Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica: it's also the
most widely spoken language
throughout the country. Other languages spoken are English, Creole, and some Indian languages.
Can you live in Costa Rica without speaking Spanish?
Speaking Spanish is definitely a plus when you are conversing with Ticos, but
it is not required
. Many Ticos speak English. A little bit of working Spanish can take you a long way in Costa Rica though, so it's not a bad idea to learn a few key phrases, or to brush up on what you learned in high school.
Are there many English speakers in Costa Rica?
About 10.7% of Costa
Rica's adult population (18 or older) also speaks English, 0.7% French, and 0.3% speaks Portuguese or German as a second language.
What should I avoid in Costa Rica?
- Leave valuables unattended. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. …
- Go to the beach at night. …
- Buy drugs. …
- Speed. …
- Swim in front of a surf break. …
- Take a dip in the river. …
- Think you can get a base tan. …
- Skip out on mosquito repellent.
What is the common language in Costa Rica?
Languages of Costa Rica.
Spanish
in Costa Rica is spoken with a distinctive national accent and employs peculiar usages. Costa Ricans replace the diminutive ending -tito with -tico (hence their nickname), a practice known elsewhere but uncommon in Central America.
Are Costa Ricans friendly to tourists?
Costa Rica is a great spot for sun, fun, and unforgettable adventure. Many first time visitors are nervous to go to an unfamiliar place, and have a lot of questions. This is totally normal!
Costa Rica is very tourist-friendly
, so there is nothing to worry about.
How do you say hello in Costa Rica?
- Hola = Hello. This is the basic way to say hello.
- Buenos días = Good morning.
- Buenas tardes = Good afternoon.
- Buenas noches = Good evening.
- Buenas = Shorthand way of saying hello, any time of day. It is more casual and works in the morning, afternoon, or evening. You'll hear the locals use this all the time.
Can you flush toilet paper in Costa Rica?
The country's plumbing was never built to accommodate for excessive amount of toilet paper and, since many systems are septic or composting, you'll find ‘toilet paper bins' in every toilet stall, all over the country.
What are the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica?
Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world,
the roads are not among them
. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
It's generally safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica
, except in the most rural and undeveloped parts of the country. However, if you prefer to be cautious, buying bottled water is your best bet. If you have the means, vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective means of water purification.
What money is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's national currency is known as
the colón (plural: colones)
, but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country.
What religion is practiced in Costa Rica?
A 2018 survey by the Center for Research and Political Studies of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) estimates 52 percent of the population is
Catholic
(compared with 71.8 percent in the UCR 2016 survey); 22 percent Protestant, including evangelical Christians (12.3 percent in 2016); 9 percent other religious groups ( …
What food is Costa Rica known for?
- GALLO PINTO. Literally meaning “painted rooster,” Gallo pinto is a favorite rice-and-beans concoction that is commonly considered the national dish of Costa Rica. …
- CASADO. …
- OLLA DE CARNE. …
- SOPA NEGRA. …
- CEVICHE. …
- CHIFRIJO. …
- PLANTAINS. …
- TAMALES.
Why you shouldn't go to Costa Rica?
Reason not to visit: If you are
into nightlife
such as clubbing or late nights in general, Costa Rica may not be the best destination for you. Most bars at resorts close by 10pm and most public bars close by midnight unless you are staying in places such as Tamarindo, San Jose, Puerto Viejo or Jaco.
What should I be careful of in Costa Rica?
Because of the lack of military, Costa Rica is a a peaceful country, making it one of the safest countries in Latin America for traveling, especially families. The most common crime in Costa Rica is
theft: car/house break ins and pick pockets
. To prevent this, a lot of it is common sense.
Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?
Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico? Yes,
Costa Rica is statistically safer than Mexico
. The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.
