www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I know I've seen this discussed before but I can't find it and I'm leaving very shortly. I am planning on taking a couple of "G's" with me but I seem to recall that $50's..$100's etc. can be difficult to convert there sometimes. I was planning on just bringing a big wad of $20's (and a bunch of singles of course). Am I correct on that? Thx.

Last week upon arrival I used Scotia Bank ATM at airport to the right of the money exchange for instant colones. I also used HDR ATM right side of front desk for colones. Really didn't use large sums of US cash. Paid hotel bill with credit card.

Based on all the scrutiny of G's, didn't even try to cash a 50 or 100.

Worked for me...

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Piroca I went to my local bank in Florida and told them I want all nice clean crisp 20 dollar bills they didnt have a problem with it at all. They year before I didnt really worry about it and I ended up with a 50 with a torn corner. It took me forever to get rid of that bill I finaly gave it to a fisherman for a day of fishing on his panga boat.

Unless your bringing alot of cash just keep it to 20's.

Surfdog

Do a search for- counterfeit .
The problem was $100 bills with serial #'s starting with CB that would not be accepted.

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$100.00 bills have always been a problem with banks and businesses in San Jose even before the counterfeit problem with serial number CB.

Many places will not accept them or $50.00 bills. While $20.00 bills are much easier some places will even reject those that are not in perfect condition.

In rural areas most places will only deal in colones. Everyone has their own comfort level but I would not bring a couple of thousand dollars with me. ATM's are all over the place. Bring a few hundred dollars and your debit card. Many of the ATM's will give you a choice of dollars or colones.

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I stayed at the Hotel Presidente for 5 days last week and changed $100 bills on 4 different occasions. They give it a quick glance, write down the serial # & your room # in a log & give you the conversion in colones-no problema.


sincity

Also look for the year 2001 as they will not take bills in that year.

The problem is with $100 bills with the serial number on the upper left starting with CB and having B2 beneath it. They also have to be series 2001. These should be avoided in that the only way to exchange them seems to be if you have a bank account here in CR. Any other large bills are easy to exchange at one of the local casino cages.

Also, any torn bills will probably not be accepted or exchanged for colones.

I always takea couple of thousand in travelers check for any emergency. You should be able to get, no charge, from your bank or credit union. Cashing them in San Jose is no problem at Bank of Scotia, no fee. A limit of $500 a day unless they know you. Located on Ave !. Five and 1/2 blocks West of the Del Rey. Always use Colones in CR. You will get more bang for your buck. SEAHAWK

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