Do’s and Don’t in Costa Rica

Cultural Etiquette & Social Norms

Greetings & Language

• DO: Greet people with a friendly “Buenos días” (Good morning), “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon), or “Buenas noches” (Good evening/night). A simple, polite greeting is always well-received.
• DO: Try to speak some basic Spanish. Even a few words like “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) show respect and are greatly appreciated by Ticos (Costa Ricans).
• DON’T: Be overly formal. A warm handshake is a common greeting. The local culture is generally relaxed and welcoming, so a stiff demeanor is unnecessary.

“Pura Vida” & “Tico Time”

• DO: Embrace the “Pura Vida” (Pure Life) philosophy. This quintessential Costa Rican phrase is a greeting, a farewell, and an expression of contentment. It reflects a national outlook of optimism and simplicity.
• DO: Be patient and flexible. “Tico Time” refers to a more relaxed approach to punctuality. Schedules may not be as rigid as you are accustomed to, so it is best to adapt and enjoy the unhurried pace.
• DON’T: Get frustrated by a slower pace of life. Delays are an opportunity to observe your surroundings and engage with the present moment, which is a core part of the cultural experience.

Tipping & Bargaining

• DO: Check your restaurant bill for an included 10% service charge. This “servicio” is a mandatory charge applied to your bill, not an optional tip. While not required, leaving a small additional amount for truly exceptional service is a kind gesture.
• DO: Tip tour guides and drivers. This is a more established custom, and your guides work hard to provide a memorable experience. A guideline of $5-10 USD per person for a half-day tour or $10-20 for a full-day tour is appropriate.
• DON’T: Bargain aggressively. Prices in most shops and taxis are fixed. While some gentle negotiation may be acceptable in open-air souvenir markets, forceful haggling is not part of the culture.

Interacting with Nature & Wildlife

Wildlife Encounters

• DO: Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife. For your safety and the animals’ well-being, observe them from afar. A zoom lens is the best tool for capturing stunning photographs without causing stress to the creatures.
• DON’T: Feed the animals, especially monkeys. Providing human food is detrimental to their health, creates dependency, and can lead to aggressive behavior. It is also illegal in national parks and protected areas.
• DON’T: Touch or handle wildlife. This includes seemingly harmless actions like picking up starfish for a photo or touching a sea turtle. Such contact can harm the animal and disrupt the delicate ecosystem.

National Parks & Reserves

• DO: Hire a certified local guide. Their trained eyes can spot camouflaged animals like sloths, snakes, and birds that you would almost certainly overlook. They also provide invaluable context about the flora and fauna.
• DO: Stay on marked trails. Venturing off-path can damage fragile ecosystems, disturb wildlife habitats, and pose a personal safety risk from unseen dangers like snakes or unstable ground.
• DON’T: Take anything from national parks. The principle is “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” This applies to all natural items, including shells, plants, rocks, and seeds.
• DON’T: Use flash photography. The sudden, bright light can disorient, startle, and even harm sensitive animals, particularly nocturnal species or nesting birds.

Environmental Responsibility

• DO: Use reef-safe sunscreen. Standard sunscreens contain chemicals that are highly toxic to coral reefs and marine life. Look for mineral-based options containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• DO: Conserve water and electricity. These resources are precious, especially in more remote areas. Simple acts like turning off lights and air conditioning when you leave your room make a significant difference.
• DON’T: Buy souvenirs made from animal products. Avoid items crafted from sea turtle shells, coral, animal teeth, or feathers from protected birds, as this trade directly threatens endangered species.

Safety & Security

In Cities & Towns

• DO: Be aware of your surroundings. As in any city worldwide, it is prudent to stay alert, particularly in crowded urban centers like San José or popular tourist hubs.
• DON’T: Flaunt expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash. It is wiser to maintain a low profile to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• DON’T: Leave your belongings unattended. Opportunistic theft can happen quickly. This is especially true in busy restaurants, on the beach, and even in hotel lobbies.

On the Road

• DO: Keep car doors locked and windows up when stopped in traffic or at intersections, particularly in urban areas.
• DON’T: Leave valuables visible inside your rental car. Even when driving, keep bags, phones, and wallets out of sight. Always store luggage in the trunk or take it with you when you park.
• DON’T: Stop for strangers on the road, especially in remote areas. Be cautious of common scams, such as someone trying to signal that you have a flat tire in an attempt to get you to pull over in an isolated spot. Proceed to a well-lit, public area if you have concerns.

At the Beach

• DO: Pay close attention to riptide warnings. The currents along Costa Rica’s coasts can be deceptively powerful. Look for posted signs or ask locals about the conditions before entering the water.
• DON’T: Swim alone or at beaches without lifeguards. The ocean is unpredictable, and it is always safest to have someone with you or to swim in designated, monitored areas.
• DON’T: Leave your bags unattended on the sand while you swim. It is best to have one person from your group stay with your belongings or to bring only what is absolutely necessary to the beach.

Food, Drink & Health

Water & Food Safety

• DO: Drink tap water in most tourist areas and cities, as it is generally treated and safe. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to stick to bottled or filtered water. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to ask at your hotel about the local water quality.
• DO: Eat at “sodas.” These are small, typically family-run restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican dishes like “casados.” They offer an authentic, delicious, and highly affordable culinary experience.
• DON’T: Be afraid to try the street food. You will find many tempting options, from fresh fruit cups to grilled meats. To be safe, choose vendors that are busy with a steady stream of local customers, as this is often a sign of good quality and hygiene.

General Health

• DO: Use strong insect repellent. To protect against mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue, apply repellent consistently, especially during the peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk.
• DO: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Located near the equator, Costa Rica’s sun is incredibly strong, even on overcast days. Proper sun protection is essential to avoid severe sunburn.