www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Twice the Colonial refused to change any money for me last week, guess they're tired of guys using them as a cambio In the past it was never a problem to stop by and change a couple hundred to colones.

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

This site has over 20,000 members alone. The word is out that the Colonial gives the best exchange rate in town. The cashier is there to service the gamblers. A good thing may be coming to an end. The Morazon used to have the same good rate. It went away. I eat at the Colonial every day and sometimes have trouble getting change for colons. If you don't gamble don't expect them to exchange $100 bills. It was a good deal while it lasted. They also, in the past, cashed AE travelers checks with no fee if you a gambling.I don't know about now.
The colonial also has the cleanest bathrooms in town as stated on a survey on this board. I'm sure this created a lot of foot traffic.
If you really need change for $100 walk over and talk to the Pitt Boss, he will get you change.

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DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO

I'm not surprised.....it was great while it lasted. I've often wondered why they would even do it for the non-gamblers. I admit, many times I just walked through the rear door of the Colonial, used their restroom [yes, very clean restrooms], got change [always a great exchange rate], and then walked out the front door.

Yes who can blame them if lots of guys are doing it and not gambling there. Last week they were paying 575 while the bank was 577 and my hotel was 565.

Paco,
Unless you wanted to change like $5000, that ¢10 wasn't going to make a big difference. Even exchanging $1,000 isn't a huge difference, it gives you an extra ¢10,000 ($17). Call it a convenience charge for not having to leave the hotel.

Not that I am recommending it BUT....... If you really "need" to change some money at the Colonial,just go to a table with your "gringo money" and buy-in and ask for colones. Then just play a few hands ( minimun at some tables is 500-1000 colones) and leave the table. You can then either go to the cage and cash out,or use the rest rooms then cash out. A pit boss will have to check any 50 or 100 dollar bills in any case.

Yep, went to exchange money at the Colonial in September and was told they couldn't do it unless I was gambling there.