Hello! I am trying to determine how much money I should bring with me on my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I will only be responsible for my own expenses (no family since I am traveling with 2 friends).

Here is what is planned:
San Jose Area - 1 1/2 days. We will need to pay for food and 2 nights lodging that has not been arranged yet.

Almonds & Corals - 8 days. We have already prepaid this including all our meals and tours that we wanted. The only expenses that we know we will want here are snacks and drinks.

We are curious about what other sort of expenses we will run into or what sort of things we will want to buy to bring home.

This is seriously just a ladies get-a-way trip. We are planning on really taking advantage of everything we have already paid for. The biggest thing that we were planning on spending money on is alcoholic drinks each night!

We would love to hear what other people plan on for money.

Thanks in advance. This site is really helping us with our plans.

Well I can only say what I do about money.

I never use the ATM machines.
I bring cash, after I have calculated about how much cash to bring, including money for tips.

I always use my Mastercard and/or Visa whenever I can.

I often ask ,"can I use my Mastercard or Visa here."

I leave my cash in the room safe(if there is one ) or in safe at the front desk....taking out only what I need for that day.

I have never had a problem yet in all my travels going this route.

Last year I toured England/ Scotland/Ireland and Wales and I took a grand total of 200 pounds (about $200.00 ) with me.. I came back with 20 pounds ( $20.00),
however,
I used my credit card everywhere.

I am still waiting to be billed on my Mastercard for a few items I bought in Edinburgh Scotland..it has been a year now !!!

Anyway , that is what I do , other I know use the ATM and that is just fine.

Percy

We used our AmEx whenever possible. Remember that if a person uses their credit card for a cash advance, there will be a fee attached to the transaction unlike any ATM fee you've ever paid -and- the interest begins immediately (w/o a grace period).

There are ATM machines in CR - in the most populated and business-related areas. Same as in the states, right? You can pay in US dollars or CR colones. I recommend bringing a pocket calculator.

You might also consider having a few dollars on hand for tips.

rex is correct

Do not use your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM machine..I have never done this.

You will have no trouble in San Jose to get to an ATM machine...but use your bank card , not the credit card like Visa or Mastercard.

Percy

Just to add a contrarian voice to the thread...we were in MA in January and used our ATM card extensively. Only problem was over New Years when the machines ran out of cash. We had obtained a Visa debit card that we were able to use at banks to withdraw cash and not be subject to the immediate (or any!) interest. Also used Visa credit whenever possible. Be aware that many establishments are reluctant to accept - we had a tour operator that told us it was OK when we booked, and that we would pay the boat captain. Upon arrival the captain had conveniently 'forgotten' his CC machine, and could we please pay in cash...Bottom line, we relied on plastic and had (except for New Years) no money problems in CR - a debit card is a great idea, though!

-Jeff