Ready4fun2006 wrote:
I will be making my first trip to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks and need some advice on currency. I'm sure there are previous posts on this topic, but I can't seem to find them.
(1) My main question is whether I should bring U.S. currency or get Colones out of an ATM.
(2) Do provider's prefer and/or accept U.S. currency?
(3) I assume that hotels and various vendors who offer tourist activities (rafting) take credit cards.
(4) I would also assume that local restaurants/gift shops would only take Colones (and some may take credit cards).
Any help on this matter would be appreciated - I don't want to take U.S. currency if no one takes it.
Thanks!!!
(1) Bring USD and exchange for colones at a bank or use ATM machines and withdraw colones.(PS: Banco Costa Rica ATM at most of their bank branches will dispense both USD or colones)
(2) Will accept either but for someone not really familiar with the exchange math better to negotiate in dollars.
(3) All most every hotel and tour companies will accept credit cards.
(4) In tourist areas, that includes gringo gulch, almost every merchant will accept dollars but will give you change in colones and the exchange rate they use will not be to your advantage. In rural areas you will need colones.
_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine
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