www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I also have seen some conflicting points, stating that US dollars are the currency of trade over there, but also that I shouldn't take too much $ and convert to Colones via ATM. Which is the best way to proceed?

Thanks.

Fallon

At MPs' amd places like that you usually get a better price in colones.At the Del Rey and places like that doesn't make much difference.I usually convert to colones and pay eveyhting that way as I go to lots of local places that don't like to take colones.To answer you question I would consider colones the currency fo trade but tourist palces take dollars but often don't give a good exchange rate.I think you come out ahead to pay in colones and ATM's are very avialable.rbc100

Thanks again RBC. You've been a big help.

We'll probably end up going to the big name places, since we'll probably get lost looking for the local places.

Fallon

I'm just guessing he meant "local places that don't like to take dollars."

Fallon,
I usually pay for everything, except hotel, in colones. Most restaurants, at least the ones that cater to gringos, will accept dollars but you will not get a good exchange rate. You'll be losing 20-40 colones on the dollar. It doesn't seem like much, but it adds up.

Also, in some places, the price in colones is just flat out lower (i.e. Zona Blue is 19,000, which is $38, but you pay $40, if paying in dollars). I think a few mp's are like that.

Fallon,

Casinos and banks generally give the most favorable rate of exchange. ATM's also give favorable rates, but you may be hit with service charges which negate any advantage in exchange rate. Don't use the currency exchange in the arrival area of the airport; they give a very poor rate of exchange.

If you do pay for something in a local place with dollars, chances are you'll receive your change in colones. As mentioned above, this seldom works to your favor exchange-wise.

I paid for almost everything on my last trip with colones, except for my exit tax and the ride from airport to hotel. Oh, I take that back; I paid a BM Colombiana in dollars, and rented a cabin in Dominical for a week with dollars... Everything else was paid for with colones.

Hope this helps.

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

I always negotiate in colones but I found that the colombians prefer to get dollars as they convert their colones to dollars before they head home.

Thanks everyone. You guys are a big help.

Fallon

Sounds like the question now will be if I can identify if the girl is from Columbia. Good thing the guy I am going with is actually from Columbia. HA HA

Fallon

No worries there. She'll let YOU know that she is from Colombia. From what I've seen, the Colombiana's are very proud, and they will let you know that they are not Tica's or Nica's (or anything else). For whatever reason, they feel like they're 'better' than the Tica's, and proud of it! Trust me...... when you find a Colombiana.....you'll know it!
Good luck & have fun.
Mikey-B

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!