Can you go to Costa Rica without knowing Spanish?

Costa Rica's primary language is Spanish so it would really help if you could churn out a few words. If you're travelling for a standard family surf vacation, you can probably get away without learning Spanish. Many expats get away without ever speaking a word of the language.

Can I get by with English in Costa Rica?

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. All official business and major newspapers are in Spanish, whereas English is widely used in areas frequented by tourists.

Is Costa Rica easy to understand in Spanish?

Not to worry, Costa Rican Spanish is easy to understand and most Costa Ricans speak very clear and slow and don't have a strong accent. There are some differences between Costa Rican Spanish and the way it is spoken in other countries.

How much is English spoken in Costa Rica?

CENTRAL AMERICA NEWS -- According to Education First's English Proficiency Index, in Costa Rica the English level is low, while in Guatemala, Panama and El Salvador it is very low. Out of the 63 countries surveyed in the English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), Costa Rica ranks 43, Guatemala is No.…

Are Costa Ricans friendly?

Costa Ricans tend to be proud, friendly, and diverse people who enjoy sharing their culture and social activities with newcomers. Costa Rica is the place of pura vida (pure life), a contagious attitude of living life to the fullest.

Do I need to know Spanish in Costa Rica? - Costa Rica Expat Mom

What is considered rude in Costa Rica?

Taboos/Unacceptable Behavior

Topics such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and gay marriage are generally avoided. Costa Ricans are very polite, so be sure not to put your feet on furniture; always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger, at least in public.

What do teenagers do in Costa Rica?

The adventurous experiences for teens in Costa Rica are unparalleled. Your family can go white water rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, quadbike roaming, volcano hiking, waterfall hunting, surfing, snorkeling and kayaking. The possibilities are endless.

How do I move to Costa Rica?

There are a few different ways to get residency in Costa Rica. One involves proof of a certain amount of money coming in under a pension or retirement plan. Another also involves proof of funds coming in (non-pension/retirement) or you can make a large deposit into a Costa Rican bank account.

Why does Costa Rica speak Spanish?

Spanish is spoken in Costa Rica almost since 1502 when Spanish Conquers arrived. Before that year; a variety of Indigenous languages were spoken in different regions.

How expensive is Costa Rica to live?

Regardless of where you settle down, the overall cost of living is relatively low when compared to the United States and much of Europe. Most expats in Costa Rica can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month.

How do you say hello in Costa Rican?

How do you say bathroom in Costa Rica?

Important Basic Phrases in Spanish

Lots of people say that the most important phrase to learn in a foreign language is, “Where is the bathroom?” When in Costa Rica, you can ask, “¿Dónde está el baño?”

Is it easy to travel in Costa Rica?

With the exception of San Jose and some of the bigger cities such as Limon, Costa Rica is a relatively easy country to travel around. Directions are typically given using landmarks. For example, drive 100 meters north and take a left at the yellow house on the corner.

What is the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

The Limon province is Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, extending from Nicaragua to Panama and covering 200 km. The province is divided in the North and South districts. North Limon goes from the Tortuguero Canals to Nicaragua's border. The South of Limon is the Talamanca coast.

How do you introduce yourself in Costa Rica?

To introduce yourself, simply say "Me llamo" (may YAHM-oh) followed by your name. For example, "Hola, me llamo Chris" ("OH-la, may YAHM-oh Chris") means "Hi, I'm Chris."

How can I learn Spanish at home?

What religion is Costa Rica?

The constitution recognizes Roman Catholicism as the state religion; the law requires the state to contribute to the Catholic Church's maintenance.

Why you shouldn't go to Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

Is abortion legal in Costa Rica?

Currently, abortions are allowed in Costa Rica only in order to preserve the life or physical health of the woman. Abortions are illegal in almost all cases, including when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest and when the fetus suffers from medical problems or birth defects.

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.

What are Costa Rican families like?

In general, Costa Rican families are very tightly knit. Many households are multigenerational – grandparents, parents and grandchildren comprise a common family unit, but great-grandchildren, cousins, and other close family members may live together, as well. Children often live at home until they get married.

What is the culture of Costa Rica like?

Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence, with a dash of Jamaican, Chinese, and other immigrant cultures lending character and customs. The result is a nation of laid-back, friendly, and happy people.

Can you take kids to Costa Rica?

With the most stable democracy in the region, a good healthcare system and a highly educated population (most of whom speak English), Costa Rica is arguably the most child-friendly destination in Central America.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Costa Rica?

Shorts and skimpy clothing are common at the beach, but as soon as you head into the mountains you'll want long pants. This isn't just about temperature. In places like San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest city, locals almost never wear shorts in public.