Where to get costa rican currency

My friends wanted to shop for souvenir gifts. My husband and I went along for the journey. A very charismatic, flamboyant man guilted us into his shop. Made us his best friend, told us he accepts credit cards and enthusiastically helped us around the store. It was chaotic but came off as enthusiasm.

Luckily, I know I can dispute the charge with my credit card and get the money back. How many tourists leave that shop or shops…not sure how many shops run this scam and not realize what transpired?

The shop is Souvenirs Patty- that is how it appears on our credit card statement. Yikes so sorry to hear that!! So informative and helpful!!! Thanks for all the great advice. We are in the planning stages for a trip to Costa Rica next March. Thanks for all the info so far. If the math is not done correctly, do I just point it out to the cashier.

Check if they posted what the exchange rate they use is, most supermarkets and gas stations do, but if you go to a small one or a more rural area, right now it is around CRC to 1 USD. Hi Sammi and Yeison, We are finally 2 weeks away from our trip to Costa Rica, and thanks to all your help, we are down to figuring out how many colognes we will need. Question for today: Is gas paid in colognes, dollars, or can it be paid with credit card, even?

We are really excited about it, and all your information has been outstanding. We are renting our car thru your website, too. Thank-you so much. Thank you for the very informative information, I have really enjoyed reading your blog. The exchange rate to purchase Colones in Canada is less favourable. Are the ATMs readily available? We land in Liberia and head to La Fortuna and would likely want to with draw some local currency in the first couple of days.

Thank you Sammi, Our intention would be to leave our Canadian money at home. Thank you Diane. I would think Canadian to colones would be just straight Canadian to Colones.

With respect to exchanging money in CR, specifically Samara where we just spent January, the two local banks have no issue exchanging your Can for Colones and for a good rate as well. We received the same exchange rate as available in the money exchange locations in Malls and better than at our Can bank.

All that is needed is to take your passport with you. Do you know which if any banks in Playas Del Coco will exchange Canadian dollars? Would much prefer to not have to get USD here in Canada before we leave and have to exchange twice.

Just heard about one mobile application Fairswap to exchange cash. Widely, you can post your need in foreign currency and if there is someone nearby facing the reverse need, then he can contact you and you will meet him and make the swap. Could be a good way to change before travelling or get rid of some leftover after holidays. So impressed with your blog! One question — do you have any info on moving to Costa Rica?

My trip in 2 weeks is to visit potential areas to live. I would really appreciate any ideas or recommendations you may have. Thanks so much and keep up the great job!! You guys have the best job in the world! Hi Patsy, thanks for your kind words! We just try to do our best to put as much helpful and up to date info as possible! Good luck! Keep in mind banks are open for business Monday to Friday. Costa Ricans will usually take American dollars if you have no colones on you.

My recommendation: charge any purchases that you can and have the credit card company determine the currency conversion for you. Typical coin denominations are 5, 10, 25, 50, , and colones. Typical denominations for paper money are , , , , and colones. If you have these simple conversions in mind as you travel around the country, they will help you judge prices for things.

Check on fees, surcharges, and the exchange rate. Do keep it in a separate location, if possible. To avoid exchange costs, pay for things priced in U.

Pay for things priced in colones with colones typically local sodas and fast food, taxis using a meter, and sometimes bar tabs. One exception is modern supermarkets not little mini-supers or pulperias where things are priced in colones but it does not matter what currency you use to pay because the computerized cash registers are programmed to give the current bank rate for exchange.

You should either pay in colones or ask for a fair exchange rate. Prior to February when the currency took a nosedive this estimate was pretty exact. This rough equivalent is still okay to get a general idea of how much things cost when looking at a price tag or menu but when doing the exchange you should request the actual current rate.

So as shown in the image a 5 mil colones bill is almost a 10 dollar bill, 10 mil colones a 20 dollar bill and 50 mil colones is nearly a hundred bucks. Approximate equivalencies between U.