Costa Rica Travel Tips: Etiquette, Safety, and Local Advice

 Courtesy is woven into daily life in Costa Rica, and travelers who join in are quickly welcomed. A warm greeting is expected when entering or leaving a shop, boarding a bus, or meeting someone new. Saying buenos días in the morning, buenas tardes in the afternoon, and buenas noches in the evening is more than politeness—it’s part of maintaining social harmony. Handshakes are the usual form of greeting in formal settings, while among friends and family, a light kiss on the cheek is common.

Daily life also moves at a relaxed pace. Appointments and social gatherings may start later than the scheduled time, reflecting a cultural emphasis on relationships over rigid schedules. This flexible approach, sometimes referred to as Tico Time, is not about disrespect but about valuing people over the clock. For travelers, it’s an invitation to slow down, be patient, and embrace a gentler sense of time.

Language also reflects this spirit of kindness. While Spanish speakers elsewhere often respond to gracias with de nada (“you’re welcome”), Costa Ricans more often say con gusto (“with pleasure”). This subtle phrase highlights the genuine warmth behind even small daily exchanges.

 Dining in Costa Rica is shaped by friendliness and respect as much as by food. A classic casado—rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat or fish—is served at family-owned sodas across the country, where portions are generous and the atmosphere is relaxed. But what travelers often notice most is not the plate, but the pace. Meals are not hurried, and servers will rarely bring the check until you ask for it (la cuenta, por favor). Lingering over food is normal, and rushing out quickly is not expected.

Coffee also holds a special place in Costa Rican culture. The afternoon cafecito—a cup of coffee shared with a small pastry—is a daily pause to connect with others. Visitors who accept an invitation to join this ritual often find it opens doors to deeper conversation and friendship.

Courtesy at the table matters. People commonly say buen provecho (“enjoy your meal”) when others begin eating, and it is polite to wait until everyone has been served. Thanking the cook or host warmly is appreciated. Tap water is safe in most towns, though bottled water is common in rural areas. Street food stands are popular for tamales, empanadas, and fresh juices—greet the vendor politely and carry small bills or coins.

Dress norms depend on location. In beach towns and rural areas, casual clothes are perfectly fine, even in restaurants. In San José and larger cities, upscale restaurants expect neater attire—collared shirts, dresses, or business-casual clothing—though formality is still moderate compared to many other countries. A good guideline is simply to look clean and respectful for the setting.

Tipping is straightforward: a 10% service charge is already included in restaurant bills, though leaving a small extra amount is appreciated.

 Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and while many people in tourism and urban areas speak some English, travelers will find that using even a few Spanish words is seen as a sign of respect. A simple buenos días or gracias often brings a smile.

What sets Costa Rican communication apart is the importance of niceties before business. In a store or restaurant, conversations usually begin with ¿Cómo está? or ¿Cómo le va? rather than jumping straight to the request. With neighbors or acquaintances, small talk often extends to checking in on family or health before getting to the main point. Skipping this step can feel abrupt. For travelers, slowing down to greet warmly and exchange a few words is one of the simplest ways to show cultural respect.

Costa Ricans also tend to communicate in a warm, indirect tone, avoiding blunt or overly direct statements. A “yes” may sometimes mean “no,” expressed gently to preserve harmony. Similarly, ahorita (“right now”) might mean soon, later, or not at all. Patience and careful listening help clarify meaning.

Formality matters as well. While many Spanish-speaking countries use tú, Costa Ricans more often use usted, even with younger people or in casual settings. This signals respect rather than distance. Gestures and body language also carry meaning—a smile or nod often says more than words.

 In Costa Rica, community life is strong. Schools, churches, and small shops serve as gathering points, and informal soccer games in the street are a common sight. Visitors are welcomed when they take time to greet others and show interest in everyday interactions.

Respecting communities also means being aware of noise and rest. Many people begin their workday around 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Late-night noise on weeknights is not common, and travelers are encouraged to keep music and conversation at reasonable levels in the evenings.

Environmental awareness is equally important. Costa Rica’s Bandera Azul Ecológica (Blue Flag) program recognizes beaches and communities that meet strict standards for cleanliness, water quality, and conservation. On many of these beaches, trash bins are intentionally absent. Visitors are expected to carry out what they bring and to avoid leaving litter behind. Reducing single-use plastics, carrying a reusable water bottle, and reusing bags are small but valued contributions.

Travelers should also avoid feeding wildlife. Feeding monkeys, coatis, iguanas, or birds changes their natural behavior, harms their health, and is prohibited by law. Observing wildlife quietly and at a distance helps protect both animals and people.

Visitors who support local artisans, join a beach cleanup, or participate in school or community events show appreciation for both the people and the places that make Costa Rica unique.

 Costa Rica offers many ways to get around, from local buses to private shuttles. Public buses are the most affordable option and connect nearly every town, though schedules in rural areas may be limited and less reliable. For shorter distances, official red taxis are common; they should always have meters (maría) running, and travelers are encouraged to confirm before starting a ride. In San José, orange taxis serve the airport, and ride-sharing services operate in some cities but are less available in rural regions.

Private and shared shuttles are a popular choice for travelers seeking more comfort and direct routes. 

They connect major destinations and can be booked in advance. Car rentals provide flexibility but also require careful planning. Roads range from highways to narrow gravel paths, and GPS may not account for steep grades, river crossings, or road closures during the rainy season. Travelers should be prepared for slower speeds than expected, and it is common to encounter tractors, cattle trucks, or other large machinery on main roads. On Sundays, groups of cyclists often travel in large numbers, and drivers are expected to give them space.

Driving after dark is not recommended. Many roads lack lighting, and hazards such as animals, pedestrians, or sudden potholes are harder to see. When possible, plan travel for daylight hours.

Costa Rica’s beaches, rivers, and forests are stunning, but they also come with risks that travelers need to take seriously. The Pacific coast, in particular, is known for powerful rip currents that are not always visible from shore. Some beaches have lifeguards who will post warning flags and monitor rip currents. Travelers should learn the beach flag system: yellow indicates caution, red means swimming is dangerous, and black means no swimming is allowed.  If you are swimming at a beach without a lifeguard you should familiarize yourself with rip current safety.

Beach safety also changes after sunset. Once lifeguards leave, beaches are unmonitored, and swimming after dark is not recommended. Unless part of an organized guided activity—such as a turtle patrol—it is best to avoid beaches at night.

Rivers and estuaries may look calm, but they can be home to crocodiles. Signs mark these areas, and they should never be ignored. In forests and rural areas, hazards are different: trails can be slippery in the rainy season, and flash floods can occur in narrow river valleys.

In addition to natural risks, visitors should be mindful of personal safety. Petty theft is more common than violent crime, and most incidents happen when belongings are left unattended. Bags on the beach, items visible in cars, or valuables carried on crowded buses are easy targets. Travelers can reduce risk by keeping belongings in sight, avoiding flashy jewelry, and leaving passports and extra cash secured at their lodging.