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Costa Rica Currency
Exchange and Credit Cards
When exchanging
your money, you can either utilize the services at many of the
local banks, or embrace the services of your hotel. Most hotels
will exchange your money providing that you are staying at their
hotel. The rate they offer is a bit below that offered by the
banks, however, changing money at the local banks requires plenty
of time due to beauracratic handling procedures. It is not unusual
to spend between 30-60 minutes online waiting to exchange your
money. We recommend that you maximize the services offered by
your hotel as it is almost always safe, and the time saved is
worth every penny lost. There are several money exchangers that
offer their services around the downtown area of San Jose, as
well as at the international airport. Several present themselves
as legitimate business practices, however, beware, as the majority
are not. Generally speaking, we do not suggest you take advantage
of these services. While the exchange rate might be enticing,
problems are common and little, if any, recourse is available
in the event you have a serious problem.
At the present
time, the current exchange rate is 492.00 colon per 1 U.S. dollar.
The colon comes in bills denominated in the following amounts:
10,000, 5,000 (called toucans), 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, and 50
colones. The coins are donominated in 100, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1
colones. Recently, the central bank has printed gold coins in
all the same denominations mentioned above, however, several of
them are smaller than those presently in circulation, and therefore,
do not work in any of the public machines, i.e. telephones, etc.
Most car rental
companies, travel providers, hotels, large restaurants, and department
stores will accept all major credit cards, including Mastercard,
Visa and American Express. In the event that you need assistance
with stolen cards or in obtaining cash advances, we have included
information below which should be of some assistance.
American
Express
This American Express office is the only branch that will assist
you with card replacement. Customer service and establishment
services are also available, including cash advances and bill
payment. Several other regional offices are available, however,
telephone calls are always forwarded to the central office. English
is spoken.
Location:
on Calle Central, between Avenidas 3 y 5
English is Spoken
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. M-F, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m Saturdays
Local Telephones: 2257-0155
To call US: 0-800-012-3211
Visa/Mastercard
This Credomatic office is the only branch that will assist you
with card replacement for Visa/Mastercard. The card replacement
process for Visa/Mastercard is much more time consuming as they
have to correspond with U.S. authorities. Customer service and
establishment services are also available. Credit card payments
can not be paid unless your credit card has been issued through
a local bank.
Location:
on Calle Central, between Avenidas 3 y 5
English is Spoken
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., M-F, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturdays
Local Telephones: 2257-0155
To call US (Visa): 0-800-011-0030
To call US (Mastercard): 0-800-011-0184
Diners
Club International
This branch offers all major custormer services, i.e. available
credit, remaining balance, bill payments, etc.
Locatation:
in the Scotiabank (2nd floor) near the corner of Ave. 1 y Calle
2; almost diagonal from the Post Office.
Hours: Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Telephones: 2257-2351 (during business hours), 2257-7878 (24 hours)
ATM's are
scattered throughout Costa Rica, in most major cities and tourist
areas.
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tropical getaway at your pace
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Rica Rentals Contact
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