Americans banking in Costa Rica?

Question

I will be transferred by company to San Jose, Costa Rica in May. I do not want to open a Costa Rican bank account because of the devaluation of their currency against the U.S. Dollar. My U.S. bank doesn't have a branch in Costa Rica. Are there any U.S. banks with branches there?

If I use my current debit card or credit cards they charge 15-30% surcharges there.

Answer 1

I just came back from Costa Rica.  Didn't see any AMerican banks there.  There were plenty of Scotia banks which are Canadian though.  I'd just keep the money in your bank and withdraw large sums from the atm. it cost $7 no matter what the amount.

Answer 2

Scotia bank has branches.  Right now the colon is doing pretty good against the dollar.  It was about 515 colones to a dollar and now 496 colones.

Answer 3

We have two accounts opened already in CR...at Banco Cuscatlan [.com]. There are many banks over there Banco Nacional [whom we hear that CITI Bank is now affiliated with], Banco Central de Costa Rica [Costa Rica's Central Bank], Scotia Bank,Banco San Jose,Banco Cuscatlan & Banco Promerica are 'private banks'. You may want to do a search online by typing in Costa Rica then narrowing down to banking availabilty there...lots of info is online that taught us invaluable information! You will need a letter of reference from your current bank who now has you financial standings. Simply go to the bank you transact & request a Letter of reference from them, simply stating that you are in good financial standing with their bank. Good luck~

You will need someone who is TICO there that can assist you with verifying who you are etc, they usually ask for a utility bill, etc, our atty/friend helped us. Hopefully you are very good with Spainsh, you will need it. I wish I could advise more, but we are leaving for Costa Rica in just a few hours & I am pressed for time. If you want to send me an email I will be happy to help you out with more details when we return on Feb 7th...You might get even luckier if a Tico sees you question & assists with more clarity. Be aware that all the banks in CR vary according to whther one has difficulty opeing an account versus another opened one without any problem. Try not to get discourage there are lot's of American, Canadians, British & Aussies there...it is done all the tiem! Good Luck!