Culture & Etiquette in San José (2026)

In San Jose, formal dress is the norm—well-dressed men and women are expected in public spaces, contrasting sharply with beach towns where casual wear is standard.
Direct refusals are rare; if someone says 'puede ser' (maybe), they may not mean yes—understand this is about politeness, not commitment.
Public intoxication is culturally offensive even though drinking in public is legal; moderation and discretion matter.
Always wait for hosts to direct seating and for all diners to be served before eating; saying 'buen provecho' before you start is essential.
Say 'Permiso' when entering private spaces—even when invited—as it demonstrates respect.
Avoid raising your voice; Costa Rican culture prizes non-confrontation and calm demeanor.
Early to bed, early to rise is the norm; plan evening activities accordingly as most establishments close by 9 pm.
Premarital sex, abortion, and homosexuality remain sensitive topics in this predominantly Catholic culture; avoid them with acquaintances.

Formal Greeting: Use 'Buenos días' (Good morning), 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (Good evening)
Physical Greeting: Light handshake with strangers; light kiss on cheek among friends or closer acquaintances
Informal Acknowledgment: A simple 'buenas' or 'hola' when passing someone on the street or in casual settings
Formality With Strangers: Use formal 'usted' with people you don't know well; reserve informal 'tú' for close friends and family

Churches: Men must wear long pants and collared shirts; women should wear dresses, knee-length skirts, or dress pants with shoulder-covering blouses; women may wear sandals but men need formal footwear
Home Visits: Wear clean, pressed clothing; men should wear collared shirts with nice pants; women should wear sundresses or dress pants; avoid flip-flops
Public Spaces: Avoid beachwear and swimsuits in inland communities like San Jose; modest clothing is expected
General Principle: Tropical climate does not change locals' values of modesty in public spaces
San Jose Specific: San Jose has formal dress standards; well-dressed men and women are common throughout the city

Graciousness: Accept hospitality graciously; reciprocating invitations or sending thanks is good manners
Cafecito Tradition: Visitors may be offered a cafecito (small coffee), snack, or meal as part of hospitality

Social Settings: Flexibility with time is common in social situations
General Attitude: Relaxed attitude toward strict timekeeping is common; 'la hora tica' refers to this cultural phenomenon
Language Note: 'Ahora' (now) often means later or even tomorrow, not literal present moment
Business Context: Being on time for business meetings is appreciated, though this has changed somewhat due to international business

Early Schedule: Costa Ricans typically wake up early (around 5 am) and go to bed early, often before 9 pm
Restaurant Hours: Difficult to find restaurants open past 9 pm

Meaning: Literally 'full of life'; expresses that things are going great
Broader Values: Reflects relaxed, positive social tone and emphasis on peace, family, education, and stability
Cultural Significance: Mantra of Costa Rican people; customary response when asked 'how are you?' in passing

Tidiness: Clean up after yourself; leaving things lying around is considered rude
Waiting Practice: Wait for host's seating directions and for all guests to be served before eating
Provecho Greeting: Say 'buen provecho' to those at the table before beginning to eat

Taboo Subjects: Premarital sex, abortion, and homosexuality remain taboo topics to avoid in public or with people you don't know well
Religious Influence: Roman Catholicism shapes cultural norms (constitutionally official religion, ~70% population)

Legal Status: Drinking alcohol in public is legal in Costa Rica, unlike the United States
Cultural Norm: However, public intoxication is considered offensive and disrespectful, especially when children and elderly are present

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About San José

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.