5 Social Faux Pas Every Expat in Costa Rica Can Avoid

People are more or less the same wherever you go.

We remember different foods from our childhoods, but most of us love our Grandmothers.

We like different music; but the generation before usually despises the next one's favorite.

Everybody likes a barbecue!

Humans are social animals - we want to connect, belong, have a purpose, and have our basic human dignity recognized, and we meet those needs through culture.

That said, culture is a social construct and what might seem innocuous to a visitor from the USA may be regarded as uncouth by our Costa Rican hosts.

Here's what you need to know to avoid the most common social faux pas…

Tastes like chicken.

1. Native Costa Ricans call themselves Tico/as.  

The letter "o" denotes masculine; the letter "a" denotes feminine. There is some doubt about the origin of this word; however, it is generally accepted to be from the diminutive, friendly form of the word for little sister or little brother.  Offically, citizens are Costarricenses.

2.  We're ALL from "America."  

When asked where you're from, it seems fine to say "America," but in Costa Rica, that is insensitive at best; rude at worst.  There is North America, Central America, South America … and everyone who lives t/here is an "American."  "I'm from America," sounds conceited from the Tica/o perspective, as if Americans from the United States think they're from the center of the universe.  When you think about it, Costaricenses have a point.  It is polite to say, "I'm from the United States," or even better, "Soy de Estados Unidos."

3.  Getting upset about a lack of punctuality is an exercise in futility, and you will look like a jerk.

Time moves differently in Costa Rica.  "Tico Time" represents a culturally relaxed attitude of not being in a hurry, ever.  Tico Time is the opposite of the frenetic, crowded schedules most of us are used to in the United States.  For many of us, that's part of the appeal of being in Costa Rica.  It can also be confusing and frustrating to those of us who are accustomed to being a slave to the clock.  Just know that life in Costa Rica moves slowly, and things take longer, and you'll need to adjust your expectations. "Mañana" doesn't necessarily mean tomorrow; it means a time in the future that isn't right now, so just get used to it.  Getting angry or impatient is seen as rude and strange.

4.  Pedestrians do not have the right of way.  

Ever.  Even if the sign says so.  Hustle your hiny over to the other side of the street on pain of losing it.  People here operate on the understanding that on the road, at least, "might makes right."  You, as the pedestrian, could have the legal right of way, and that Mack truck may be required to yield, but even though the driver might get a ticket, you're still dead.

5.  Opulent or conspicuous consumption USAsian style is considered uncouth.  

"Status symbols" in the USA are seen as "showing off" in Costa Rica.  "Showing off" is tantamount to "jackassery."  A Tico/a will wonder what's missing from your life, you insecure person, that you're trying to replace with expensive things.  Costa Rica's values are more in line with strong family relationships, long-lasting friendships, community participation, getting along, and having the time plus emotional resources to really live life.  Beyond meeting the basic needs, material possessions are just not that important.  No one will scold you for wearing a Rolex and carrying a Prada bag, but don't expect locals to be impressed.  They see it as another symptom of USAsian psychosis.

You know how they say the best things in life are free?  Those include being gentle and using good manners.  Everyone stumbles from time to time, and we learn and go on and do better.  Costaricenses are gentle, and if you show that you're trying to be a good guest, they will extend you a lot of grace.

Kindness counts.  Practice. 

Pura Vida!