Silly me, I thought all I'd need to go there would be a bathing suit and sunscreen.
Que lastima. Not so! That is not the case at all! Here are 3 surprising items every expat needs…
1. Long Pants
It never occurred to me to think about cultural differences regarding … pants. I don't like wearing them. The world would be a better place without neckties, weapons of mass destruction, and pants. I came to Costa Rica searching for a pants-free lifestyle! But it's not up to me! In San Jose, pants are expected, if not required. Unless you are explicitly involved in a sports activity, pants are the norm. Shorts are for children; pants are for grown-ups. A really good way to broadcast your tourist status to the whole city is to wear shorts. (How sweaty you are is a different issue.) If you're the least bit interested in blending in, at least in San Jose, wear pants. If you have any business to conduct, wear pants. Sorry about it.
2. A Sweater or Light Jacket
Again, not something you generally think of in the context of tropical paradise. But during the wet season (May to October) temps can drop to sweater weather levels in the Central Valley. You might even want a blanket at night! And remember, if you're exploring the mountains or volcanos, as the altitude rises, the temperature drops. Mom was right. "Carry a little sweater!"
3. An Umbrella
There is no jungle or rainforest without rain. During the wet season, it could rain every day, a little or a lot, in the morning or the evening, or any time in between. Locals usually carry an umbrella during the wet season. Even if you don't mind getting a little wet, an umbrella will help keep your electronics dry while you're out and about. During the dry season, and especially on the coast where it's the hottest, it's nice to have a little portable shade for walking around town or waiting for the bus.
What did you not know you needed until you got here? Let us know in the comments!
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