NORMS AND CULTURE

The locals refer to themselves as tico or tica (female), “Tico" comes from the locally popular usage of "tico" diminutive suffixes (e.g., 'momentico' instead of 'momentito'). The tico ideal is that of a very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried, educated and environmentally aware people. The phrase "Pura Vida" (literally pure life) is a motto ubiquitous in Costa Rica. It encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace in a calm, unflustered manner, appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends. If you speak Spanish you will also notice that people and friends address each other with “Usted” instead of “tu”, which is considered normal.

MONEY AND EXCHANGE RATE

The currency is the Costa Rican “colon” or “colones”.  Here is a rough overview of the exchange rates (remember that they change constantly):

$1 USD = 500 colones
€1 EURO = 706 colones
£1 POUND = 1037 colones

EMERGENCIAS

What to do if…

You lose your passport?

• make an official report with the local police (OIJ) and contact your local embassy to get a replacement.

You lose your credit card?

• Call Visa 0800-0110-030
• Mastercard 0800-0110-184 or
• American Express 1-800-554-2639

You lose your airline ticket?

• make an official report with the local police (OIJ) and contact your airline to request a replacement ticket.
• American Airlines 2257 1266
• Continental 2296 4911
• Delta 2257 4141
• KLM 2220 4111
• Lufthansa 2221 7444