Hi there,

I'm leaving for Costa Rica on Friday and need to go to the bank. I was wondering how much cash/travelers checks I should take and how much I should change into local currency. I shall be in CR for 9 days. Thanks again for your help.

Sarah (who can barely focus on work)

Take a credit card and use it wherever you are able (hotels , restaurants )we did with no charges . .... Take approx. $ 300.00 U.S. in travellers checques as "back up" ,$ 200.00 U.S. in small bills ( never carry too much cash and leave travellers checques in safety deposit box ) , then just use the atm's as you need money .

It all depends on which parts of the country you are visiting.

Please be aware, however, that all ATM's might not work with your card. It was hit or miss with us. Some say your PIN can be no more than 4 digits. (My 4 digit card still didn't work in some ATM's). Just don't leave yourself in a remote place with no cash.

Have a nice trip!

You can convert some dollars into local curency (Colones) at the airport when you arrive; get $100.00 worth and that should hold you for a bit until you can find an ATM that works. Some of the hotels will cash travellers checks for their guests; banks will charge a small fee to stand in line and check out the armed guards! LOL I know what you mean about work; you already have one foot out the door! Good luck, you'll have fun!

oops ... forgot to add , they use U.S. dollars everywhere we went .

Yes, every one takes US dollars and will give you change in colones. In all my trips to CR (16? 17? I lost count) I have never exchanged any dollars.