Costa Rica · Etiquette
Costa Rica — Cultural Etiquette
Pura vida culture — relaxed, harmonious, conflict-avoiding. Relatively egalitarian for region.
Cultural Dimensions (Hofstede)
PDI
35
IDV
15
MAS
21
UAI
86
LTO
25
IND
52
Source: Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com).
What This Means in Practice
Power Distance
· 35/100Egalitarian: formal address can come across as cold or distant; first names are usually fine quickly.
Individualism
· 15/100Group-oriented: relationships and references matter more than transactional terms; warm small talk before business is normal.
Achievement Orientation
· 21/100Care-oriented: low ego-display, soft consensus-building style; loud or status-flexing behaviour is read as uncool.
Uncertainty Avoidance
· 86/100High uncertainty-avoidance: expect detailed booking processes, written confirmations, and rule-following. Improvising or "playing it by ear" can read as unprofessional.
Indulgence
· 52/100Mid-range: balance of restraint and expression; reading the room matters.
Quick Reference
- Languages: Spanish; English in tourist zones
- Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC); USD widely accepted
- Emergency: 911 (universal)
Related
Cultural-dimension scores from the Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com); etiquette specifics curated from local sources, embassy guidance, and community contributions. Last verified April 2026.