Costa Rica has very few rules with respect to currency exchange, and because local banks offer commission free rates free the airport currency exchange in San Jose is by no means a bargain. Banks in Costa Rica do not charge a commission to change cash, and instead earn a profit by keeping a two percent spread on exchange in both directions.
For example, change $500 at Global Exchange at Juan Santamaria Aiport in Costa Rica, and you loose $50 for not understanding that the Banco of San Jose window is just a few yards away in the departure area of the airport.
Best advice is to use cash in Costa Rica and transact all currency exchange at local banks.
It is the same thing at every airport you idiot! You don't need to be a genius to work this out. The Forex exchange companies prey on idiots who didn't get their foreign cash at a bank beforehand. They can charge whatever they like because it is suckers and morons who exchange cash at airports.
While this is generally an overpriced service the point of the article is that you do not need to use it at all in Costa Rica. There is a branch of the Banco de San Jose at the airport check-in are which does not charge any fees.
A person can actually save hundreeds of dollars without leaving the airport.
This is a useful tip. One would not normally think to exit the arrival area and go to the departure area to exchange money. Going next week and the exchange rates at the local US banks are ridiculous. Better off going to the airport to the Banco San Jose!