A tip (also called a gratuity) has always been a special thanks to a server for good service. Such payments and their size are a matter of social custom and etiquette and usually are around 10% plus of the total bill. Tipping varies among cultures and by service industry. In Costa Rica, those that provide services in restaurants and bars or unskilled labor make less than $2/hr (more like $1/hr … [Read more...]
Swine Flu Hits Costa Rica – Health Warning
04/30/2009 by 1 Comment
Well, you knew it was going to happen, and it did. Personally, I would have bet on Guatemala or Nicaragua claiming the first case. But Central America's Costa Rica confirmed its first case of swine flu in a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman who returned to San Jose from Mexico. Hours before the case was confirmed, assembly president Francisco Antonio Pacheco asked legislators to avoid handshake and … [Read more...]
Manners – Faux Pas – Pura Vida
03/13/2009 by 9 Comments
Like any country there is respect with the culture and Costa Rica in no different. Faux pas varies from country to country, but in Costa Rica modesty, politeness, good manners, and common courtesy are the main keys. Even if you do not speak Spanish, learn to say, Buenos Dias (Good Morning) and Muchas Gracias (thank you) and you will see a world of difference. Costa Ricans call themselves, Ticos … [Read more...]
Comments