Exchanging Costa Rican Colones in Nicaragua
We arrived on the bus to Nicaragua recently and read that the best way to exchange Costa Rican Colones to Nicaraguan Cordobas was at the border.
We have about 89,000 Colones (approx. $154) in cash that we want to change. A guy at the border was offering us a maximum of 4000 Cordobas (approx $132). We thought this was extremely low so we decided against it.
The problem is, we didn't realise how difficult it is to change colones inside Nicaragua.
We're stuck with it now and really don't want to get a bus back to the border.
Does anybody know where we can change colones inside Nicaragua?
Best Answer
In Nicaragua, currency exchange is a open market. Banco Centrale de Nicaragua sets a rate; banks, finance companies, exchange houses (casas de cambio), and independent agents can decide their own price, as you found at the border. A lot of small businesses also exchange currency, registered, and post their services and rates. Street corner money changers, coyotes, abound, of course.
Larger banks offering currency exchange:
Casas de Cambio:
Global Exchange Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Carretera Norte Managua
- International departures landside hall (daily 05:00 - 18:00)
- International arrivals airside in front of the immigration desk (daily 07:00 - 23:00)
Some private banks and Credit Unions offer exchange services to customers (but no guarantee would do so for those who are not):
Resources:
Nomas Operativas de las Casas de Cambio
Banking regulations in Nicaragua
La Prensa: La tasa de cambio de una empresa en el aeropuerto es inferior a la tasa oficial
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Where can I exchange Costa Rican money?
You can exchange currency in Costa Rica at any of the banks like Banco Nacional, BCR, Scotiabank, etc. To exchange money in Costa Rica, it is required to bring your original passport. You can also exchange currency at the airport in Costa Rica.Where can I exchange money in Nicaragua?
You can convert your currency in hotels, at casas de cambio (money-exchange houses), at some banks, and at Managua International Airport. It is difficult to change traveler's checks outside the capital. ATMs -- ATMs are becoming increasingly available, even in far-flung places like the Corn Islands.Are dollars accepted in Nicaragua?
Can visitors use US dollars in Nicaragua? The Nicaraguan currency is the C\xf3rdoba (C), but most establishments accept payment in US dollars. The exchange rate is approximately Cs 30.66 per US dollar (January 2018). Most Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores in both urban and tourist areas.Is the exchange rate good in Costa Rica?
The answer is no. The exchange rate was consistent around \xa2500 to $1 for many years but recently devalued to \xa2600. It's unlikely that any U.S. or other foreign bank would have so much as a single Col\xf3n in the vault and commissions on special orders are very high.How To Convert Colones To Dollars
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