www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Why do you assume that you'll get screwed?

Bring USD and on your first day (if you come at night, you can exchange what you'll need for the night at Sportsmens or Del Rey at 5% less--no biggie) take a taxi to any bank and exchange your USD for colones. You will get the bank rate that day. Then take the taxi and put all your colones in the room safe. Then take out as needed.

Paying dependss on which currency the price is quoted in? Hotels usually quote in dollars, so best to pay in dollars (cash). That was there's no exchange. Chicas will quote you in dollars ("one hundre") to which you can reply 40,000 colones ("quarenta meal") which is about $70, or 45,000. Or you can pay in dollars, your choice. It's your money spend it how you want. But I wouldn't pay more than 45,000¢ or $80. They always quote higher than they are willing to accept because many suckers pay sticker price. In Latin America, everybody haggles for everything.

Enjoy.

(And other questions, post here.)

Remember to always confirm if the chica is quoting you in dollars or colones.
For example she may say 50 and you think it is $50 but she means colones which is $100.
Do not get caught in that trap.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Thank you everyone for the input. Since it seems like the person at TD bank was misinformed and i should be able to take out money from the ATM, should i do so at the airport or at a bank instead while in San Jose?

+

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

Absolutely, good advice, also now a new trick is they seem to now always be asking for taxi money if you're not at HDR or Sportsmans, immediately after you pay them, and a wad is in your hand, and it's always for "back to mi house", around $10 not back to HDR where they are really going for $5. More than once I got the "babiii... it's 6,000 colones when I'm handing them 3,000. Lay down the law when agreeing on price, tell that's all they're getting, taxi included.

When I've forgotten and they're being a pain after having a good time and being paid as promised, I'll give them the $5 and say that covers where I got you, where you go after that is your business. Some left in a huff but saw me later at HDR and they're all smiles, kisses and hugs, want another visit???

If not, there's about 1,400 other ones...

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

You should tip what YOU want, not what the chica wants. "NO" is a powerful word that you should master before you ever set foot in CR or you will get played like a violin. Leave your bleeding heart at home. Everybody has a sad story and needs money. Avoid people asking for money, especially if they speak English.

If they want more taxi money than 2k to get back to HDR, tell them to use the money in their other hand that you just gave them. The next words, should be good night and you opening the door while keeping an eye on her that she doesn't grab something on the way out.

you can change CAD or USD at the Airport in the DEPARTURES check in area at teh BAC San José Credomatic
http://sjoairport.com/en/conozca-el-aer ... -jos-lobby

for USD they gave me 576 a couple weeks ago....

you can also exchange USD at the Colonial casino next to the Del rey... I havent had any issues ever changing up 300$ in clean unripped 100s.... last rate i got was 573 last week

if you are staying in Amistad, USD cash is the best way to pay your bill

alternatively for ATM use, look into a Charles Schwab Account, ive used the atm card in numerous countries around the world with zero fees and exact exchange rate... RAC and a few guys on here use it often with no issues

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its easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled- mark twain

It depends on what you are doing and how far you are away from your passport. If you do not want to carry your passport with you then I would suggest paying the fee for a copy of your entrance stamp and main page of the passport.

Picture on your phone may be accepted.
You could also ask your hotel to make a color copy of your passport picture page and the entry stamp to carry with you.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

i don't keep anything that could be construed as illegal on my phone but i would be reluctant in handing mine over to an officer to snoop through pictures

I got a copy of my passports photo page copied to wallet size and laminated. It has come in useful in a variety of situations in more than one country.

.

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If the women don't find you handsome, at least let them find you handy - Red Green

Bad Wolf, you are truly a cara de picha...the poster you commented on is obviously not a native English speaker. Play nice or go home.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Newbie to Costa Rica. Have loads of experience and have spent lots of time in Thailand. The main reason I have decided to join this forum is that I now have the opportunity to spend time in San Jose due to my job-airline.

Already have two quick trips under my belt both with "fun and games" involved.

Think I got overcharged and think I paid the "newbie stupid tax".

Havent checked out any massage places and I would like to on my next trip, which is next week.

BTW Love the Sportsman. Thought the Del Rey was dodgy......

Nice first post. Yeah, the DR is kinda dodgy Used to be better. MP's are definitely worth checking out. There's a couple of threads in here with recent info. Or, hook up with BM Pops to shorten the learning curve.

Welcome to the board!