About Shopping in Costa Rica

A law regulating the opening hours of shops is an unknown phenomenon in Costa Rica. The question: ’At what time open en close the shops in Costa Rica?’ has no one-line answer. Shops where Costa Ricans buy their daily stuff open at around 09.00 and close at around 18.00. Supermarkets open normally earlier and close later (around 22.00).

The opening hours of souvenir shops outside San José depend on the season. In the high season (December - February, Eastern) de shops keep their doors opened for a longer while. In the low season, when few tourists visit the shops, they close around 6 in the afternoon.

It is possible to bargain on prices of articles in souvenir shops. However there is no ‘bargain culture’ like at other holiday destinations, so don’t try to get the ultimate price. It is quite easy to insult someone this way!

In this section we highlight some typical Costa Rican souvenirs like coffee, ceramics, music and special paper.

It is also possible to buy articles that can be of good use during your stay in Costa Rica. Insect repellent without Deet for example. Or a plasticized card containing animals you likely will spot during your trip! It will be helpful in recognizing these animals!