask first. Alot of them have the machine now, and/or are trained to look for the hologram.

1. Money: I thought I read some place that there is a problem with $100 bills? Is that right? I'm trying to avoid the wad of cash and travelers checks.
The $100 that will be rejected start with CB and even AB. And they need to be in decent shape, no tears. I usually bring a couple hundreds for the hotel bill and casinos. The rest I bring in 50's and 20's.

2. Money #2. Also thought I read that the condition of the bills/money (U.S.) is a problem and that the bills all need to be in mint condition. True?
I've read this too, but I have never had an issue. But I always go through my money at the teller when withdrawing it to make sure the bills are decent shape. They don't have to be right off the press, but no tears, no writing, no marks.

3. Taxis: At the airport I have read take the red cabs with yellow stickers and take the orange cabs? Which one is right? I'd hate to start out the trip by taking the wrong cab.
The official airport taxis are orange (no relation ). The red taxis are ones that drop off outgoing passengers and can be picked up upstairs or down the ramp. They aren't allowed to do airport pickups in the arrivals area. You have to go upstairs to the departure level or down the ramp to the street to catch one. For a first trip, I would just jump in an orange taxi and be off to your hotel without worry. The driver should have a badge around his neck. You will see a bunch of drivers standing outside the glass doors as you exit outside. You pay the metered rate, not a penny more. If the guy is helpful, gives you any advice on the way in ("be careful at night"-I had one taxista tell me this; I appreciated it even though I already knew) and helps you with your stuff, a small tip (~$2) is ok.

Already mentioned but Interbus is also a good option. You book online at least 3-4 days in advance, then when you walk out of the terminal, you will look for a guy with your name on a sign/card. Once you meet up, he will call for the van (the van can't wait parked there). Within 5-10 minutes, you will be on your way. It's a shared-service, so there may be other passengers and they may get dropped off first. No hurry, the pu*sy isn't going anywhere.

Thanks to all for helping out the Newbie and anyone else who may post after this.

I will be heeding advice given. 6 weeks and counting!

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I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds

i agree with all written here.

i have never personally had issues spending 100's in SJO but it limits your negotiating power with the chicas as none of them carry change! for this trip i changed to 20's, 10's, 5's and ones. also never had any US $ refused anywhere is SJO (yet). i usually get a few colones from the ATM on the arrival level, except when it's closed/out of service, but i will look into changing upstairs from advice i have read here.

i always take the orange taxis. they are reliable but overpriced.

have a great trip!

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When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I don't remember what I chose.

Read my post for ways to reduce the price of cabs Or, take the bus - its easy and its really cheap PM me if you want more info.

thanks Scuba. i'm coming with a wing and we can share cab this time, i've read some about the bus on here, but didn't make arrangements for it this time. i assume that you are referring to interbus, correct?

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When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I don't remember what I chose.

Nope -the regular bus that goes between the airport and downtown San Jose. Not Interbus; you could take this bus about 17 times for the cost of one Interbus trip

Leaves frequently, less than a dollar to downtown and you pick it up by exiting the main airport terminal (where the bank and ticket lobby is located; across the street from baggage claim and customs) and walking right from the terminal - likely others will be waiting - literally exit the terminal, make a right and look right for the bus stop. And you have colonines, right, because you exchanged at the airport bank, and purchased your exit visa, right?

When the bus arrives (every 20 min's, but i saw like 2 in quick sucession - Ask the driver "San Jose directo?" because some stop in Alajuala first - not a big deal, but you want a direct bus - simply take a cab from the terminal to your hotel. Great deal and a great option. I kept my bag with me on a not very crowded bus - late AM was the time.

I don't recommend the bus for your first trip to CR or if you have a ton of luggage, or if you are new to CR and you get in late at night - but its a great option and more guys should take advantage of it.

I've had good luck w/ Interbus, except for one trip where we waited for 2 guys that never showed; also seems like there are too many guys (at least 2) with their hand out looking for a tip who really do nothing - also if you are at least 2 guys - or you can find another guy or 2 going downtown a taxi is cheaper b/c you pay by the guy w/ Interbus. But nothing beats the public transportation bus for cost and if you try it will be amazed how easy it is plus you bought 2 or 3 lunches with the savings vs a taxi.

thanks again scuba.

we're having a great time in cr this weekend. we purchased our exit stamps and changed for colones upstairs upon arrival. we also made a few purchases at the duty free downstairs. i didn't get your reply until today, so i'll look for the bus next time.

also, where do you find the bus to take you back to the airport...

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When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I don't remember what I chose.

I just looked at the sign on the wall at the SL reception desk that says they won't accept $100 with serials starting with CB and $50 starting with AB.

Thanks for the heads up Orange. Since I will be staying there, I will be sure to check all my bills before I leave home.

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I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds