www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This is mostly for newer guys since vets already know this. Page 1 of todays http://www.amcostarica.com
describes how the Govt is ripping everyone off on the cologne exchange at the airport. Do NOT exchange there. I believe that it is 10% less there than good places like SL or the casino Colonial downtown. Taxis would be glad to take your dollars for the fare. Oops didn't see Greengo's post on this

Even if you had, would it have been coherent?

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

Not only coherent, but he includes the original article so it can be read past today so we know what was said, in the future.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=41689

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Holy crap! A sign of the coming apocalypse, no doubt.

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

That is pretty much common sense for any airport in the world. They are usually more expensive on everything. I could only see exchanging a small amount of money to have enough to get to a bank, but nothing large. May be a country with exceptions, but it seems pretty much every airport in the world rapes you on exchange rate.

It's a ripoff only in the sense food at Disneyworld or at Yankee Stadium is a rip-off. You're a captive audience and so you pay extra for the convenience of eating crap food / exchanging currency right there at the airport.

Same thing happens in MIA too. The difference is SJO has a regular bank upstairs that exchanges at market price.

Caveat Emptor!

mh

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mh

Go upstairs to the BCR in the departure area next to where you pay for exit tax to get bank rates. They usually sell dollars to people leaving CR and set the exchange rate to screw them not the person buying colones.

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Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

The buy and sell exchange rates at the BCR branch at the airport are the same rates that are used at ALL BCR BRANCHES around town. They are posted on their web site every day. I use BCR often. Their lines are not too bad.

Scotia bank is good, too, especially the Scotia branch across the street from the Gold Museum.....short lines and a good ATM, if you like ATM's.

RAC

The exchange rates at the INS building are pretty good, across from the park, a short walk from the SL, HLH, and the DR. Don't do it after dusk. Stick to the Hotel Del Ray ATMs or the Colonial if you are there after dark.

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."

Just another reason not to Phuck with it - change money at the airport bank before you leave the airport - then no worries about carrying money on the street (before or after dusk), waiting at a bankin SJ (nothing administrative seems "easy" in CR b/c the people have become acostomed to shitty customer service from their government and other institutions - like banks), worrying about the exchange rate as well as the availability of cash at your hotel or a casino - or an ATM for that matter

Honestly don't know why this is such a tough concept for some (heard "well I want to get out of the airport and down to other things; there is a bank right across from my hotel", and other nonsense) to grasp.

Another point......while many of us know the Cambio's are a ripoff, if they did not have customers, they would not exist; so someone is patronizing them - I always see people at them - so I would not be too quick to comment on the sophistication (or lack thereof ) of the average traveler, monger or not.


PS Buy your exit visa before you leave the airport too.

I know the goal of the forum is to save as many sheckels as possible, but is there really a reason to "exchange"? I suppose I could be taking it for granted I know when and where I can do exactly what and have calculated I haven't lost that much. In the city, I have colones now most of the time anyway. But for many, many years I never exchanged. Just used my dollars and got change in colones. Once again this is probably not recommended to visitors because you never know who gives what kind of rate.

I use the ATM here all the time, I find it rather convenient to just swing by a every day/other day. I also have gone at all hours with no issues but can't say for sure that after dark is the safest. Seemed to be a common after dark cop hangout spot in July. I prefer to hit the ATM when I need more cash as I don't like the idea of having a large amount of cash on me at any given time. It is extremely rare I have more than 150 bucks cash on me at any time in Costa Rica, or anywhere for that matter. If I was to get robbed I won't ever be out a amount I would be upset over. If they were to get one of my cards I can shut them down with a phone call and dispute any charges. Some people may not agree with my method but it works for me.

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Not banned yet...

DC is right ( of course).

The bank upstairs at the airport is the Bank of San Jose. Their logo is BAC. They also have branches all over SJ. Most often, I use them.

The Bank of Costa Rica a big bank also, with branches allover SJ, but NOT at the airport. Their logo is BCR. Also Red, white and blue. Similar to BAC.

The logos have confused me a couple of times, including in my post above in this thread.

RAC