I am a white american who does not speak spanish traveling to Costa Rica.?

Question

I plan on going to the San Jose part of Costa Rica. Any tips so that i do not get ripped off? The exchange rate is like 500 to 1. You would think I would live like a king in that time period but will they only charge American prices in most area's?

Should I bring travelers checks? Are ATM's a rip off? Somethings i would not want to you my credit card for. Any help? Thanks.

Answer 1

i don't want to be rude,  but take a BODYGUARD who speaks Spanish.  If you have not traveled abroad, know Americans are targets. your money and your family

Answer 2

Okay there is no need to exaggerate...

Many many people in Costa Rica speak very good English,but you should learn a little Spanish before you go.

Don't worry you will be fine..not everyone wants to rip you off,locals are usually very nice to tourists because they appreciate you visiting their country.Costa Rica is very developed,I'm sure ATMS are safe..just use common knowledge and you will be fine,I can assure you.

Any more questions feel free to contact me..I go to Costa Rica at least once a year.

Answer 3

518 colones (costa rica currency) to be exactly $1

but don't worry

For being American they are not going to you to overcharge of but nor although you either European or Canadian

I have gone from this city to San Jose mainly are going to you to acquire the right price

when you retire money of the ATM because you look for the banks that are named and known international

Answer 4

push 1 for english, 2 for spanish

Answer 5

I just returned from San Jose a couple of weeks ago and am returning in a couple of weeks.  A little spanish would be very helpful, but I am white and I was asked twice if I spoke  English.  Like traveling anywhere, be careful and try not to stand out.  Prices in Costa Rica are not a great deal cheaper than in the US unless you get off the tourist routes.  Do not take travelers checks.  It will be a real hassle.  Cash is good and many places will take dollars.  Use an ATM at a bank and you will be okay.  Credit cards work in most nice places.  Have a good time.

Answer 6

What does a white american have to do with travel to CR?

Sounds like you shold stay home.........CR........is great.........

Answer 7

It depends on what you're going to do.... If you stay within the tourist sector, visit frequently visited museums and stay in a luxurious hotel you won't need any spanish.... But if you want to get good deals and have some unique experiences, learning Spanish would be useful. But I guess it's a litte late for that... They will always try to rip you off, but hey... you're on vacation... just don't worry to much about it and even the tourist price they offer you may sometimes be lower than what you would pay for it back home... ofcourse, depending on where home is ;)...

Anyway, my advice is to just have a good time and try to use the local currency as much as possible... Flashing around your creditcard makes it very tempting for the rip-offer in someone to take over :-p.

Answer 8

Just bring someone who speak spanish, not because you should have problems, its because theres a lot of people who don't speak english and they will not understand you, or there's also others that when see that you're American and you only speak english double the price of the things they sell and somethings like that... and the rate is 518 to 1 something like that but also remember that the prices here are almost the same of U.S.A. or even in some places more expensive so don't think that the exchange rate is going to help you with that xD