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Costa rica currency (Costa Rican Colon, CRC) in forex

Fact 1 - What is the exchange rate for Costa Rican currency?

The exchange rate, as of November 20, 2006, is approximately 520 Costa Rican Colones to $1 U.S.

Where is a good place to exchange money?

Currency Exchange Costa Rica.: As you exit the airport, you will notice a currency exchange office. The exchange rate offered at this office is not a good exchange rate, so only use this for small amounts of cash. As of November 17, 2006, the Costa Rica currency exchange rate is 520 Costa Rica colones to U.S. $1 dollar. You can exchange money in banks in Fortuna, Jaco, or San Jose, or at your San Jose hotel. The airport currency exchange booths usually do not offer good exchange rates, and street vendors sometimes have counterfeit bills. Your hotel cashier in San Jose offers a safe alternative to street vendors and a much bettter exchange rate than the airport booth.

Fact 2 - The unit of currency is the colon (CRC), which trades around 518 to the U.S. dollar; currently about 675 to the euro. On October 16, 2006, a new currency exchange system was introduced, allowing the value of the CRC colon to float between two bands as done previously by Chile. The idea is that by doing so the Central Bank will be able to better tackle inflation and discourage the use of US dollars. Since that time, the value of the col??n against the dollar has stabilized.

Fact 3 - For tourists: Colones is the official currency of Costa Rica. Visa and MasterCard are the most recognized credit cards in Costa Rica. American Express is taken in few places, and Diner's Club is rarely accepted. Please note that when using credit cards, merchants will often charge you a transaction fee in order to cover their costs. Please use your credit cards only when absolutely necessary. ATM machines (Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus/Plus), with directions in English, are a popular choice for exchanging currency at the official rate of exchange (user fees may apply) and are available 24 hours a day. They debit your account, distribute the money in US dollars/local currency and are widely available in all major cities and large towns. Money exchange offices, "Casas de Cambio," are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday. All money exchange offices and banks are closed on Sundays. ATMs are the only method of obtaining money on Sundays. Small towns may not have ATMs, so make sure to ask your guide when and where is the best place to obtain money.