Get to know the daily life in Costa Rica now

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Costa Rica is not only known for its impressive flora and fauna, but also for the cheerful way of life of the locals. Here you will find out what life is like in this country. Dive into the "Pura Vida" everyday life and let yourself be infected by the serenity of the Ticos!

Pura Vida determines the Costa Rican Everyday life 

The Costa Ricans refer to themselves as "Ticos" and are considered one of the happiest populations in the world. This is reflected in their friendly, welcoming and proud nature. You've probably heard the term "Pura Vida" - the Ticos' motto for life. They use it all the time in everyday life, for example to greet each other or to say goodbye. Literally translated, it means something like "pure" or "simple life". It is meant to express that they enjoy and value life to the fullest. Negativity and stress are avoided, instead things are accepted as they come. 

Jokes or funny sayings, as well as music and dance you will encounter everywhere and it is simply fun to be in the company of Ticos. On your next trip to Costa Rica, adopt this lifestyle and let yourself be enchanted by the relaxation and simplicity of life. 

Cost of living 

In general, Costa Rica has established a similar standard of living as in Europe, but at a lower cost. The local currency is Costa Rica Colón (CRC), but you can also pay everywhere with US dollars. 100 EUR is equivalent to about 62,000 CRC. With these large numbers, it is not so easy to keep track. 

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For a meal in a cheap restaurant you should plan about 7 EUR per person. A beer in a bar costs around 2.50 EUR. You can buy food relatively cheap and fresh at markets. To get from A to B, cabs are very useful in Costa Rica. There is a basic fare of 1 EUR and for each additional kilometer another 1 EUR is added. But also with the bus you can travel cheaply with about 0.80 EUR for a one-way trip.

A month's rent for a two-bedroom apartment in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, costs about EUR 500. With all other areas, such as health, entertainment, communication and TV, you could live quite comfortably with about 1,200 EUR per month. 

Education and work

Costa Rica has a modern, internationally oriented school system. The children start school at the age of six - just like you know it from Germany. From this point on, they have a school day with classes from about 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. There are big summer vacations in December and January, before the new school year starts at the beginning of February. 

Elementary school in Costa Rica lasts six years, followed by secondary school. Nine years of school are compulsory by law. Upon completion of the eleventh grade, you will receive your "bachillerato", or high school diploma. Although Costa Rica is a small country, there are five public universities in addition to private ones. First, the "grado asociado" is completed through a three-year study program. Only then does the "Pregrado" study program start, which is comparable to the German Bachelor's degree, and then the "Posgrado" study program (Master's degree).

Many Ticos later work in tourism or agriculture, as the economy is very dependent on these industries. The numerous tourist activities that the country has to offer attract almost 3 million visitors every year. In almost all parts of the country you can find agricultural operations and especially marvel at huge banana and coffee plantations. These are considered the most important agricultural exports. You have probably seen or bought "Chiquita" bananas in the supermarket: they are of Costa Rican origin.  

Coffee Plantation In Costa Rica

Overall, the country has developed into a sustainable economic powerhouse. Although the average monthly net income of around EUR 800 is relatively low compared to Germany, it is the second highest in Central America. 

Clothing

Most locals in Costa Rica wear typical western clothing, especially in San José. However, once you leave the capital, you will also find Ticos wearing traditional clothing. Men are dressed all in white with a cowboy hat and a red belt-like sash around their waist. For women, things look more colorful: They wear ruffled blouses with trim and long, colorful striped skirts. Their hair is usually braided and sometimes they even wear flowers in their hair. 

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Religion

The majority of Ticos are Catholics. Costa Rica is the only American country where Catholicism is established as the state religion. Therefore, religion is a large and important part of Costa Rican culture and is reflected in all traditions and holidays. You will see religious decorations like crosses and images of saints on many of the locals' homes. Religious icons are also very common in houses and cars. However, there is freedom of religion throughout the country and especially the number of evangelical Protestants is growing rapidly. 

Every year in August there is a nationwide celebration and pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin Mary. Many Costa Ricans then make a pilgrimage to the "Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Àngeles" ("Our Lady of the Angels Basilica") in Cartago to honor the saints. 

Festivals and holidays

In Costa Rica you will always be accompanied by good humor and music. Almost every village has its own version of the local music. Festivals are the center of life for the Ticos and are celebrated extensively. It is common to celebrate with the whole family, as family cohesion is the most important thing in life for Costa Ricans. They often still live at home with their family even when they are over 30 years old. You will probably often meet the whole extended family on the beach, for example. 

At Christmas, everything in Costa Rica is also decorated with twinkling lights. There is even a festival of lights in the capital at the beginning of December. Right after Christmas Day, when Santa Claus brings the presents, the "Fiestas de Zapote" take place in San José. Bullfights are held here, but they do not have a deadly tradition. Nevertheless, there are divided views in the country regarding animal rights. 

On Boxing Day, a national horse parade - "El Tope Nacional" - takes place, also in San José. 

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Easter week is celebrated throughout the country with processions and parades. At this time you can visit numerous celebrations. For the locals, the priority is to share a meal with family and friends. 

Another very important celebration in Costa Rica is Independence Day on September 15 to appreciate independence from Spain. At 6:15 p.m., the Ticos stop what they are doing and sing the national anthem. In addition, everything is decorated in blue, red and white - the colors of the flag - before celebrating extensively at street parties. 

If you would like to experience this everyday life for yourself, then you can find our current TripLegend Costa Rica Round Trip. Or learn more about the country in our latest Travelogue.

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