Was in Belize last year and found I could use the US dollar easily. How 'bout CR? Will be in San Jose, Arenal and Flamingo Beh. If not, are there ATMs? And are CC readily accepted. I travel all over the world on CC and Debit card to use at ATMs however, in Venazula both were difficult.

US$ are easy to use in most tourist hotels and restaurants; as you get out into the smaller towns you may find a few conversation problems but usually people are happy to help relieve you of those pesky dollars! There are ATMs in the more well-known tourist towns (SJ, Tamarindo, Jaco, etc) that dispense Colones at the best exchange rates. The ATMs I used last time were connected to banks (in my case, Banco Popular who correspond with BofA) in very secure surroundings. Don't be surprised to see heavily armed (machine guns!) guards at all banks. CC's are accepted almost everywhere as well. You will find CR is very civilized and well set-up to help you spend your money! Good luck, you'll have fun!

I agree with David as to the ease of use of US Dollars and ATM cards. Just keep in mind the following: the preferred CC and ATM system is Visa (it was harder to find ATMs for MC based cards). A lot of smaller local restaurants do not accept credit cards (but will accept dollars and give you change in colones).<BR>Our strategy was to plan a few days ahead and get money from ATMs in bigger towns that would last us for the next few days. It worked well.

Thanks David and Iza, sounds like it's similar to Mexico and Belize and not Venezuela. Funny thing is that I've never heard of an ATM that took Visa and not MC. Lucky for me my debt card is Visa as well as CC. However, the CC I use most, American Airlines, is MC. Good to know I can easily get colones from an ATM as that is always the most convenient way to get cash, IMO.

One more thing Fran....don't take and bills over $50. They don't like taking large bills.<BR>

Just back from CR. The bigger towns all have money machines, a few even give dollars. Credit cards often entail an extra percentage charge because of the bank charges so we used cash even in places that took plastic.

Ally,<BR>Thanks, I was thinking of not taking anything over a $10 as I know receiving the change in colones will be difficult.<BR>Sammie,<BR>I've seen a surcharge of 50%, really. So I'll definitely ask first.<BR>Thanks