www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Zebra,

Thanks for the info.!

So I guess I'll pay the departure tax at the Airport when I arrive, and also exchange money upstairs at the airport. That's what I gather from reading the posts here.

Then I'll happily pay the the $18 taxi ride to the SL.

I arrive at 6 am, and plan to scoop up my first Tica by 10

Mag,

Avoid changing money at the airport. I've never done it, but have always been told they give you a bad exchange rate. I always exchange my money at the banks [again, the bank will want to see your passport, sometimes they will accept a copy for this]. You can also exchange money at the Del Rey and also the Colonial. I believe the Colonial will give you a better rate [no passport or copy required at these places].

SIDENOTE: No need to change your money at the airport, since the taxi people will accept your dollars. There is no hurry to change your dollars to colones. Most businesses [including the chicas] will accept your dollars. Just be sure you know the proper exchange rate so you don't pay them too much.

Zebra

Zebra , that is a branch bank upstairs @ the airport .We got as good a rate there as any other bank we exchanged money.

_________________
its the land of hoodoo , voodoo & all kinds of wierd shit.

Sorry.....wasn't aware there was a bank branch in the airport. I was referring to the kiosks that exchange money as a business.

Zebra

If you are arriving at 6 AM I doubt that the bank at the airport will be open. Since it will be Good Friday most banks will most likely be closed that day.

Is not a problem as airport taxi will take USD and most hotels and the casinos will exchange money. You can also get colones from the ATM machines just make sure the issuer of your debit card knows you will be using it in CR on certain dates.

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

Drifter,

Well, I guess I'll just fumble my way through my trip to CR. Why should that be any different than how I usually live my life anyway.

It will all work out fine, and some lucky Ticas will have the honor of bestowing their affections on a mighty grateful gringo.

Not that the extra $3 is going to crush me financially but the thing that really alarms me is how much it has gone up in 2 years (50%). Last trip was going to bring some coffee back (didn't have time to hit Central Market) and seems even coffee has gone up by as much from checking in 4 different grocery stores.

Really feel for the poor Ticos and Ticas just trying to exist on the economy with what they make.

Think it is because more and more people coming to the CR now since Europe is so expensive now.

I always call Earl "The Duke of Earl" Montoya. He is waiting with a sign with my name on it. 506-234-9403 dukeofearls@racsa.co.cr very dependable driver with either a car or van

Saved myself $5 last time. I just walked around and talked to the Taxi drivers and offered them $12. Took about 3 minutes to find a taker for $13.

There is a bank 1 block DIRECTLY south of the Castillo. Go to the second floor on the right. You can exchange $$ at the going rate. I got 518 to the dollar - very safe with guards present.

It's a tall building with guards at the entrance.

Mr,

Yes, I too exchange dollars for colones in that bank, as well as make withdrawals using my bank card. The building in which the bank is located is the INS BUILDING.

As for the taxi drivers in the typical red cabs at the airport.....I often wondered why we don't use them. We have been programmed to automatically use the orange airport cabs. Anyone else have any experience using the red cabs as opposed to the orange airport cabs?

Zebra

Theoretically the only legal cab able to pick up at the airport are the orange cabs. The red cabs can take people to the airport so you will only find them at the departure level.

It is somewhat of a hassle, especially if you have checked baggage, to go from the arrival area to the departure area. You have to go to the parking garage and take the elevator. Then you have to negotiate with the red cab driver because he will not use the meter.

Is it worth the $5.00 saving? An individual decision.

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

ID..... out of 9 trips in the past 2 years I have taken the official orange cab 1 time. The rest have been the freelancers in whatever color cars they happen to be driving... some are red taxis and some are not. I have never had to "go up stairs" to catch a ride or find a driver. They are all down stairs at the arrivial area. The guys have their cars parked in the covered parking area. We walk across the street to the parking garage and we are off.

Berk....

Yup - it wasn't an orange cab that I caught - but it wasn't a problem either. I spoke to 3 or 4 taxi drivers in about two minutes - found one (not orange) for $13 and took about 1 minute to load my bags. Caught it right outside the departure area. I'll take $5 for 3 minutes all day long.

I noticed several single males (gringos) getting a taxi - don't think it would be a problem sharing with one - $9 and you make a friend.

It's definitely an option that may be worth considering, with the orange cabs now up to $18.

Berk,
That sounds dangerous. Hope he doesn't take a detour to where his buddies are waiting for you and your bags. I don't think it's worth the $6-8 savings.

For anybody who's interested in saving some money, take the Interbus airport shuttle for $6. Book them at least 3-4 days in advance at: www.interbusonline.com (I already booked mine for Memorial Day weekend.)