San José Local Customs

by mim95
Send Photo to a Friend

Getting a churro for snack

Churro is a fried dough with fillings, a type of snack on the streets of Costa Rica. It somewhat resembles a donut, except that it shapes like a stick. You can find churro stands along Avenida Central. It costs about US$0.35 for one.


	Love the Little Children	Tip Rating:

Updated By Stephen-KarenConn

on April 16, 2007

by Stephen-KarenConn
Send Photo to a Friend

School Children in San Jose

If the number of children we saw in San Jose is any indication, the population of Costa Rica must be growing at a healthy clip.

A few of the children we encountered on the streets of San Jose approached us with hands extending asking for $1.00 in return for letting us take their photograph. I'll admit that I've paid a kid (and a few adults) a dollar to take their picture a few times in past travels, but this time I didn't. I've got mixed feelings about the practice. No doubt the person receiving the dollar can use it, but I question what kid of work ethic this is teaching them - and especially the children.

The photo taken here was gratis - and from a little distance away. We saw more than one group of uniformed school children, all wearing black and white freshly laundered uniforms, and bright smiles. Those seen here are waving at our bus as we drive through the streets of San Jose.


	Grilled Houses	Tip Rating:

By penumbra

on October 3, 2006

by penumbra
Send Photo to a Friend

Colorful Security Bars

If you venture into a residential area, you’ll notice that all of the houses have metal security bars protecting their windows, doors and yards. Walls are often topped with razor wire and other sharp implements. All of this is in an effort to prevent break-in’s and theft. Apparently, even this is no longer enough as some enterprising burglars using fishing rods to snag items behind the bars through open windows. Just something you might want to consider if you are staying long term or considering buying a house.

Website: http://insidecostarica.com/columnists/bari/living_behind_bars.htm


	Even if it's hot, nobody wears shorts in the city.	Tip Rating:

By BPR

on November 1, 2003

If you want to scream tourist, wear shorts. But, be forewarned that thieves can spot a tourist a mile away. Your best bet is to wear clothes that don't make you stand out. San Jose is wonderful, but don't set yourself up to be robbed.


	Lottery, Chances, Tiempos	Tip Rating:

By penumbra

on October 18, 2006

by penumbra
Send Photo to a Friend

Streetside lottery tickets

You’ll see (and hear) street vendors downtown with lottery tickets pinned to their wooden tables. Lotería nacional (national lottery) tickets cost c2,500 with a chance to win c40 million on Sunday nights. Chances and Tiempos are sold for c1,000 and have a top prize of c10 million on Tuesday and Friday nights. Foreigners and tourists are allowed to play. Funds from the lotteries are used by Junta de Proteccion Social (JPS) de San Jose for its social program.

Website: http://www.jps.go.cr/


	Above Ground Graves	Tip Rating:

Updated By Stephen-KarenConn

on April 15, 2007

by Stephen-KarenConn
Send Photo to a Friend

A Cemetery in San Jose

We were interested to see this cemetery of above ground tombs in San Jose which are remarkably similar to those found in New Orleans, Louisiana. But much of New Orleans is situated below sea level, and San Jose is in a high mountain valley.

According to our guide, the tombs here are above ground because heavy tropical rains can saturate the ground to the extent that the water may disturb, or even float, the caskets if they are buried six feet under.

Website: http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html


	It's not necessary to tip at...	Tip Rating:

By bonmse

on August 27, 2002

by bonmse
Send Photo to a Friend

It's not necessary to tip at restaurants or other places since your bill includes a service fee. Also, Ticos greet each other with the expression 'Pura Vida!', (i.e. pure life)....

Shopping:

some of the (inexpensive) items I purchased on this trip included

Cafe Rey (2 500gms bags), Ron Centenario, Guaro Cacique, Tica Doll, Wooden box for jewelry


	TAXIS - in San Jose, they use...	Tip Rating:

By markymark

on August 25, 2002

TAXIS - in San Jose, they use meters (called Marias). Make sure they put it on, and if they dont, your gonna be overcharged. Sometimes they ask for more than is on the meter anyway, and Im not sure where that figures! Im not sure whether the meters can account for the extra night charges (which I dont grudge because this is standard in Scotland), so they might add it on manually?

Taxis from the airport to city centre are different - standard charge is $14.

In other places, however, eg travelling between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, standard charge is 1000 colones - no meter. Slightly higher at night, but you can bargain ...


	Love and xxx ... Costa Ricans...	Tip Rating:

By markymark

on August 25, 2002

Love and xxx ... Costa Ricans are very friendly people, but when it comes to relationships, be careful! Ive seen 2 people here who Ive explained my situation to from the start - ie that Im travelling and have no idea if Ill be here next week, let alone next month. The phrases ´I love you´, ´I need you´, and ´I miss you´ (the latter said after being apart for 24 hours, and within a few days of seeing each other!, kinda haunt me as reminders that I have hurt people here.


	The culture of Costa Rica can...	Tip Rating:

By gmcnee

on August 24, 2002

The culture of Costa Rica can be summed up by their famous saying, 'Pura Vida', which is literally translated as 'Pure Life' in English. It's said by young and old alike. It's used as a response to '¿Como estas?' and means just living man, enjoying being alive, etc.
A second insight into the culture is that Costa Rica is going on 50 years of not having an army. They call themselves to be the Switzerland of Central America.
Lastly, as vistors will soon notice by the complexion of the populace, 95% of Costa Ricans are of pure Spanish blood very little mixing was done with the indigenous peoples for whatever reason.