Location: San José, Costa Rica Currency: CRC ₡ Costa Rican Colon
ATMs in San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) Locations & Hours
Here’s a complete list of ATMs located inside San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), plus additional ATMs and banks near San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) for convenient cash withdrawals before or after your flight.
Scotiabank ATM — Arrivals (Baggage Claim, right side after Duty Free)
- Location: International Arrivals flow, in/near the baggage claim area. After you pass the Duty Free shops, look to the right side of baggage claim for the Scotiabank ATM.
- Hours: 24 hours
BAC Credomatic ATM — Arrivals (Baggage Claim, in front of Carousel #2)
- Location: International Arrivals baggage claim area. Look for a BAC ATM positioned near/in front of baggage carousel #2 (ask airport staff if you don’t spot it immediately).
- Hours: 24 hours
Banco Promerica ATM — Arrivals zone (Juan Santamaría Airport complex)
- Location: In the Arrivals side of the airport complex (near the International Terminal/Arrivals area). If you’re already outside, this is typically a short walk back toward the terminal-side Arrivals services strip.
- Hours: 24 hours (listed as 24/7)
BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) ATM (Alterra) — Arrivals zone
- Location: Near the Arrivals side of the Juan Santamaría Airport complex, shown as a BCR-branded ATM point close to the terminal/Arrivals services area.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access); verify on-site if the area is restricted overnight.
BAC ATM — Arrivals zone (ATM point near the Arrivals services corridor)
- Location: In the Arrivals zone close to the terminal-side services corridor. This is a practical backup if the BAC ATM at baggage claim is busy or out of cash.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access)
Rapibanco BAC Credomatic (ATM / banking kiosk) — Airport complex (near Arrivals/ground transport side)
- Location: Inside the airport complex near the Arrivals and curbside/ground transport side (often positioned along the terminal-side service strip).
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM/kiosk access); verify on-site.
Scotiabank ATM — Departures zone (outside/edge of terminal complex)
- Location: Near the Departures side of the airport complex (terminal-side Departures access lane). Use this if you want cash before you enter the busiest check-in queues.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access)
BAC ATM — Departures zone (terminal-side cashpoint)
- Location: Near the Departures side of the airport complex (close to the International Terminal/Departures access area). This is useful if you’re starting at check-in and want cash before security.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access)
BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) ATM (Alterra) — Departures/airport complex access area
- Location: Near the Departures side of the Juan Santamaría Airport complex (close to terminal access). Use this as a backup if Arrivals machines are crowded.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access)
Rapibanco BAC Credomatic (ATM / banking kiosk) — Departures-side airport complex
- Location: Near the Departures access area of the airport complex, along the terminal-side services strip.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM/kiosk access); verify on-site.
Banco Promerica ATM — Departures-side airport complex
- Location: Near the Departures side of the terminal complex (listed as a Promerica ATM point close to the International Terminal area).
- Hours: 24 hours (listed as 24/7)
BAC Credomatic (Bank Counter) — International Departures Lobby
- Location: International Departures lobby (landside). This is a staffed bank counter (useful for certain banking/cash services) rather than a standard ATM.
- Hours: 07:30–17:00
ATM (unbranded/unspecified on some airport directories) — Terminal complex cashpoint (Arrivals/Departures area)
- Location: Some airport-area directories list an additional ATM point within the Juan Santamaría terminal complex (near the main terminal access lanes). If you see “ATM / Cajero” signage but no big bank branding, this may be that machine.
- Hours: Typically 24 hours (ATM access)
Extra Note: What “inside SJO” means (so you find these fast)
- Location: Juan Santamaría (SJO) is a compact airport. Most cashpoints are either (1) in/near International Arrivals baggage claim or (2) along the Arrivals/Departures terminal-side services strip just steps from the doors.
- Hours: ATMs are usually 24 hours; staffed counters close earlier.
Additional ATMs & banks near San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) (Río Segundo / Alajuela area)
- Location: If you prefer to withdraw cash outside the airport, the nearest options are in Río Segundo and Alajuela (short taxi/ride away). This can be cheaper/less crowded than airport cashpoints.
- Hours: Varies by bank/branch (many street ATMs run 24 hours, branches have business hours)
ATM Banco Nacional — Río Segundo (Saret Access Road)
- Location: 2R28+FF3, Saret Access Road, Provincia de Alajuela, Río Segundo (near-airport area)
- Hours: Often 24 hours (verify on arrival)
Cajero ATM BAC San José — Río Segundo (near-airport area)
- Location: Río Segundo, Alajuela (near-airport area; use maps to navigate to the BAC ATM point)
- Hours: Often 24 hours (verify on arrival)
Scotiabank ATM/Branch Locator Option — Alajuela / Airport Corridor
- Location: If you need a specific Scotiabank feature (e.g., ATM type), use Scotiabank’s official locator and search around Alajuela / Río Segundo / airport corridor.
- Hours: Varies by location
Banco Promerica (ATM/Branch) — Alajuela area
- Location: Alajuela city area (multiple Promerica ATMs/branches exist; choose the one on your route to/from SJO)
- Hours: Varies by location
Davivienda ATM — Alajuela Catedral area (branch/ATM network)
- Location: Alajuela/Alajuela (listed in Davivienda’s ATM directory as “Sucursal Alajuela Catedral” area)
- Hours: Varies by ATM/site (many are extended hours)
Davivienda ATM — Tuasa Alajuela (bus terminal medical building)
- Location: Alajuela/Alajuela (Tuasa bus terminal area, per Davivienda’s ATM directory)
- Hours: Varies by site
Street-ATM strategy near SJO (fastest practical option)
- Location: If you’re taking an airport taxi/ride to Alajuela or San José, ask to stop at a major supermarket or bank corridor on the route (they often have multiple ATMs together).
- Hours: Varies (many supermarket/bank-lobby ATMs are late-night or 24 hours)
San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) ATMs Walkthrough & Map
Follow the step-by-step walkthrough below to find ATMs when arriving at San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO). For terminal maps and official airport info, visit San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) map/homepage.
International Arrivals (SJO)
- After landing, follow airport signs for Arrivals and proceed to Immigration / Passport Control.
- Complete Immigration, then follow the flow toward Baggage Claim.
- As you enter Baggage Claim, scan for the “Cajero / ATM” icon on overhead signage (if you don’t see it, keep moving with the passenger flow—ATMs are often slightly to the side).
- If you want the fastest “right now” cash: look for the Scotiabank ATM positioned to the right of the baggage claim area after you pass the Duty Free stores.
- For a second arrivals option: look for the BAC Credomatic ATM near the baggage belts—travellers commonly reference a BAC ATM near/in front of Carousel #2.
- Confirm the fee disclosure on the screen (if shown) before you approve the transaction. If the fee looks high, cancel and try the other ATM brand.
- Withdraw what you need for initial transport + small expenses (many travellers prefer a smaller first withdrawal at the airport).
- Once done, continue toward the Arrivals exit and the public pickup/transport area. If you still need cash, you may also find additional cashpoints along the terminal-side Arrivals services strip just outside the main doors.
Domestic Arrivals (SJO)
- After landing, follow signs for Arrivals and Baggage Claim (if applicable).
- Exit into the public arrivals area and look for “Cajero / ATM” signage or ask airport staff to point you to the nearest cashpoint.
- If you don’t see an ATM immediately inside the smaller domestic areas, use the short walk/ride to the main terminal-side Arrivals services strip, where multiple banks place cashpoints in the airport complex.
Departures (If You Want Cash Before Security) — SJO
- Enter the terminal and head into the International Departures lobby (landside).
- Before lining up at check-in, scan the lobby edges and service counters for “Cajero / ATM” signs—ATMs and bank services are typically placed along the public side of the Departures area.
- If you need staff help (or certain banking services), look for the BAC Credomatic bank counter in the Departures lobby (note that it keeps business hours and may be closed late/early).
- Use a Departures-side ATM if you want cash for parking, snacks, tips, or last-minute purchases before heading through security.
Quick SJO Landmarks That Mean You’re Close
- Baggage claim landmarks: If you’re standing by the belts and you’ve just passed Duty Free, you’re near one of the easiest ATM options (often the Scotiabank machine on the right side).
- Carousel #2 clue: If you’re near belt/carousel #2, you’re close to the commonly referenced BAC arrivals ATM area.
- Terminal-side services strip: If you’re outside under the terminal overhang and can see taxis/curbside lanes, you’re steps away from the airport complex’s “services strip” where additional ATM points are often placed.
Use the map below to find the nearest ATMs and banks near San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), especially if you can’t use the ATMs inside the airport or prefer to withdraw cash outside the airport.
ATM Withdrawal Tips & Advice for San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)
- Start in baggage claim if you need cash immediately: The most “arrival-friendly” ATMs are commonly referenced inside/near International Arrivals baggage claim (Scotiabank on the right side after Duty Free; BAC near a baggage carousel area). This is the fastest place to get colones before you step outside.
- Expect airport ATMs to be busier right after flight banks: SJO can get ATM queues when several international flights land close together. If there’s a line, try the other brand (BAC vs Scotiabank) or walk a few minutes to the terminal-side Arrivals/Departures services strip.
- Withdraw a small “first cash” amount at the airport: Many travellers use SJO ATMs for the first taxi/ride + essentials, then do larger withdrawals at a city bank branch/ATM network (often with more machines and sometimes better availability).
- Choose colones if you’ll pay local costs right away: Airport taxis, small vendors, and quick purchases are easiest in CRC (colones). If your ATM offers CRC vs USD, pick what matches your immediate spend.
- Watch for dynamic currency conversion (DCC): If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and continue in CRC to avoid a poor conversion rate.
- Late-night reality check: The BAC bank counter in the Departures lobby keeps business hours. If you arrive late, plan on ATMs (24/7 access) rather than a staffed counter.
- If an ATM is out of cash, switch zones, not just machines: At SJO, it’s often faster to move from baggage claim to the terminal-side services strip (or vice versa) than to keep retrying the same machine.
FAQs – San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) ATMs
Where are the ATMs located inside San José Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)?
The quickest ATM access is commonly in/near International Arrivals baggage claim (with ATMs such as Scotiabank and BAC Credomatic). Additional cashpoints are also placed along the terminal-side Arrivals/Departures services strip just outside/near the main doors.
Are there ATMs in SJO baggage claim?
Yes. Travellers commonly report a Scotiabank ATM on the right side of baggage claim after Duty Free and a BAC Credomatic ATM near the baggage belts (often referenced around Carousel #2).
Are SJO airport ATMs open 24 hours?
Most ATMs at/around the terminal complex are intended for 24/7 cash access. Staffed counters (like the BAC bank counter in the Departures lobby) keep business hours.
Which ATM is better at SJO: BAC or Scotiabank?
It depends on your card network and fees. If one machine shows a higher surcharge (or declines your card), try the other brand—having two major options in Arrivals is one of the practical advantages at SJO.
Do SJO airport ATMs charge extra fees?
Fees can come from (1) the ATM operator (sometimes disclosed on-screen) and (2) your card issuer. Always read the on-screen messages before confirming; if the fee looks high, cancel and try the other ATM brand or withdraw later in the city.
Can I withdraw US dollars at SJO airport ATMs?
Many travellers report that Costa Rica ATMs commonly dispense colones and may also offer USD depending on the machine and availability. If you specifically need USD, test a small withdrawal first or plan to use an exchange counter after you arrive.
What if my card doesn’t work at the SJO airport ATM?
First, try the other brand (switch between BAC and Scotiabank) and try another location zone (baggage claim vs terminal-side services strip). If repeated declines happen, contact your bank and consider withdrawing at a staffed bank/branch or using an alternative payment method until you reach the city.
What’s the fastest way to get cash for a taxi/ride from SJO?
Withdraw in baggage claim right after you arrive (before you exit), then head outside to the pickup lanes. This avoids backtracking and helps you start your ride with cash in hand.
Is there a bank counter in the airport if I need help?
Yes—SJO lists a BAC Credomatic bank counter in the International Departures lobby (landside), but it keeps business hours and may be closed late at night.
San José Airport Related Services
- BOOK an AIRPORT HOTEL in San José or SLEEPING PODS
- RENT a CAR in San José Airport or BOOK a PRIVATE TRANSFER
- STORE your LUGGAGE in San José Airport or NEARBY
- BUY a LOCAL eSIM for San José, Costa Rica or a GLOBAL eSIM