recovery

Money

Costa Rica’s national currency is the colone. US dollars are easily exchangeable at banks. Denominations of $20 and smaller are accepted at most stores. Larger bills must be exchanged at banks and a passport is required identification for non-residents.

Costa Rica has no black market for currency exchange. The rate has historically depreciated about 10% against the US dollar annually but this has not been true in 2007.

We recommend you bring only $200 for miscellaneous expenses. Visa and Master Card debit cards are widely accepted although most banks limit cash withdrawals to $500 per day. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are also widely accepted. Discover and American Express are accepted in select locations.

Banco Nacional, which is a government operated bank, will allow debit card withdrawals up to $2,000 per day if your bank in the United States allows it. Personal drafts or checks take 38 days to clear the Costa Rican banking system; therefore, Costa Rica Recovery, S.A. cannot cash personal checks. We will accept wire transfers on behalf of a patient but be aware our bank has a $45 wire transfer fee which will be deducted from any proceeds. Wire transfers may take up to 48 – 72 hours and are done on week days only.

The SWIFT format for message MT100 is the following :

56A INTERMEDIARY or CORRESPONDANT BANK – BIC SWIFT IRVTUS3N/ABA
No. 021000018 Bank of New York New York, NY

57A ACCOUNT WITH INSTITUTION – BIC
8033383577 (Bank number)
SWIFT NOSCCRSJ
Scotiabank de Costa Rica, S.A.

59 Costa Rica Recovery, S.A. (beneficiary)
3235307 01 (account number)
Identification 3-101-481986 (probably not needed)

Address in Spanish: En Frente Cemacho, Boulevard de Pavas, Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rica