Money & ATMs & extra charges etc

Yes, you can use bank debit cards most everywhere - stores, restaurants and etc. However you may need cash from time to time for example .. taxis, local small stores and local restaurants. You can also use an ATM with a USA debit card. The ATM fees range from $4.50 to about $9 per transaction and you can typically get about $400 per day. This may be different for your USA bank and to some degree depends on what bank ATM you use. Most banks will exchange USD to Colones even if you don’t have an account with that bank (which you won’t at this point). I am basing this on San Jose and central valley. I don’t know about the smaller more remote areas of Costa Rica. It would be my guess that cash is needed more in the smaller areas outside San Jose. If you do use a credit card, make sure the card does not have foreign transaction fees. Hope this helps!

Hello

I’m not sure what the charges are but I’ve sent myself money 5-7 times via MoneyGram and each time the transfer/transaction was very easy and for me  a safe option.

I’ve thought about loading up my PayPal card and keeping it as a emergency stash.

. Do atm cards have a freeze/unfreeze button?

RE: freeze/unfreeze options for debit cards ….. I have 3 debit cards and all 3 allow me to “lock/unlock” them via their online app (or on their website if at a computer). I typically keep them locked and then unlock them when they are needed. Very easy to do and takes only seconds - at least that is my experience. I do use a VPN if I am away from home and log into my account via their online app.

@Michael Trainor - my recommendation is to find a credit card that does not have a conversion fee for international transactions.  My bank cards do and after a while it adds up.  So I typically put it all on one card and then transfer funds from my bank account to pay off that card frequently.  (my card is an airline card so I am also getting points for all my transactions).  But ATMs are great here and easy to use so you will have no problem using them to pull out colones or dollars, and you can use tap (so I also use my Apple card as it also doesn't have an international fee).

@Michael Trainor I think that if you can, if you want I can send a contact of a residence where they can help you to stay for a while while you make your decisions and see if you really like it or not, in addition to giving you advice on your procedures in Costa Rica

PJ is correct - get a card with no foreign transaction fees. Also get a card like Schwab debit that reimburses your ATM fees at the end of the month. You are still charged the bank ATM fee but the card (like Schwab) deposits the ATM fees back into your account.

@MilenaPaniagua I'd be interested in having that contact and information regarding the place, the cost, what's included etc.....as much info that is available....

Thank you much for the reply and offer

Michael

I have been using my Schwab  debit card for years  They reimburse all transaction fees at the end of each month  I have checked my statements to be sure