Print

mcarr19:58 UTC04 Aug 2007

We're coming from Spain and would like to know if it's better to order dollars now from the bank here or wait 'til we get to CR. Is it true that you are charged more in general for using US dollars instead of colones? During other travels we have taken out money from a cashpoint on arrival at the airport and then later on in villages with suitable facilities. So, what's better... dollars or colones? bank exchange or cashpoints (ATMs)? Thanks for the advice.

sean9411020:06 UTC04 Aug 2007

Spending colones is allways better in CR

dkt2u20:32 UTC04 Aug 2007

Sean, I'm not sure I agree with that statement. It is difficult to spend us bills over a $20 denomination, but other than that there is absolutely no problem using dollars. In fact most tico's love having the dollars. You absolutely will not pay more for goods or services by using dollars instead of colones, unless you are dealing with a clerk that is dishonest and not giving you the proper amount of colones in change when you give them dollars.

to answer the OP's question....... most ATM's here will give you dollars or colones. Your bank will most likely charge you some kind of transaction fee. Do not use the exchange services at the airport, their exchange rate is horrible. If you have dollars and use them in a store or restuarant, you will always get colones in change, so keep that in mind and know the average exchange rate so that you know you are getting the correct change back. That can get a little confusing if you are not used to it.

costaklaus00:58 UTC05 Aug 2007

In most cases you can pay with Dollar, but the Colones is the money of Costa Rica and therefore I use it. Don't change money in the streets, best change it at supermarkets, you'll pay only a low commision. Banks have often a long line, it's not worth to spend hours for change money. Use at ATM's EC-card with Maestro sign.

jardin01:01 UTC05 Aug 2007

Hi, take both, dollars( low denomination) and colones (2000,5000 and 10000) not much, at the end of your trip can change the balance, most of the ticos like dollars buth in some places don't accept them so is better to be well prepare for everything. Almost ATM give you dollars and colones
enjoy your trip
Cinthya
www.jardintropicalbandb.com

Money money money Country forums / Central America / Costa Rica
mcarr19:58 UTC04 Aug 2007	We're coming from Spain and would like to know if it's better to order dollars now from the bank here or wait 'til we get to CR. Is it true that you are charged more in general for using US dollars instead of colones? During other travels we have taken out money from a cashpoint on arrival at the airport and then later on in villages with suitable facilities. So, what's better... dollars or colones? bank exchange or cashpoints (ATMs)? Thanks for the advice.
sean9411020:06 UTC04 Aug 2007	Spending colones is allways better in CR	1
dkt2u20:32 UTC04 Aug 2007	Sean, I'm not sure I agree with that statement. It is difficult to spend us bills over a $20 denomination, but other than that there is absolutely no problem using dollars. In fact most tico's love having the dollars. You absolutely will not pay more for goods or services by using dollars instead of colones, unless you are dealing with a clerk that is dishonest and not giving you the proper amount of colones in change when you give them dollars. to answer the OP's question....... most ATM's here will give you dollars or colones. Your bank will most likely charge you some kind of transaction fee. Do not use the exchange services at the airport, their exchange rate is horrible. If you have dollars and use them in a store or restuarant, you will always get colones in change, so keep that in mind and know the average exchange rate so that you know you are getting the correct change back. That can get a little confusing if you are not used to it.	2
costaklaus00:58 UTC05 Aug 2007	In most cases you can pay with Dollar, but the Colones is the money of Costa Rica and therefore I use it. Don't change money in the streets, best change it at supermarkets, you'll pay only a low commision. Banks have often a long line, it's not worth to spend hours for change money. Use at ATM's EC-card with Maestro sign.	3
jardin01:01 UTC05 Aug 2007	Hi, take both, dollars( low denomination) and colones (2000,5000 and 10000) not much, at the end of your trip can change the balance, most of the ticos like dollars buth in some places don't accept them so is better to be well prepare for everything. Almost ATM give you dollars and colones enjoy your trip Cinthya www.jardintropicalbandb.com	4

Money money money