Costa Rica
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Costa Rica?
We asked people in Costa Rica if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"On one occasion we had traveled to San Jose to see our attorney and were lost. When we spoke to the doorman of what we thought was his office building we could see that whoever he was speaking to on the phone he was describing us as being dressed very trashy, as we were not wearing business attire. We were dressed in jeans and t-shirts. Most people dress in business attire in the city," remarked another expat who made the move to Samara, Costa Rica.
"It is important to avoid touching someone's head or using certain nicknames as both are considered offensive in Costa Rica. Additionally, be sure to dress conservatively in public and avoid public displays of affection, as they are seen as disrespectful.Beyond that, it is important to be respectful when discussing religion, particularly since the majority of Costa Ricans are Catholic. Disrespecting local customs and religious ceremonies should also be avoided. Finally, it’s important to be mindful of how much you are drinking in public, as public drunkenness is considered inappropriate," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Costa Rica?
- How do I meet people in Costa Rica?
- What is life like in Costa Rica?
- Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Costa Rica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Costa Rica like?
- Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Costa Rica?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- Is the cost of living in Costa Rica high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Costa Rica?
- What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
- Are there good restaurants in Costa Rica?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Costa Rica?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Costa Rica?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Costa Rica?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Costa Rica?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Costa Rica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Costa Rica?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
