I can't tell you specifically about the ATM at Playa Conchal or even if there is one at Brasilito. I do have lots of experience with Canadian bank cards and ATMs in the Central Valley and the Manuel Antonio area. My husband has used his TD card in various CR machines.

Check with TD - because I did read somewhere on another travel board, that they have some kind of account where the foreign ATM fees are not assessed but don't know any details

However, unless you have a special account, if your card works at an ATM in CR, you will more than likely pay $5.00 per transaction. Also most Canadians banks add a 2.5% currency conversion surcharge on transactions.

All ATMs and all ATM cards are not created equal. So though there are many machines throughout CR where your card will work, there are some where it just won't - even though the machine has all the right symbols on it. I have been able to take out amounts equal to over $300 in some machines. Some however did seem to have a limit of $100,000 colones.

As a general rule, the kind of machine you probably won't have success are the ones from the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) which ironically, in smaller places, may be the most common machnes around) I have had gratest succes with the private banks like BAC banco de San Jose, Scotiabank. On my last visit the BCR Banco de Costa Rica did work for me. (On a previous attempt several years ago, if ate my card)

Good Luck

raquel

Thanks Raquel,

I will check with my branch. I have a pretty good account and don't pay any fees for my atm card in Canada.

Thanks.

I would get money before going to Brasilito to be safe. They may not have an ATM and even if they do it may not work for your card. My boyfriend and I have had problems numerous times in Costa Rica trying to find a machine that will work for our card. We had to go to three banks once in Puntarenas to find the right one. If there is one in Brasilito there is probably only one. if you are visiting Flamingo while you are there then you will probably be ok to pull out money at that time.

Thanks ddherslef,

We are bringing enough cash for the first 4 days.

Everyone seems to say take small bills. If I am paying 400$ for a day trip will the vendors like 4 one-hundred dollar bills?

We are looking at 2000$ thats a lot of bills in 20's

Mike.

$100 are generally not accepted.

There is an ATM, located approximately 1 km south of Brasilito, near the entrance to Paradisius Playa Conchal. Closest bank is in Flamingo, approx. 5 kms north, where you can also cash travellers cheques.

Sorry, just re-read your post. Tour providers should have no problem with $100 bills, but local restaurants and stores may not accept.