Social Norms in Costa Rica
Costa Rican culture — "Tico" culture — is warm, indirect, and family-centered. Understanding a few core values will make every interaction smoother and more rewarding.
What does 'Pura Vida' actually mean?
"Pura Vida" (pure life) is more than a phrase — it is a worldview. Ticos use it as a greeting, a farewell, a thank-you, a way of saying everything is fine, and as a general expression of contentment and optimism. If someone asks how you are, "pura vida" is a perfectly appropriate answer. It reflects a genuine cultural tendency toward positivity, resilience, and not sweating the small stuff.
The Pura Vida Philosophy
Pura Vida as a Way of Life
Ticos genuinely embrace a slower, more relaxed approach to life. Stress is not worn as a badge of honor. People take time for family, meals, and conversation. If something does not go to plan, the typical response is a shrug and "pura vida" — there will be another way.
Tico Time
Social events, casual meetings, and gatherings routinely start 30 to 60 minutes after the stated time. This is not rudeness — it is an accepted cultural norm. For business meetings in formal settings, punctuality is expected. For a party or casual dinner invitation, arriving on time means arriving early by Tico standards.
Indirect Communication
Ticos avoid direct confrontation and rarely say a flat "no." A "maybe," "we'll see," or vague agreement often means no. If someone seems non-committal, do not take it personally — they are being polite. Persistence and following up are often necessary to get a definitive answer, especially in business contexts.
Optimism and Positivity
Negativity and complaining are not culturally valued. Public displays of frustration, impatience, or aggressive behavior reflect poorly on the person showing them. Staying calm and cheerful — even when things go wrong — is a hallmark of Tico culture and will earn you respect.
Greetings and Everyday Etiquette
Always Greet Individually
When entering a room, joining a group, or arriving anywhere, greet everyone present individually — not just the person you are there to see. A quick "buenos días" to the whole room acknowledges everyone and is considered polite. Skipping greetings is rude.
Physical Greetings
Women greeting women: One cheek kiss (left cheek, air kiss).
Men greeting women: One cheek kiss.
Men greeting men: Handshake, or a handshake that transitions into a brief embrace among friends.
In formal or first-meeting contexts, a handshake is always safe.
Verbal Greetings
Using the correct time-of-day greeting goes a long way: Buenos días (morning), buenas tardes (afternoon), buenas noches (evening). In casual situations, "buenas" alone works for any time of day. "Pura vida" is an acceptable all-purpose greeting.
Con Mucho Gusto
Costa Ricans say "con mucho gusto" (with much pleasure) instead of "de nada" (you're welcome). If you thank a Tico and they respond "con mucho gusto," they mean it warmly. Replying "de nada" instead will mark you as a tourist — not offensive, but using "con mucho gusto" yourself will delight locals.
Respectful Address
Don / Doña are used before a first name as a respectful prefix for older adults (Don Carlos, Doña María). It is not a title of nobility — it is everyday courtesy. Profe is how teachers and professors are addressed. Using these titles shows cultural awareness and respect.
Social Customs
Dress Code
Smart casual is appropriate for most situations in towns and cities. Beach attire (swimwear, bare feet) belongs at the beach — wearing it in restaurants, shops, or churches is considered disrespectful. For church visits, covered shoulders and knees are expected. San José offices tend toward business casual or business formal.
Bargaining
Bargaining is not a custom in shops, restaurants, or supermarkets in Costa Rica — prices are set. It is acceptable (and expected) to negotiate at weekend markets, with independent artisans, and when arranging tours or services with individual vendors. Never bargain aggressively.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in Indigenous communities, rural settings, or when children are involved. Most Ticos are happy to be photographed if you ask first — pointing a camera without asking can cause offense.
Religion
Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, and religious holidays and observances are taken seriously. Many businesses close for Semana Santa (Holy Week). Showing respect for religious sites and customs is expected. Non-Catholic and non-religious residents are common and accepted, especially in cities.
Family
Family is the central social unit in Costa Rican life. Multi-generational households are common. Sunday family lunches are a near-sacred tradition. When invited to a Tico home for a meal, bringing a small gift (wine, dessert, fruit) is appreciated but not required.
Music and Celebrations
Ticos love music, celebrations, and communal gatherings. Loud music from parties, quinceañeras, and fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals) is culturally accepted — especially on weekends and holidays. If noise is a concern when renting, ask locals about neighborhood event patterns.
Business Culture
Relationships Come First
In Costa Rican business culture, personal rapport precedes business. Expect the first meeting to involve minimal actual business discussion — it is about getting to know each other. Rushing to the agenda is considered pushy. Invest time in small talk about family, the country, food, and football before diving into business matters.
Business Cards
Business cards are still used and exchanged with care in Costa Rica. Present and receive cards with both hands and take a moment to read the card before setting it down. Stuffing a card in your pocket without looking at it is considered disrespectful.
Hierarchy and Decisions
Costa Rican organizations tend to be hierarchical. Decisions flow up the chain to senior leadership and can take time. Do not pressure for immediate answers. Consensus-building is valued, and the boss's approval is typically required before any commitment is made.
Dress Code
In San José offices and professional settings, business formal or business casual is expected. For men: collared shirts, slacks, dress shoes. For women: professional attire appropriate for an office setting. In beach towns and the tech/startup sector, dress norms are more relaxed.
Following Up
Following up is essential. Because Ticos tend to avoid saying "no" directly, a non-response or vague answer may mean the deal is not moving forward. A polite follow-up email or call is not considered aggressive — it is expected and often necessary to move things forward.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Greet everyone individually when entering a room or group.
- Be patient — with traffic, bureaucracy, service, and people.
- Learn even a few words of Spanish — Ticos genuinely appreciate the effort.
- Compliment the country: the wildlife, the coffee, the nature, the people.
- Use "con mucho gusto" instead of "de nada."
- Accept food and drink when offered in someone's home — refusing can seem rude.
- Follow the dress code for context: smart casual in town, covered up in churches.
Don't
- Compare Costa Rica unfavorably to your home country — even jokingly.
- Show public frustration, aggression, or impatience.
- Wear beach clothes (swimwear, bare feet) in town, restaurants, or churches.
- Photograph people without asking first.
- Make loud, negative comments about local food, customs, or services.
- Call Costa Ricans "Central Americans" as a generic label — they are Ticos and proud of it.
- Assume everyone speaks English — always try Spanish first.
Personal Space
Costa Ricans tend to stand closer during conversation than North Americans or Northern Europeans are accustomed to. Stepping back repeatedly may be read as standoffish. Leaning in slightly and maintaining comfortable eye contact signals engagement and warmth.