Costa Rican Currency, Exchange Rates, Travelers Checks, and Credit Cards
I just want to thank Serendipity and tell you that we had a fantastic time on the trip. Each one of us had a different favorite activity and something that scared us to death so I would say that it was quite a successful vacation. What made the trip truly special for us though was our guide, Sergio, and the other guides we met along the way. When asked what his favorite activity was, my son replied that he liked many of the activities but what he liked most of all was meeting and talking with the guides. They are all special people.
Given what a great time we had and that we still have not seen the coasts or done many of the activities, we want to plan a trip for next year's vacation (Dec 15/16-23) and we definitely want to have Sergio as our guide again. The kids won't settle for anyone else and actually neither will Ron or I. Oh, and please check with Sergio and make sure he is available! (for our travel dates)! We would rather change our schedule than not have him as our guide.
(P.S. they did come back, Dec. 2006, and have planned Dec. 2007 already) — Melissa C., Richmond, VA, Dec. 2005 & Dec. 2006
Costa Rican Currency, Exchange Rates, and Travelers Checks
Bring only U.S. dollars in cash and in traveler's checks, which can be exchanged widely. Currency from other countries can only be exchanged at the central bank in San José, and is a long process (read: half a day!). The exchange rate in the airports in the U.S. is something like $1 = 500 colones; in San José the exchange (July 2007) is $1 = 518 colones and changing daily. There is an exchange booth in the IMMIGRATION area (but will probably be closed when your flight arrives). The exchange rate for travelers checks is lower, and must be exchanged in banks (depending on where you go to the bank this can mean 2 hours in line!). If you are being met at the airport by a Serendipity guide, we can help with the exchange, or provide you with cash if you've pre-arranged an exchange with us.
Credit Cards in Costa Rica
Credit cards work well in the Central Valley and the more established communities where there are phone lines for authorization. You may pay a premium to use the card.
Tourist hotels take credit cards for payment, but not to confirm reservations; under Costa Rica law, all credit card payments MUST have a physical credit card imprint and a signature. Because of this, phoned confirmations are not binding on you and therefore hotels, etc. will not guarantee hotel rooms on credit card numbers. Some hotels accept the cards on the phone, but in the end many hotels will sell a confirmed room to people with "real" money who show up. If Serendipity is arranging your accomodation this will not be an issue for you.
CAUTION! Many places accept only VISA, or only Mastercard, but not both! American Express is less widely accepted (about the same proportion in Costa Rica as in the USA). We've never seen the lesser known cards (Discover, Diner's Club, etc.) accepted here, but then we've never tried to use one.
