How Not to Be That Gringo in Costa Rica

The jungle-tested, neighbor-approved survival guide to not being

So you moved to Costa Rica. Good for you. Now please—don’t mess it up.

We’ve seen it all: the loud expat in the grocery line demanding almond milk. The one trying to “improve the town’s infrastructure” with a Facebook group. The guy pressure-washing his driveway twice a week like it’s a moral crusade.

Want to actually fit in? Here’s how to stop being that gringo.

1. Say hi first. Always.

Ticos don’t rush into questions. They ease in with “buenas” like it’s a sacred ritual. You? You just walked in asking for propane like you're in a drive-thru.

Start soft. Smile. Ask how they are. That’s step one to belonging.

2. Turn off the faucet, Splashy.

Water is a luxury, not a background soundtrack. Many homes run on rooftop tanks or pump-fed reserves. If you’re letting it run while scrubbing dishes, congratulations—you’ve just committed a cultural faux pas and wasted half the tank.

Close the tap. Scrub. Rinse. Repeat. Not optional.

3. Use colones in real towns.

Sure, gringo zones take U.S. dollars. But the pulpería down the road does not want to break your twenty. Use the national currency.

You’ll save money, earn respect, and avoid getting change in candy.

4. Always have something ready when guests arrive.

Ticos don’t text first. They knock. And they might bring their cousin, a toddler, and a smile. Don’t panic-clean.

A swept floor, cold tea, and cake (or beer) is all you need. No scented candles. No charcuterie board.

5. Don’t offer a hot shower like it’s first class.

Most Costa Ricans grew up with cold water. They’re not broken—they just don’t need to “relax their shoulders” while showering.

Cold is culture. Respect the splash.

6. Let the broken rice cooker sit.

Not everything needs to be hidden. That broken appliance in the yard? That’s not trash—it’s pending maintenance.

Tico lawns tell stories. Broken fans, chairs, blenders... all waiting for their next life. Let them be.

7. Rice is sacred. Cook it with care.

Tico rice is fluffy, seasoned, and emotionally stable. Yours is lumpy and confused. Don't serve that.

Watch. Learn. Or surrender. Nobody’s impressed by your quinoa bowl.

8. Let the dogs live free.

Here, dogs have jobs: security, socializing, and barking at suspicious iguanas. They don’t wear hoodies. They don’t eat duck jerky.

If your dog has a raincoat, consider therapy. For both of you.

9. Avoid politics. Talk mangoes.

You didn’t move here to argue about presidents. Most Ticos don’t even argue about their politics.

If you must debate, keep it safe: papaya vs. mango, rain vs. more rain, or who makes the best natilla.

10. Offer a ride. They’ll jump in.

Ticos don’t hitchhike, but if you roll down the window and say:

“¿Necesita un ride?”You’ve just earned a friend—and maybe a free avocado later this week.

11. Fix your broken stuff. Seriously.

Appliances here don’t die. They go on sabbatical. You don’t toss a fan—you revive it with tape, faith, and Don Miguel from down the road.

If you haven’t learned to repair a rice cooker yet, are you even trying?

12. Honk like a gentleman.

Honking isn’t aggressive. It’s informative. “Hi,” “I’m passing,” “Nice hat.” If you rage-honk, you’re the one being rude.

Drive relaxed. The chicken crossing the road is not in a rush.

13. Eat like a local:

– Green mango? Add salt and lime.– Bananas? Fry them golden.– Yucca root? Learn what it looks like. It’s delicious.– Don’t ask for quinoa.

Your tropical culinary awakening starts now.

14. Put the mower down.

Nobody’s using a John Deere to cut grass here. You want a clean yard? Get a weed eater and plan for a workout.

Bonus: great for bonding with neighbors and clearing jungle paths.

15. Learn to use a machete.

Opening coconuts? Clearing vines? Impressing strangers? There’s only one tool.

It’s not just for show. It’s your Costa Rican business card.

16. Don’t deep clean before guests.

A simple broom is enough. Nobody expects a showroom. This is Costa Rica, not a Pottery Barn catalog.

Cleanish is clean enough. Focus on the vibe, not the grout.

17. Know your plants and animals.

That thing you're trimming? Might be medicinal. That root at the feria? Delicious. That fuzzy creature crossing the road? Definitely not a raccoon.

Learn the names. Avoid tragic mistakes—and missed meals.

18. Stop photographing toucans, monkeys, and macaws.

Yes, they’re beautiful. Yes, they’re everywhere. But in Costa Rica, they’re normal. Like squirrels. You look like a lost tourist when you stop traffic for a monkey.

Snap a shot if you must—just don’t act like you discovered wildlife.

Final Thought

You came for peace. Now live with respect. Say buenas, sweep the floor, keep snacks on hand, and don’t treat cold showers like a national crisis.

You don’t need to be fluent. Just be thoughtful. Be curious. Bring beer. Know when to hush. And please—for everyone’s sake—don’t complain about the rain.

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Arcadia Team