Costa Rica

Tipping

• Tipping is common but often not obligatory, especially for services where a service charge (10%) is already added to the bill (often seen in restaurants)
• Restaurants: If a service charge is not included, a 10
• 15% tip is appreciated
• If it is included, you can round up or add a small amount if the service was exceptional
• Tour guides: Tipping tour guides is customary, usually $5
• 10 per person per day for a good service, depending on the length and quality of the tour
• Drivers: For short taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common
• For longer trips or private drivers, a tip of 10
• 15% of the fare is appreciated
• Hotel staff: A small tip for porters ($1
• 2 per bag) and housekeepers ($2
• 5 per night) is appreciated

Money & Payments

• ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas and tourist centers
• However, some smaller establishments may only accept cash
• It's advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases and in rural areas
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas
• Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted
• Bringing US dollars (cash) is generally good, as they are widely accepted, especially for tourist activities and larger purchases
• You can also exchange them for the local currency (Colones) at banks or exchange houses
• There is no significant black market for currency

Cultural Norms

• Pura Vida: This phrase means "pure life" and is widely used as a greeting, farewell, or simply to express general well
• being
• It embodies the relaxed and optimistic Costa Rican lifestyle
• Respect for nature: Costa Ricans are very proud of their country's biodiversity and conservation efforts
• Be mindful of environmental regulations and avoid littering
• Relaxed pace: Life in Costa Rica generally moves at a slower pace
• Be prepared for things to take a bit longer and try to embrace the laid
• back attitude
• Politeness: Always be polite and use greetings like "Hola" (hello) and "Gracias" (thank you)
• Dress code: While Costa Rica is generally casual, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting churches or formal establishments
• Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the climate
• Personal space: Costa Ricans tend to have a smaller personal space bubble than some Western cultures, so don't be surprised if people stand a bit closer during conversations
• Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect during conversations

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Costa Rica is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020, making it the first Central American country to legalize it. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by law.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

• The legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18
• Drug laws are strict
• While personal use of small amounts of cannabis was decriminalized in 2023, possession of larger quantities or involvement in drug trafficking carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences
• It is illegal to possess or consume any illegal drugs

Special Laws

• Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor places, and many outdoor public areas
• It is illegal to pick or damage any flora or fauna
• Always carry a form of identification, such as a photocopy of your passport's main page and entry stamp