This is mostly for those of you who live in CR : Are banks open on Saturdays? Can I expect them to be closed Thursday - Saturday of Semana Santa? I will be in Tortuguero, Arenal area and Monteverde and I'm trying to plan when and where I should change money. Are ATMs reliable in touristy areas when banks are closed for several days or do they run out of money? Thanks for your help.

There was just an article in yesterday's paper about this. All banks countrywide will close next Wednesday at the end of the day for Holy Week and will not open again until Monday morning.

If you're asking about Saturday hours in general at banks, most are closed, although a few (VERY few) in San Jose keep Saturday morning hours. Just not Easter weekend.

You didn't ask this, but remember: no alcohol is sold in any way, shape or form on Thursday or Friday on Holy Week. No wine or beer with dinner.

Thanks, Jeff. That info really saves me from running into trouble. How about ATMs?

Not much of a drinker, although I do enjoy a glass of wine with my meals every now and then, but thanks for the heads up

You don't say where you'll be on which days, but I'd try to get a stash of cash Wednesday or before just to be on the safe side. Any machine that runs out of money that weekend isn't going to be restocked until Monday. You'll find ATMs in La Fortuna and Monteverde. La Fortuna, in particular, has several banks and cash machines these days.