Hi, Any suggestions what currency to take to Costa Rica and where is it best to buy it.? I was told the banks are the best way to go. Thanks.

Buy colón at calfornex in Chinook. However lots of atms and banks there too. Super easy to take out from atm of you need more.

I’ve been at two different banks where the teller also recommended calfornex. Better rates, more currency types

There is a calforex downtown too. Banks are never the best option and often you have to order in advance.

Lorelei that is what i was told that i'm paying extra for the convenience at calforex

What kind of card you used? Visa, master, or debit?

Ibolya nah not in my experience.

Ibolya used cibc debit card there. Also had a royal bank one with me.

Thank you Never used US $ there?

I have actually tested this. I went to my bank CIBC in the Bow building, asked the rate for $1000USD and then walked over to calforex and saved $30 including their fee. And CIBC adds 2.5% if you use a credit card or debit card and then their higher FX rate,

you can use US dollars but I recommend using colones(sp?)

Ibolya we always Travel with some USD but why exchange currencies twice. Especially with our exchange to USD right now. If you do take USD, take small bills. We were just in Mexico a week ago and due to trump they are not very willing to take USD. They preferred CAD if you didn’t have pesos. I know CR isnt in his sights like Mexico and the wall is but still. Local currency is always best

How did you carry all the colones about. Was it safe ?

Ibolya had a waist belt. Both wore some money. Then in our wallets. Don’t take anything to the beaches that you wouldn’t want stolen. I had $3 old navy flip flops stolen. Just use common sense. It’s quite touristy there.

Depending on where you’re going down there, USD is extremely accepted as well. Just a matter of keeping an eye on the CAD/USD exchange rate
We’ve been down there twice now and haven’t had any issues. They’ll exchange to colones as change for bigger bills if they don’t have USD

Kristen The hotel safekeeping is safe for beach days?

Ibolya most likely. We stayed in hostels and left extra cash in our room. You can also buy those water proof bags to take to the beach, wear in the water. I had large pro cameras and lens with me on surf trips. No issues. Just my cheap flip flops that I thought were safe so I left them to go for a swim.

We used our Royal Bank debit card in the ATMs without any problems.

Kristen Thanks.that is very helpful. Your flip flops must have been extra cute

Ibolya lol: standard black old navy ones. But ya I guess so

Brittany Campbell Indrani Roy

If your a Scotia Bank customer, they have branches and a ATM.

I would never leave cash in hotel or hostel rooms in any country. I agree with using money belts, waterproof containers for your phone, and I add an emergency rain poncho and/or a little umbrella. Take a tiny flashlight as electricity often goes out in Costa Rica. Check out the travel store in Willow park village for all of those things.

Usd is accepted widely especially in fortuna. However they will give you change in colones so you'll lose out there for sure.

Thank you.I appreciate all the info you all shared.

ICE or calforex

Check with your airline to see if your departure tax is included with your ticket. Some airlines include it, some don't. It's $29 U.S. per head and they will accept c.c.'s , but only on a cash advance basis. Easier if you have the U.S. $$ on hand. If you use U.S. $$ for local purchases, while accepted in many tourist areas, you will probably get a lousy exchange rate. A lot of places still exchange at 500 to 1 because it's an easy conversion. I just checked the BCR site (Banco de CR) and currently it's 560 compra (buy) and 572 venta (sell).