How important is it getting Costa Rican money for my trip next week?

Question

I am from USA and apparently the USD is widely accepted in Costa Rica, but I was thinking perhaps I should get a few hundred in Costa Rican dollars just in case. Thoughts anybody?

Answer 1

517.20 (CRC) =$1 (US)

i would say you need more than hundreds...

Answer 2

US dollars are accepted in many places in Costa Rica. You should have some colones in hand, just in case. Exchange about $100, it should be enough. But if you need more you can always go to a bank and exchange more. Banks are easily found throughout the country. Whatever you do, DON'T EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY AT THE AIRPORT, they are known for having the worst exchange rates. Go to a bank, you'll get more of your money's worth.

Answer 3

JD is right the airport charges 10% to change dollars.  Unless you are going somewhere remote everyone will take dollars.  Don't take 100s Costa Rica has had problems with fakes.  If you want Colones stop at a Gas Station and buy something with dollars and you will get change in Colones.  Go to a bank to change large amounts.

Answer 4

The general rule of thumb is, if you are staying and shopping in heavy tourist areas such as Manual Antonio and La Fortuna - nearly everyone accepts USD.  If you plan on spending some time in more local areas and away from the tourist traffic you will need CR money.  The bargains and best food are in the local areas, but it just depends on your itinerary.

Answer 5

Yeah, you should get a little bit.  When you arrive, you're not going to want to stop and exchange your money if you find that you'll need some.  If you go to AAA, they have "tip packs" that will give you enough money to tip your cab drivers, bell boys, etc.

Answer 6

Only get like $100  So if need be you can get something form a vending machine or something that wouldn't accept USD...    Plus with ore than that...  When you go to exchange it back you might end up losing money because the money exchange is always changing...

I went to Europe over the summer...  When I left the US,, It was 2.0 USD to the Pound,  and when I landed in England it was 2.15 USD to the pound...

Answer 7

Most of the larger towns you can use USD. plan to get colones in return. Keep a few hundred dollars in colones on had. You'll probably get the best exchange rate using an ATM.

Answer 8

Ok, if you only carry around US dollars in CR you will easily get ripped off all the time. If your going to the San Jose airport there is a little window that says currency exchange next to some rent a car windows. DO NOT exchange your dollars there because you will get riped off, its not a bank. But when you get out the door of the airport your gonna see a lot of taxi drivers offering you service but if you go up to the second floor once your out side there is a bank in the airpot open 24 hours just ask where the bank in the airport is and they will give you the correct currency exchange.

Its highly recomended to have daily money in CR currency so that you dont get riped off.

Answer 9

my girlfriend came to visit me here and she just had US dollars and exchanged it right at the airport.  It's no big deal and it's quick to exchange.  Don't get to much because you don't want to take any home with you like she did.

Answer 10

dude,

  if you ging to exchange money, do it only at the banks

  $100 it would last you for 4-5 days

Answer 11

Yes.  You can change your money in Juan Santamaria airport or in almost any bank.  Most banks also have English speaking tellers for ignorant Americans (that was me!).

Answer 12

Ok, I went to Costa Rica about a week ago. If you like little outlet malls, like me, I would bring some money. There are lots of cute dresses, purses, and clothes to buy, so bring no more than 100 dollars. If you want to do an excusion, they normally accept American money, and so do most little shops and boutiques there. Have fun!

Answer 13

no