Job Discussion Forums

[KatyaZ]

How would one go about opening a bank account in San Jose? As a teacher working illegally, do the employers pay cash or would you get an actual paycheck?
I feel uneasy because I am going alone, as a young caucasian blonde female and either way, I don't think carrying more cash than needed is such a good idea! How would you manage finances there? Thank you so much, Katya.

[Cheza]

I got a bank account quite easily. All that was required was a passport, and some money to put into the account.

As for getting paid: I get my paycheck directly deposited into my account twice a month, which is nice because it`s just a simple trip to the ATM to get my money. It would be a good idea to get a job before you get a bank account, some buisnesses will require you to have an account at a certain bank, or else they wont pay you.

[still trying]

OJO!! Just a little word of warning about the Bank of San Jose in Costa Rica which is actually a Nicaraguan bank. I had no trouble opening an account there (because I was married to a Tico at the time) but I found that not just once, but twice when I neglected to access my account for more than a month by either putting money in or taking what little (equivalent to $14.)I had out, they closed my account and the money that I had in the account vanished. I was never able to get it back and even though it was not a lot of money, it was the point of taking MY money after the account only being inactive for one or two months. Other than that I liked the bank because there were always less people and fewer lineups than the government banks. Perhaps you can check out their policy on closing accounts as you might want do do some travelling (as did I) while I had my account there.

[maw]

Can anyone suggest a good bank to open an account at??

[doreenp]

Is it really necessary to have a bank account here? Do we make that much money that we can have a ��savings�� account??

There are quite a few large financial institutions here but i wouldn�t go so far as to make a recommendation about them. I use the one in my university and hope and pray it stays solid.

To open my account i had to show my passport and a utility bill from the residence i live in, giving a complete address (which can be fun) and i had to give the name and phone numbers of two people who could supposedly vouch for me.

ATM�s are all over the place and so far � haven�t had any problems with them. Carrying cash is not an option. Only carry what you need for that day and find a good stash for the rest.
cheers
d