www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Thanks again for all the advice on previous questions. Thinking I am getting well prepared for first trip.

King Costa's advice on finding a semi-pro was way to valuable as well as Gringotom's input. I'll be looking for that solo tica dressed down in out of the way places.

One more question. Have read about exchange rates at Del Rey and other places being bad/high and that you get get really killed on travelers checks. No need to waste tica money who knows maybe a twosome can turn into a threesome.

Am I better of purchasing colones in the states and keeping locked up in room safe or exchanging dollars when I arrive through my atm cards? Any idea on exchange rates at places like Del Rey?

Once again your valuable input would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

I'd like to say that the BRAND NEW EXCHANGE CAMBIO in the baggage claim area next to the duty free shop is a RIP OFF! I saw people changing dollars for a rate of about 410.00 Colones to a dollar.... AVOID IT!

Johnny Black wen to the bank and got $455.00 and I received the same changing dollars at the Paradiso Casino in the Amon Plaza.....

JUST A TIP!

_________________
"Success isn't having $$ it is knowing how to Spend It"

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

I was just down there for 8 days. Took $1000 in US cash--converted about $500 of it into colones at my hotel at around 450 to the dollar. Also--greenback is widely used all over the place so I used a lot of greenback as well and when I ran out there was an abundance of ATM's that will give you USD or colones at very favorable exchange rates. The worst thing to do is to buy colones in the US.

Gamlingman,

are you talking about the Atm in the baggage claim area by the duty free?

I made about 10 withdrawls from various atm locations and averaged a favorable exchange of about 450 c to the $. I did get a $30 "forieng ATM charge" for the effort and my bank does not charge an ATM fee.

Triple FFF NO I AM TALKING about the 3 week old BRAND SPANKING NEW 4 PERSON Cambio Exchange in the baggage claim. NOT THE ATM machines.

ITS A TOTAL RIP OFF!

_________________
"Success isn't having $$ it is knowing how to Spend It"

The ATM in the lower concourse of the baggage claim area by the duty free store is a Scotia Bank (bank of Novia Scotia) is dispenses 1000C bills up to 45000C at 450 to $1.00.

You gotta love that as you can never have enough 1000C's, right?