Costa Rica in recent months has had a shortage of small money. The ¢100 and ¢500 pieces have been particularly scarce, along with the ¢1,000 bill.
The Central Bank announced a plan last week to introduce 217.5 million coins – 50 percent of them ¢100; 25 percent ¢25; with the remaining 25 percent made up of ¢50 and ¢500.
The Tico Times hit the streets to hear from employees and owners of small San José businesses to get their viewpoints on the shortage.
Question A: How has the change shortage affected your business?
Question B: Do you think the extra coins being added by the bank will help?
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Lasther Hidalgo, sales clerk at the corner market
A: “The shortage has affected us because we don't have small change.… You have to go to the bank and pay ¢520 (fee) for every ¢10,000 you get. There's also problems with the ¢1,000 bills.”
B: “Yes. I think it will help, because that is the problem. If the bank puts them out, it will all be OK.” |
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Jorge Oller, owner of a hole-in-the-wall Argentine empanada restaurant
A: “¢100 and ¢500 coin pieces are short, but they have been for a year. There's no small money here.”
B: “Clearly. It's simply a problem of circulation. If there's no money, it falls to the streets.” |
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Marbeli Martínez, clerk at a gift shop
A: “People pay with credit cards. It's bad for us because we pay a fee.”
B: “I think so. Because in the country's commerce and industry, money is very important.” |
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María Solís, bartender at a karaoke bar
A: “We have to go to the bank once a week. Before, that didn't happen because customers brought small change.”
B: “It will help. Because we won't have to buy it anymore (from the bank).” |
Photos by Hannah Rexroth | Tico Times
editorial@ticotimes.net |
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