Travelling to Costa Rica? Learn buenos días (good morning), pura vida (a flexible greeting and expression of well-being), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), con permiso (excuse me / may I pass?) and ¿dónde queda…? (where is…?). Recognise parada (bus stop), terminal (terminal), boleto (ticket), playa (beach), sendero (trail) and salida (exit).
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and the main language for everyday travel. English is widely spoken in some tourism areas, while Indigenous languages and Limón Creole English are also part of the country’s linguistic landscape. Learning a few Spanish phrases is useful beyond large hotels and tour desks, especially for bus travel, local shops and rural destinations.
Quick read: Learn pura vida, gracias and por favor. Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC), while US dollars are also widely accepted in many visitor areas. Bus routes are operated by different companies, and major cities do not necessarily have one central terminal for every route. Check the exact operator and departure point before travelling.
20 useful Costa Rican Spanish phrases
| Spanish / local expression | Meaning | Travel use |
|---|---|---|
| Pura vida | Hello / great / all good / goodbye | Flexible Costa Rican expression |
| Buenos días | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon | Afternoon greeting |
| Buenas noches | Good evening / good night | Evening greeting |
| Gracias | Thank you | Thanks |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | Emphatic thanks |
| Por favor | Please | Polite request |
| Con permiso | Excuse me / may I pass? | Move politely |
| Disculpe | Excuse me | Approach politely |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | Ask politely |
| No entiendo | I don’t understand | Clarify |
| ¿Puede repetir? | Could you repeat? | Ask again |
| ¿Dónde queda…? | Where is…? | Ask for a place |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Ask a price |
| Quisiera… | I would like… | Make a request |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | Restaurant |
| Baño | Restroom | Facilities |
| Parada de autobús | Bus stop | Transport |
| Playa | Beach | Coastal travel |
| Ayuda | Help | Request assistance |
Pura vida: more than one translation
Pura vida is strongly associated with Costa Rica. Depending on the situation, it can be a greeting, a friendly response, a way to say things are good, or a farewell. It is not always a literal comment about ‘pure life’. Listen to the tone and context. Visitors can use it in friendly, informal exchanges, but a standard buenos días or gracias is appropriate in formal situations.
You may also hear tico or tica as informal words for a Costa Rican person. Use them respectfully and remember that locals do not all speak or behave in the same way. A warm greeting and clear question are more useful than copying slang without context.
Buses and getting around Costa Rica
Useful words include autobús (bus), parada (stop), terminal (terminal), empresa (company), boleto (ticket), salida (departure) and llegada (arrival). Costa Rica’s official tourism information explains that private companies operate bus routes and each company may have its own terminal. There is not necessarily one central bus terminal serving every destination in San José or other cities.
Check the operator, exact departure address, destination, timetable and ticket conditions. Some tickets can be bought online while others may need to be purchased at a station. Bring an appropriate payment method and confirm the last return service for rural or beach destinations. Do not rely only on a generic map pin marked ‘bus station’.
- Find the operator responsible for the route you need.
- Confirm the exact terminal or stop address before departure.
- Check whether the ticket is online or station-purchase only.
- Ask about luggage and boarding arrangements.
- Confirm the last return bus before visiting a remote destination.
Beaches, rainforests and national parks
Learn playa (beach), selva (forest / jungle), parque nacional (national park), sendero (trail), guardaparque (park ranger) and corriente (current). These words help you understand signs and guidance, but they do not tell you whether a trail, river or sea is safe on a particular day.
Costa Rica’s official tourism guidance advises visitors to ask local people or surfers about beach conditions and rip currents, avoid swimming alone and keep belongings secure. Follow lifeguard and park staff instructions, stay on marked trails and do not feed wildlife. Weather and access conditions can vary by region and season.
Prices, currency and everyday purchases
Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, but change may be given in colones and the exchange rate used by a business may differ from the official rate. Confirm the currency and final amount before paying. Cards and ATMs are available in many locations, but carry a practical alternative for small purchases or rural areas.
Use ¿cuánto cuesta? to ask a price. Confirm whether it is per person, item, portion or service. If you do not understand a number, ask the person to write it down or show it on a calculator. Keep the receipt for larger purchases and transport bookings.
Food, hotels and respectful requests
Costa Rican menus may include gallo pinto, casado, olla de carne, ceviche and fresh fruit. Food names can vary and dishes may include sauces or ingredients not listed in a short menu description. If you have a serious allergy, prepare a clear Spanish statement naming the ingredient and any cross-contact concern. Ask the kitchen to confirm.
At accommodation, save the full property name, address and phone number offline. In rural areas, some lodges are reached by shuttle, boat or an unpaved road. Ask the property for the correct transfer meeting point and arrival instructions before setting out.
A five-day Costa Rican Spanish routine
- Day 1: practise pura vida, buenos días, gracias and por favor.
- Day 2: save your hotel address and practise ¿dónde queda…?
- Day 3: confirm the bus company, terminal, departure time and return service.
- Day 4: practise ¿cuánto cuesta? and confirm whether the price is in colones or US dollars.
- Day 5: check the current beach, trail and park guidance for your outdoor activity.
Frequently asked questions
What does pura vida mean?
It is a flexible Costa Rican expression used as a greeting, positive response or farewell. Its meaning depends on context.
Do people in Costa Rica speak English?
English is used in many tourism areas, but Spanish is the main language for everyday life. Some communities also use Indigenous languages and Limón Creole English.
What currency does Costa Rica use?
The Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are also widely accepted in many tourist areas.
Why should I check the bus company’s terminal?
Different private operators may use different terminals. A city may not have one central terminal for all destinations.
Continue exploring Costa Rica
Read Everything About Costa Rica, things to do when visiting Costa Rica, and the specialist oxcart heritage vocabulary and birdwatching vocabulary guides.
Official references
- Visit Costa Rica: visitor FAQs — official language, currency and practical details.
- Visit Costa Rica: travel resources — bus services, terminals and visitor assistance.
- Visit Costa Rica: safety tips — beach, rip-current and outdoor guidance.
- Singapore MFA travel guidance — traveller preparation.
Language note: Spanish and informal expressions vary by region and context. Bus terminals, schedules, weather, beach conditions and park access can change; check current official operator and authority information before travel. Editorial review: 4 November 2026.