www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hey guys had coule questions. First can you just use us dollars and not convert to colones. Also at atm machines I assume only will dispense colones. Let me, thanks for help. I am first timer coming in April.bkcwhopper

You can use either. Since you're staying at the HDR, you can convert some dollars to colones after you arrive. No problem at all....
Don't sweat the small stuff! You're gonna have a great time!

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

thanks mg! sorry but a little nervous. never left the country before so will all be new to me. but damn am i ready to go!

Most ATM's in San Jose will dispense either colones or dollars. That may not be true when you get into the rural areas but in those areas you would want to be using colones anyway.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Just one thing, remember to ask for their USD to CRC rate before ordering or buying. The places I frequent outside SJO give me same rate as the bank, while I found many others offer less favorable rates. There is that gas station right outside Jaco , it gave really shitty rate even my tico friends found shocking.

Most will take USD and hand you the change in colones, even corner stores in small villages.

Bkcwhopper and all other newbies reading this thread,

You're new so here's what I recommend:

1) Don't bring a lot of US cash.

2) Bring yout reliable ATM card (3 days before you leave make sure you have enough cash in your bank to cover your excessive behavior in CR. You don't want to be waiting on your burger king paycheck to clear the bank) Pay in colones.

3) Print out a copy of a currency converter chart: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic

4) Study the chart on your plane trip. Practice figuring out some bigger conversions like 20,000 30,000 and 40,000 colones. This will help you get a feel for the value of the colone.

5) Bring a credit card for traveling emergencies (don't want to be stuck somewhere outside the US without funds)

6) Don't run a tab in a strip club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7) Don't run a tab in a strip club!!!!!!!!!

8 ) If you pay in dollars for a meal or drinks, you will get colones back in change. Figure out the rate before you pay, so that you won't be the gringo who argues over the exchange or correct amount of change. Alcohol may impair your mathematical skills.

9) "Cien" (phonetically sounds like see-in) is spanish for US$100. Whenever you hear that word, the proper response is too chuckle and say $40. Never pay "Cien" for one hour of sexo with just one chica. Don't do it, no matter how hot she looks. Your whopper junior will never know the difference.

10) Relax, it's really not that hard.

RHM
whew...

RHM,
I agree with # 6, but I disagree with # 7 !
MG

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

MG,

I am trying to prevent the next tired "I was ripped off by a strip club..." thread.

RHM

I'm with ya. But it's inevitable.......... There'll be more !!!
MG

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

Hey Bkcwhopper, when in April are you arriving?
Listen to the vets...it worked for me and I greatly appreciated there advice and fellowship.

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GO Winnipeg JETS!