Posts: 4
Registered: May 2008

posted 07-04-2008 06:42 AM            

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I am traveling to Costa Rica in August and I wanted to know what is the best place/way to exchange money?

I am coming from the USA, do people recommend transferring money before I leave?
I am flying into San Jose Airport, but I heard it is not good to exchange in the airport...
After I fly into San Jose I am traveling to Cahuita and Tortuguero...so I will probably need to exchange before then.
If I bring my ATM card is it best to just withdraw money in the city? What are some other places on the Caribbean I can do this? I don't want to have a lot of cash on me.
What do you all recommend?
Thanks!

Posts: 130
Registered: Jun 2005

posted 07-04-2008 08:51 AM            

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Don't exchange any money in the airport in San Jose, the exchange rate is very bad!
There are many automated teller machines in Costa Rica, you can withdraw money with your debit card at all the banks in Costa Rica.
Get some money in San Jose or in Limon, there are several banks in Limon.

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Posts: 1
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 07-05-2008 07:22 AM            

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The exchange rate varies in CR from place to place. Even the banks give different exchange rates, but any bank is the best place. When you get money exchanged on the local market, a restuarant, hotel, club or such they will give you less because let it be known they charge a service fee that is on average 10-20 colones less than the actual exchange rate. The only place I have found a decent rate is at the Colonial Casino.

As for using your debit card - true you can use it anywhere in CR. What you might want to check is if your bank charges you a conversion rate. My bank, not Visa, charges me 3% of each transaction. I.E $3500 x 3% = $105 additional that will be debited from your account. Any more questions you may have you can contact me at dstar328@yahoo.com. I have been traveling to CR for 12 years. I am not the smartest apple in the basket, but I have learned ALOT.

All times are CT