Greeting in Costa Rica

• Como está? Todo bien?
• Bien, gracias, y usted?
• Pura Vida! Gracias a Dios
• Bueno, me alegra verle, qué le vaya bien!
• Gracias, saludos a la familia
  
  
• How are your? Everything fine?
• I’m allright!, How about you?
• Pura Vida, thanks God
• Okay, it is a pleasure to see you, I wish you all the best
• Thank, greets to your family!

This is an example of a conversation that everyday is repeated a thousand times in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans like courtesy.  It means that if you enter a place, it is usual to say something, even if it is just a simple ‘Hola!’ (Hello!). It also is a custom to give a sign of appreciation if someone is doing you a favour or offering you a service. If you order a Coca-Cola, it is: ‘Una Coca-Cola por favor’. And if the waiter brings you the drink it is always: ‘gracias!’

In Costa Rica a lot of hands are shaken (and a lot of kisses given). As a traveller you can join in as well. That may be the case if you ask for the right way to someone in the street. Just shake hands if he gave an answer!  Or you meet someone you met before and there is a beginning of knowing each other: Shake hands!

If you have a friendly relationship with a women or girl there is nothing strange to give her a kiss as to greet her or to say goodbye. But attention! Just one kiss is given in Costa Rica.

It is handy to learn by heart a few words to be able to express yourself politely. It makes contact with the local people so much easier. You may confront the danger that a lot of Spanish is spoken to you in return, but that is part of the fun.

Thank you
Please
Here you are
With pleasure

Hello!
How are you?
I’m Fine, excellent!
Very well!
Goodbye

Gracias
Por Favor
Tome!
Con mucho gusto!

Hola!
Como está?
Pura Vida!
Muy bien!
Hasta Luego!