Learning Costa Rican etiquette starts with paying attention to the people around you. A friendly greeting, a little Spanish and clear, considerate communication will usually help more than memorising a long list of supposed national rules.
Habits vary between families, workplaces, regions and generations. Use these suggestions as a starting point, then follow the preferences of your hosts and colleagues. Source review: September 7, 2026.
Start with a greeting
Before asking for help, try buenos días, buenas tardes or a simple hola. Add por favor and gracias. If you need English, ask politely rather than assuming it will be available.
Let the other person’s comfort guide physical greetings. A smile and verbal greeting work without a handshake, hug or cheek kiss. There is no need to impose a greeting based on someone’s gender or your assumptions about local custom.
Usted, vos and tú: listen to local usage
Costa Rican Spanish includes ustedeo, voseo and tuteo. The University of Costa Rica’s linguistics resources describe this variation; the claim that people must “never use tú” is too absolute.
As a learner, usted is a useful starting point when you do not know someone’s preference. Listen to how people address you, and ask your teacher or conversation partner about the forms used in your community. Do not assume that one pronoun always signals distance or another always signals intimacy.
What pura vida means in conversation
You will hear pura vida often. Its meaning depends on context: it can express that things are going well, appreciation or a friendly response. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute also uses it to describe a broader outlook on life. Listen to everyday usage rather than trying to fit it into every exchange.
The Costa Rican Judiciary’s dictionary records friendly greeting, appreciation and saying that something or someone is doing well among its uses. A response such as pura vida after someone helps you can convey thanks. It does not mean that every person is carefree or that a practical problem should be ignored. Dictionary checked September 8, 2026.
Time, invitations and clear communication
Confirm the time and place of an appointment and arrive punctually. For an informal gathering, ask your host when they would like you to arrive. The expression “hora tica” is not a reason to assume every Costa Rican will be late or that a business can ignore an agreed deadline.
If a reply is unclear, ask a specific follow-up: “Is Thursday confirmed?” or “When should I check back?” Summarise important arrangements in writing. Treat uncertainty as a communication issue to clarify, rather than assuming a polite answer is dishonest.
Business meetings and everyday dress
For a first meeting, ask about the setting and expected dress. Neat, comfortable clothing is a sensible starting point; requirements differ between a casual office, a formal appointment and a beach activity. Costa Rica’s warm climate does not mean every workplace has the same dress code.
Introduce yourself, use the name or title the person prefers, and leave room for conversation before discussing business. Be clear about costs, responsibilities and deadlines. Courtesy and direct questions can work together.
For workplace communication, schedules and professional expectations, see our work and business culture guide.
Restaurant service charges and tipping
For covered table service, Costa Rican rules provide for a 10% service charge for the waiting staff. It is incorrect to describe this as money that simply belongs to the establishment. The Ministry of Labour’s regulation distinguishes this service charge from an additional voluntary tip.
Read the menu and itemised bill, and ask about any unclear charge. Do not automatically add 23% to a displayed price or treat suggested tourist tipping amounts as legal obligations. An extra voluntary tip is your choice.
Visiting someone’s home
Ask whether you can bring anything, mention dietary needs in advance and follow your host’s lead about shoes, seating and meal times. A thoughtful contribution can be simple; there is no reason to rule out local coffee, fruit or another gift your host would enjoy.
Ask before taking photographs or posting images of people and their homes. If you need to leave at a particular time, explain that politely rather than feeling obliged to stay indefinitely.
Respect differences and personal boundaries
Avoid treating one person as a spokesperson for an entire country. Discuss sensitive topics with the same care you would elsewhere, and listen when someone explains a different experience. Local customs are not a reason to tolerate unwanted touching or harassment.
If you need help with an immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Our guide to police services explains the distinction between emergency assistance and making a report.
Ticos and ticas: meeting people without stereotypes
The Royal Spanish Academy’s dictionary defines tico and tica as colloquial terms for Costa Rican. Ticas is the feminine plural; it is not a description of a single personality, lifestyle or attitude toward dating. The dictionary associates the name with the use of diminutives ending in -ico.
If you are hoping to meet Costa Rican women or make friends more broadly, start with shared interests: a class, a community activity or introductions through people you know. Ask about the individual’s interests and respect their time. Nationality does not tell you whether someone wants a relationship, speaks English, enjoys nightlife or shares your expectations about family and work.
Be clear about your intentions, accept a refusal and ask before photographing or sharing personal information. In a new friendship or relationship, let trust develop through consistent behaviour rather than assuming a national stereotype explains every interaction. These principles apply to visitors and residents of any gender.
Terminology source checked September 8, 2026.
Build connections over time
Practising Spanish, joining a dance class, visiting a local library and supporting neighbourhood businesses can give you opportunities to meet people. Approach each encounter with curiosity rather than expecting every community to behave the same way.
For help planning the immigration side of your move, contact CRIE.