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I am making my first trip to CR this Tuesday 2/20/07. Am staying at Hotel Delrey for 2 days, then in Jaco for 3 days. Should I just bring a bunch of cash, use trevelers checks, use my debit card, or a combo of all 3?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

cash and debit/ATM card...keep locked in room safe when not using.

leave traveler checks at home

also, bring a credit card for backup

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

I just bring enough cash to last me the whole trip. You can store the cash in your hotel safe. Only carry with you what you will need for the day/night.

I like to avoid using credit cards/debit cards for several reasons: ATM compatibility (sometimes the ATM doesn't take your particular ATM card, different networks), the possibility of overharge/theft, or just losing it. I personally know somebody in CR who used his debit card to make a purchase at a store and then their bank account got cleaned out. The store, or some crooks who installed the CC machine, had a reader to copy the card magnetic strip info, duplicate the card, and go shopping.

Any U. S. Currency must be in excellent condition, no rips etc. From what I have heard, $100.00's are hard to use. Bring lots of $1.00 bills for cabs, etc in case you don't have any colones at that time. I doubt that cab drivers will give you change.

Before you leave, tell your bank that you will be in CR. If you don't, they may not let you use that card again, due to their thinking about possible theft of your card. I can't imagine it would be much fun to run out of money and not be able to use your cards.

I used the ATM at the INS Building, and had no problems. It is at the front of the building, with a lot of traffic both foot and auto during the day. I don't think I would have used it at night. B of A charged me $6.00 for the $200.00 withdrawal. The money was given in colones, but I may have had the option for U.S. dollars. I didn't really check.

As Orange has stated:


Of all that I read prior to my first (and only so far) visit to CR, I only broke one of the vet's rules. I got drunk! The two worst (and only bad) times with the ladies were both because I was drunk. If you plan on mongering, it is best done with a clear head. I would also recommend that you take any items candy, cig's, etc. off the refigerator and put them in a closet prior to having women in your room. It's like hitting the lotto for them, and adding $20.00 to ? your session. That would equate to at least 1/2 hour with a lady at a PM.

Enjoy your trip, be safe, and take cabs at night.

Health & happiness.

Santas Bro

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

And remember, if you have to insert the ATM card in the machine wait for it after the transaction. Yes, Im a little slow and I left the ATM without my card. I was used the ones in the states where you swipe it. I was lucky, once I realized it was gone, I called the bank and had no loss.

8 days and counting

I bring $500 in cash, 2 credit cards for backup and 2 atm cards for daily use. I transfer money to the ATMs as needed thru the internet every couple of days.
I only carry with me whatever I need for a few hours of fun.
OBTW....If the first time you don't succeed at a particular ATM machine, DO NOT use that machine a second time thinking maybe you put in the wrong info. 3 bad attemps will cancel your account.
I only use the HDR or a major bank ATM.

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Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

For whatever reason, and this may be a Canadian thing or maybe just my bank, but I actually save money by using my debit card/credit card EVERYWHERES oppose to cash.

In CR I recieve better exchange rates then any casino's offered. In Thailand, I recieved the same rate as the banks, in PI I recieve a better rate then any of the money changers.

Why? I dont know. I dont get charged any international money conversion type fee's, no surchages for using other banks machines, nada. I just get the daily rate, whatever it may be at the time.