Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Costa Rica: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
I usually withdraw straight from an ATM on arrival and Costa Rica was no different. My Monzo card worked perfectly at the Banco de Costa Rica machine near baggage claim. Compared the rate later and it was almost spot on with the mid-market rate. I saw people queuing at the exchange booth next to customs and felt lucky I skipped it. Unless your card charges high ATM fees I’d say avoid exchanging cash at the airport.
I tried both during my trip. Exchanged some USD at the airport just to have a bit of local cash on hand. Got around 530 colones per dollar. Later used my Axis Bank forex card at an ATM in Liberia and got close to 610 per dollar after fees. Big difference. If you need a small amount immediately then the exchange counter is okay but for anything more than 50 dollars I’d say go straight to a bank ATM.
I made the mistake of using the currency exchange counter at Juan Santamaría Airport. They gave me a terrible rate for my US dollars and even charged a service fee. Later I compared it with what my Wise debit card gave me at a BAC Credomatic ATM in town and the difference was huge. I now avoid airport counters completely. ATMs win every time if you’re using a card that doesn’t add big fees.
Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Costa Rica: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Just landed in San José last week and was tempted to exchange at the airport counter because it looked convenient. Glad I checked the rates first. They were offering way less than the actual rate. I withdrew from a Banco Nacional ATM just outside the arrivals area using my Scotiabank Visa and got a much better deal. Even with the small withdrawal fee, I saved money overall. I’d say go with the ATM if your card has fair international terms.