Central America - Costa Rica and USD

I am heading to Costa Rica at the end of this week.

My understanding is USD seems to be accepted by just about everyone, though, you might be dinged a bit on the exchange rate.

Since, I'm a big participant in the $1 coin deal has discussed in the miles Buzz section, I've got a few rolls of them kicking about right now that I could use down there. Are they familiar with them? Will they take them? Most of my other big expenses are already taken care of, so, I'm figuring to use them for quick cab rides and such.

I know in Ecuador, they were everywhere, granted the currency for Ecuador is USD.

Most places accepted dollar bills at 500 colons to the dollar (much better than the 425 rate at the US airport with their fees). However, since your question pertains to dollar coins I think few people (especially abroad) are aware they exist and would probably refuse to take them.

I doubt they'll take them.

Our banks dont take US coins (any )

So thats why they are not accepted here , we simply can't use trade them for colones

The dollar today is at a 3 year low against the mighty Colon. Trading just a few centavos north of 500/$. DO NOT exchange dollars for colones at the SJO airport exchange house, you will be dinged over 10%. Taxis, etc.. will give you very close to the official rate, and you can change at your hotel or any local bank for the official rate.

As noted above the $ coins would not be looked at as special, and you may have trouble unloading them in Costa Rica. If you get in a bind I can give you 250 colones per dollar coin. PM me;)

I will improve any rate that TacaCopaFlyer gives .......with this colon/dollar exchange rate thing......my income is starting to seriously suffer so I guess I will have to diversify (IT + dollar exchange services.......LMAO)

Thanks for the replies. I'll leave the coins here (well deposit them here).

I'll just bring some cash, and use the ATM's to get colones where necessary.

I had just thought taking a few coins would save me a trip to the bank, and, as an added benefit the additional weight of my carry on could double as a dumb bell, and I could get a little work out while waiting for my connecting flight at DFW :)

The coins are useless there and they do not want them. Also make sure that your US currency has NO RIPS & NO MARKS (writing, stamps) on them as they WILL NOT accept them.

Have a BLAST it is a GREAT Country ^