Live the Dream in Costa Rica

 

“I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore Toto...”

– Dorothy, Wizard of OZ

 

Gringos – White Invaders From the North!

Gringo is a word popularized during the Mexican American war. It literally means the white invaders from the north. It is not a flattering term, but Ticos seem to use it in a good-natured manner. For the most part, Gringo identifies a white foreigner, usually European or North American. Estimates are that at any one time 50,000 foreigners live in Costa Rica as formal and informal residents, and tens of thousands come and go on a regular basis.
To Ticos, Gringo connotes wealth, and to the surprise of many Gringos, it’s associated with naiveté. Gringos are famous for naively trying to change Tico culture. Foreigners should realize that they are in Costa Rica, and it does not matter how much knowledge, civility or money they have, Ticos will behave like Ticos.
Repeatedly, I hear Gringos complaining about the differences in Tico culture. Think about it, shouldn’t it be different? And it begs asking: If you were looking for the US, why did you come to Central America? It may sound ridiculously simple but remember that this is Costa Rica not the United States. It’s different here. Notice I did not say better or worse–just different.
With the “it’s different here” attitude, you are more adaptive to new ways. It’s important to understand Tico culture so you can accept it. Once you understand and accept it, you can adapt with it. Then the process becomes natural and you stop thinking like a Gringo. It may also mean that you become a little less ambitious and a little more content–wouldn’t that be refreshing? Gringos who think like Gringos and do not speak at least some Spanish are more likely to encounter the two-tier pricing here. Although it is not as prevalent as it once was, the notion of the Gringo price and the Tico price still exists especially in real estate and legal services. It is still common to see service providers in the auto repair and construction trade using discriminatory pricing.