www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Now, this is a 'Problem'. But if one had read CRT, just a little, they would know not to use the Money Exchange downstairs at baggage claim.

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* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.

From the article in AM Costa Rica,



Much to do about nothing. Anyone who has even just the slightest amount of international travel experience knows airport money exchanges are a very expense option.

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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

You guys are going to kill me for this question, but I am lazy by nature, here goes, Do you get more value with dollars or colonnes in Costa Rica?

putting on my flame retardant suit....

when the exchange rate is less that 500:1 you will probably come out ahead on most transactions by using dollars, and vice versa when the rate is greater than 500:1

i'll test out my theory over labor day weekend and get back to you

kr

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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.

Get your baggage. Then go out of baggage then cross the Street. Go up the steps or elevator. Go to the end of the Ticketing across from the Spirit Airlines. There is a bank there that has good rates.

Also after you get your money. Walk outside and catch a Taxi from there. You can get a fare for $15 to $20 to your hotel. Ask the driver how much without the meter. He just dropped off a fare any way. First offer $15. Then $20 at the most. He will pocket the money. Most of the time He is headed back to the Gulch any way.

Not at all Zunbake, I never got into exchanging money here. BUT, I know all the ins and outs and where to go to break certain amounts. When I used to have more dollars in my pocket, I knew exactly where to spend a $20 and the the correct rate. Don't quote me on this but if I remember correctly Auto Mercado and Mas x Menos give the bank rate. Also had my certain restaurants that I knew wouldn't balk at a $20 or more. But like I said, i would be careful on this if you don't know the spots where you are spending the money.

I guess I was not clear in my question, what I wanted know is do you get more value using colonnes or dollars in costa rica?

For what - food, you are probably better off paying in colonies - stores, ditto - girls - probably w/ the current exchange rate better to pay in dollars, but truly the difference is so slight that it really does not matter. Last I looked, the exchange is right below 500/dollar

As a rule, I'll change $200 or so and pay in dollars for the rest

In a res't for example, better colonies -

Thanks Scuba1-Looks like not much of a difference to fret about!

i will really like to know about this matter, when i will visit should i take costa rica currency before visiting or after. Will I get good rate there (noted I am planning to visit Costa Rica)?

Irwin.......

Bring your "homeland" currency with you when you go to Costa Rica. Any bank in Costa Rica will give you a good and fair exchange rate to convert what you bring into colones. The differences in the exchange rates at various banks is very small. I like to use the Bank of San Jose (BAC) on the second level (the departure level) at the airport after I clear through immigration and customs.

RAC

What about just using the ATM (assuming no banking fees apply)? You get the fair exchange rate using the ATM at the INS building right?

The exchange rate is the same at any ATM you use. Your card issuer is the entity that determines what rate they use on foreign exchanges. The only variable is the fee, if any, that the owner of the ATM imposes. For example BCR & BN no fee for withdrawing colones, BAC charges $3.00 and Scotia charges $1.50.

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

I just returned from CR, and didn't exchange any dollars or take withdrawals from any ATMs either. I only got colones in change a few times, always at 500:1 rate (better than published rate). Everyone accepted dollars.

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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.

Yep. The only rip off is the bank back home. I still can't find any that don't charge a $5 fee when I'm out of the country and do a cash withdrawal. The exchange rate my bank gives is OK more or less, but those $5 fees add up. Max withdrawals each time helps, but doesn't solve it.