Airport Departure Fee Question

[jerrym]

Does the airport take a credit card for the $27 (or whatever it is now) departure fee?

I don’t want to take colonies back to the states, so I was wondering if the airport accepted colonies, US dollars and credit cards?

If they accepted a credit card, that would simplify things, and I assume that they do, but I have learned not to assume thing here — check and be sure.

Unfortunantly, after two very enjoyable months here it’s time to go back to the US again, but at least it should be a lot warmer there by now.

Jerry Minchey

[Andrew]

I believe they accept US dollars and Costa Rica colones only.

See more in Spanish at [ https://www.hacienda.go.cr/Msib21/Espanol/Direccion+General+de+Tributacion/Tramite+de+salida+del+pais.htm ]
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[anneliseped]

Yes, you can pay with a VISA card. Last month they would not take Master Card, but there is an Automatic teller machine at the airport.

[pweisel1]

Just be sure to go to the departure fee line *BEFORE* you get in line to check in 😉

[*Lotus]

Also you may pre-pay the departure tax upon arrival, just put the receipt in a safe place.

[grb1063]

You can also pay for it at any Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), which to my knowedge is the only bank that provides this service.

[Charlie]

. Banco Agricola has always received $$ for the departure tax too/

[Imxploring]

Pay the $26 in cash when you arrive in CR. We normally walk upstairs and pay the exit tax while we’re waiting for the car rental to pick us up. I believe they even have a desk in the arrival/immigration area too. Then tuck the receipt in your wallet or passport. Don’t pay in colones or with a credit card unless you want to be ripped off. They give you a very poor exchange rate if you do so! I’ve arrived at the airport late on departure days and watched as people wait on a long line to pay the tax. So much easier to pay it in advance and NOT be rushed.

Edited on Feb 28, 2008 19:04

[drbobmellen]

I just returned from Costa rica and I paid the clerk with a visa card. She specifically asked for a VISA card. Hope this is helpfull. It was $26 each. If you use a porter at the air[port for your luggage they are very helpfull facilitating yiur way through the entire departure process. I gave him $5 for the two of us. Bob

[jerrym]

Thanks everyone for all of the information and help. I found out basically what you all told me — that is that they take US dollars, or colones and they accept a Visa card (debit or credit), but they do not accept any other type of credit card (MasterCard, American Express, etc.).

I like the idea of paying with dollars when I arrive. I will do that the next time.

Everyone on this site is so helpful.

Jerry Minchey

[Marcia432]

There is a surcharge if you use a credit card to pay the tax. You are better off paying in cash–colones or dollars.

[FountainsGuesths]

I have heard there is a surcharge for using your Visa card but does anyone have exactly how much that is?

[Author]

Posts