Kbdb2488 wrote:
Could anyone provide info on the safe/best ATM's in Jaco (fees?)
Also, what are the differences between the currencies with the Cocal scene? Would my dollars go further in local paper? For example $150 asking, counter with 85-90k CRC ($130-$135).
Any current info much appreciated, I will look through the archives as well!
Jaco girls will know the exchange rates better than any bank so you will not get and advantage there. If you were negotiating with semi-pros in non-tourist areas you might be able to game the rates but everyone you are likely to meet will prefer dollars over colones. If they ask $150, counter with $120. ATMs only dispense in multiple of $20. The main differences in ATMs are your bankcharges, ATM fees, and ease of use. DON'T use a credit card in an ATM, most of them treat it as a cash advance.
My experience:
1. Davivenda - Colombia based bank with easiest bilingual interface. Highest ATM fees ($9 US or 4mil colones). Depending on your account, both Fidelity and Schwab will reimburse the fees. Generally a $500 daily limit.
2. Scotiabank - Canadian bank with bilingual interface. Low fees, but flakey interface. Easier to get colones than dollars. I stopped using this a few years ago, but if your card doesn't reimburse fees AND you need an English interface, it is worth a try. Their per transaction limits vary by location and you end up paying thefee over and over up to your home bank daily limit. There are many locations.
3. BAC - low fees and many locations, but Spanish only interface. Also a $500 daily limit but it is popular with locals so they will sometimes not have enough US dollars to dispense.
Negotiate over services rather than price. Start with a low bid, let a few walk away. Chicas talk. The moment you give in, that becomes the new base price for you and subsequent chicas will work to beat it. Expect to be approached first by the fuglies. Tell them you want bbbj, cim, besos negro (rim job), fs, anal, butt plug, rubber chicken up their ass and offer them $100. Hopefully, they will walk away disgusted. Then you can chill, survey the room and approach they chicas YOU are interested in.
Carry some colones for incidentals, leave any small balance as a tip to housekeeping when you leave. Also, if your CC has the security chip AND no foreign transaction fee, use this at restaurants, grocery stores, etc. You get the best exchange rates and carry less cash. Since it is your first trip, keep things as simple as possible so you can focus on having fun. Moderate your alcohol and substance intake, plenty of that back home.