how to survive in costa rica

1. Do not slam (or shut doors how we do in the U.S) taxi doors...or any door for that matter. you are considered an angry person if you do and people get very upset.
2. Do not give a strong handshake. You will once again be considered an angry person.
3. Do not pay for something with large bills (colones) if it is something cheap. Costa Ricans do not like to give you change and may refuse to. They will scowl at you and could refuse to let you buy the whatever it is you are trying to buy.
4. Walk with you bookbag or purse in front of you. Yes, I feel like a ninja turtle walking to work everyday with my backpack on my stomach but hey I havent been robbed yet.
5. Maps are pointless...know places or landmarks instead of road names.
6. Be extremely careful when crossing the street...cars do NOT stop or slow down.
7. ALWAYS carry an umbrella & a raincoat. If it is beautiful in the morning yes it is still going to rain in the afternoon. - I carry my umbrella in my hand even if its not raining just incase I need to use it as a weapon : )
8. Do not stand in the doorway when getting on a bus. Keep walking until you are all the way inside the bus. There are bars with sensors on them and if you stand between them or go back and forth you are being counted multiple times and bus drivers get very angry.
9. Learn to love rice and beans.
10. The police have different jobs. So you may run a redlight in front of a police but if its not a traffic police than he can't do anything about it.
11. If you have light colored eyes it might be a good idea to wear colored contacts or sunglasses all the time haha my eyes have drawn a lot of attention. Also to all the blondes...dye your hair dark.
12. Also just to throw it out there....every fast food place has a seperate counter/line for icecream. it is a big hit. and the taco bell gives you fries with your order