Do I need to convert dollars into Colons? Or can I just hop on the first chicken bus and pay in dollars? In Nicaragua there is no point in ever converting because dollars are as good as cordobas - I just always get my change in local currency.
1
costaklaus
Normally you have to pay public buses in Colones. Drink a coffie at the airport and pay with a small note and you'll get back Colones for the bus.
2
elkythedogsperson
Same in Costa Rica. Just make sure you have small notes ($20 or less) in good condition (no tears, not too worn.) Once you're here though, colones are better for local purchases. The exchange is currently about 500 colones to the dollar at most businesses.
3
gawkabout
atmz in many places, give you a choise.
Expats say pay your bills in calones. Get cash in Dolares.
The calones use to slip every day. Now its both.
I tell 'em I think I was overcharged somewhere. The expats say, "Yeah. We just get use to the blue eye tax."
But then, there's times when a store owner will see you don't have quite enough cash. And they'll say,
"That's close enough." or, smile and say, "Just bring me the rest, next time."
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