I have also set up a separate account in my home country and deposited a smaller balance as a backup in case I need to use the ATM. (good idea or bad idea?)

Unless you are trying to conceal something no need to not use your regular bank account. Word of caution advise both your credit card and debit card issuer you will out of the country. If they are unaware some card issuers will lock your card until you call them and explain you are out of the country

Also what are the ATM fees and are the ATM exchange rates the same as the bank or worse?

ATM fees vary by bank for example: Banco Costa Rica (BCR) and Banco National (BN) have no fee. Scotia charges $1.50 per withdrawal and BAC San Jose charges $3.00 both Scotia and BAC limit you to a maimum of $400.00 per transaction so if you want $500.00 you have to do 2 transaction and pay two fees. The rate you get at an ATM is determined by the issuer of your debit card so the cost is the same at any ATM except for the fees, if any, the owner of the ATM charges.

In addition, do any ATM dispense USD? (just curious)

Many ATM's dispense both colones and USD. They only dispense $20.00 bills but they dispense 1000, 2000, 5000 or 10,000 colones notes


What are the normal banking hours in CR? Banks closed on weekends?

Bank hours are all over the map. Some branches open at 9, some at 10.00 and others at 11.00. Almost all are open at least half a day on Saturday but closed on Sunday.

Just wanted to know how much you guys bring for a weeks stay if you stay at one of the listed tica friendly hotels for a week, eat middle of the road food and plan to enjoy two ticas per day? $250-300 per day should do if you don't go crazy, MP during the day and SL/DR or Key Largo at night

How much would suffice for the week? I know it's a vague question, but any insight would be good. I just went for 5 nights and 6 days and spent $1800 for food, room, booze and girls but I went a little crazy two days/nights.

I have also set up a separate account in my home country and deposited a smaller balance as a backup in case I need to use the ATM. (good idea or bad idea?) I just use my regular ATM card or VISA card, take money from my regular accounts and never had a problem.

Also what are the ATM fees and are the ATM exchange rates the same as the bank or worse? I took $200 out the ATM at The Del Rey and my credit union changed me $1.60 fee last week.

In addition, do any ATM dispense USD? (just curious) The one in the middle at the Del Rey does.

What are the normal banking hours in CR? Banks closed on weekends? normal hours just like the states. I have never used a bank for anything while in CR. I just use ATM's either out in front of the bank or the one at the Rey (pretty much use the DR one exclusively)

Travellers cheques are safe but big drawback is having to go to a bank with your passport and then if I remember correctly they charge a fee too.
Usually hotels will give you a discount of at least 10% if you pay with cash.
Girls accept Dollars or Colones but best to pay restaurants and locals in colonies or they will give you change at whatever rate they feel like.
Expect to spend about $200/day at least. For me 2 girls a day is about $100. Expect to pay same restaurant prices as the US unless you eat in cheap Tico joints.
ATM fees add up quickly unless you use a debit card and also have the card from Capital One or a CREDIT UNION. The big banks charge foreign exchange fees and the ATM you use can charge up to $5 per transaction.
I carry around $2000 in cash and my main worry is to get from the airport to the hotel safely. Then everything is in the safe. I carry a mixture of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1.
I always plan to arrive in the day time and take a reliable cab since i have phone, cash and computer too.