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Essential apps for

Costa Rica

SpanishCRC5 apps

Costa Rica is one of Latin America's easiest destinations. Uber and DiDi work in San José. WhatsApp for tour operators.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeA / B
Voltage120V
Freq60Hz

Same as the US.

💬

Basic phrases

Spanish

  • Hello
    Hola
    OH-lah
  • Thank you
    Gracias
    GRAH-see-ahs
  • Excuse me / Sorry
    Perdón / Disculpe
    pehr-DOHN / dees-KOOL-peh
  • Yes
    Sí
    see
  • No
    No
    noh

+10 more below

🎎

Tipping

Restaurants legally add a 10% service charge plus tax, so additional tipping is optional, though rounding up or leaving a little extra for great service is appreciated. Tipping guides and drivers a few dollars is customary.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

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U

Uber

The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.

Wide coverage in San José.
iOSAndroidWebsite
D

Didi

China's dominant rideshare. Has an English interface for travelers.

Often cheaper.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🗺️Navigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Strong for cities; offline for jungle drives.
iOSAndroidWebsite

📱Messaging

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W

WhatsApp

The dominant messenger in Europe, Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa.

Universal — tour guides, hotels, drivers.
iOSAndroidWebsite

✈️Travel Planning

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K

Klook

Activities, attractions, and SIM cards across Asia. Better than GetYourGuide in Asia.

For zip lines, volcano tours, wildlife trips.
iOSAndroidWebsite
Phrases

All Spanish phrases

Hello
Hola
OH-lah
Thank you
Gracias
GRAH-see-ahs
Excuse me / Sorry
Perdón / Disculpe
pehr-DOHN / dees-KOOL-peh
Yes
Sí
see
No
No
noh
Please
Por favor
pohr fah-VOHR
Goodbye
Adiós
ah-dee-OHS
How much?
¿Cuánto cuesta?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está el baño?
DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh
The check, please
La cuenta, por favor
lah KWEN-tah pohr fah-VOHR
I don't understand
No entiendo
noh en-tee-EN-doh
Do you speak English?
¿Habla inglés?
AH-blah een-GLEHS
Help!
¡Ayuda!
ah-YOO-dah
Delicious
Delicioso
deh-lee-see-OH-soh
Cheers
¡Salud!
sah-LOOD
Briefing

What to know before you go

✓ Do

  • Greet warmly with 'Buenos dias' or 'Pura vida'; Costa Ricans (Ticos) are friendly and polite
  • Embrace the 'pura vida' attitude: relaxed, positive, and unhurried; do not rush people
  • Use polite titles like 'Don' and 'Doña' with first names to show respect for elders
  • A light handshake is standard; women friends may greet with a single cheek kiss
  • Be patient with 'Tico time', as social events often start later than scheduled
  • Show appreciation for nature and follow eco-friendly rules, as conservation is a national point of pride

✕Don't

  • Do not call Costa Ricans 'Americans'; people across the Americas use that term, and locals are 'Ticos'
  • Avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, and never remove plants, shells, or animals from parks
  • Do not be confrontational or raise your voice; politeness and avoiding conflict are valued
  • Avoid flaunting expensive valuables, which invites theft in busy areas

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • Unofficial taxis (use red taxis with a yellow triangle, or licensed airport orange taxis) that overcharge or have rigged meters
  • The slashed-tire or distraction trick in parking lots where a 'helper' offers aid while an accomplice grabs valuables
  • Overpriced 'tours' sold by unlicensed operators, or being pushed to exchange money at poor rates
  • Card skimming at unfamiliar ATMs; use machines inside banks where possible
Going elsewhere?

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