Know Before You Go: South America
Most travelers don’t struggle because they chose the wrong destination.
They struggle because they didn’t know what to expect.
South America is not difficult to travel—but it is different to navigate.
Understanding those differences before you arrive completely changes your experience.
What This Page Will Help You Do
• Avoid common mistakes travelers make
• Understand how things actually work on the ground
• Feel more confident moving through unfamiliar environments
• Prepare in a way that most travel guides don’t cover
“The difference between a stressful trip and a confident one is rarely the destination. It’s how prepared you are for it.”
Moving Around Is Not Always Straightforward
Transportation in South America varies widely.
What feels simple in one country may require more planning in another.
Apps, taxis, buses, and flights all exist—but knowing when to use each is what makes your experience smoother.
Communication Is More Than Language
Even basic Spanish or Portuguese makes a difference.
But how you communicate—tone, politeness, timing—matters just as much as what you say.
Safety Is About Awareness, Not Fear
Safety varies by city and neighborhood.
Most travelers who have positive experiences are not lucky—they’re aware.
Knowing how to move, when to be more alert, and how to read your environment changes everything.
Planning Too Much Can Work Against You
Overpacking your itinerary is one of the most common mistakes.
South America requires a balance between structure and flexibility.
Cultural Differences Shape Everything
Things don’t always work the way you expect.
Understanding local norms—how people interact, communicate, and move—helps you adapt quickly.
🌎 Free Culture Guide
🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🇦🇷 🇵🇪 🇨🇱 🇧🇷 🇨🇷
Know Before You Go —
LATAM Culture Briefings
Everything the guidebooks skip. Real cultural intel on greetings, tipping, safety, food and getting around — country by country.
🇲🇽
Mexico
"Warm, passionate and deeply proud — Mexicans love when visitors make an effort to respect their culture."
SpanishMXN PesoGMT-6 to GMT-8Catholic traditions
Food & Dining
Meals run late — Lunch is the main meal, served 2–4pm. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm.
Tortillas are sacred — Never use a fork to eat a taco. Pick it up, fold it, eat it. Two hands.
The bill won't arrive until asked — Waiters consider it rude to rush you. Say “La cuenta, por favor.”
Water is not always safe — Always order bottled water, even in good restaurants.
Salsa etiquette: Never pour salsa directly from the bowl — use the spoon provided, or ask for a separate dish.
Safety
Use app taxis only — Uber, InDriver and Cabify are far safer than flagging street taxis, especially at night.
Keep small bills accessible — Avoid flashing large notes or phones in busy markets or transport hubs.
Tourist police exist — CDMX has dedicated tourist police in green uniforms who speak basic English.
Neighbourhood awareness matters — Research specific colonias — quality and safety vary block by block.
ATM safety: Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets, never freestanding street machines. Cover your PIN always.
Greetings
Handshakes for first meetings — Once friendly, men often do a half-hug (abrazo), women kiss one cheek.
Titles matter — Use Señor/Señora until invited to use first names.
Eye contact equals respect — Looking away while someone speaks can be read as dismissive or rude.
“Mande” not “Qué?” — When you don't hear someone, “Mande” is far more polite in Mexico.
Personal space: Mexicans stand closer in conversation than most North Americans expect. Don't step back — it reads as cold.
Dress Code
Church visits require cover — Shoulders and knees must be covered. Scarves tied at the waist work perfectly.
Casual is fine — Mexico City has smart-casual culture in nicer restaurants but beach towns are very relaxed.
Sun protection is non-negotiable — Hats and light cover-ups are practical and respected.
Overly revealing clothing draws attention — In smaller towns, dress conservatively out of respect for local norms.
Footwear tip: Cobblestone streets are everywhere in colonial towns — comfortable shoes beat sandals every time.
Tipping
10–15% at restaurants — Expected and appreciated. Check the bill — some add “propina sugerida” automatically.
Porters and hotel staff: $1–2 USD — Standard per bag. USD is widely accepted and appreciated.
Tour guides: $5–10 USD — Per person for a half-day tour. Guides often work primarily for tips.
Taxis: round up the fare — Not always expected but appreciated, especially after helping with bags.
Cash tips preferred: Card tips don't always reach the server. Hand cash directly to the person who served you.
Transport
Metro is excellent in CDMX — 9 pesos a ride, one of the world's cheapest. Avoid rush hour 8–9am and 6–8pm.
Women-only carriages on metro — The first carriage is reserved for women and children — pink signs mark them clearly.
Combis are local minibuses — Cheap and authentic but routes are unlabelled. Ask your hotel to explain the system.
Long-distance buses are world-class — ADO and ETN offer first-class buses between cities, often better than flying short routes.
Pickpockets on Metro Line 1 and 2: Keep phones in front pockets or bags at chest level during busy periods.
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🇨🇴
Colombia
"Colombians are famously warm and hospitable — parcero culture means you're a friend the moment you arrive."
SpanishCOP PesoGMT-5Catholic & festive
Food & Dining
Menú del día is the move — 3-course set lunch for $3–5 USD. Always fresh, always authentic.
Tinto equals black coffee — Asking for “un tinto” gets you a small, sweet black coffee. Colombian coffee culture is serious.
Aguardiente is everywhere — The national anise spirit. Refusing it at a social gathering can feel awkward — take a small sip.
Fruit variety will blow your mind — Try lulo, maracuyá, guanábana and feijoa in fresh juice form.
Cilantro warning: It goes into almost everything. If you hate it, say “sin cilantro por favor” the moment you sit down.
Safety
Scopolamine awareness — Never accept drinks, cigarettes or food from strangers you've just met.
Ride apps only — InDriver and Uber are the gold standard. Never hail unmarked taxis off the street at night.
Don't display valuables — Leave expensive watches, jewellery and cameras at the hotel for casual exploration days.
Bogotá altitude hits suddenly — At 2,600m, rest your first day, avoid alcohol and stay hydrated.
Express kidnapping: A rare but known risk. If forced to withdraw cash at ATMs, take only the daily limit and stay calm.
Greetings
One cheek kiss for women — Women greet with a single left-cheek kiss, even with strangers at a first meeting.
Handshake plus eye contact for men — Firm handshake with sincere eye contact. Weak handshakes are read as insincere.
Parcero signals trust — When a Colombian calls you parcero, you've been genuinely accepted.
Usted is respectful — Colombians use usted even with friends — it signals warmth, not distance.
Punctuality: Colombian time means events start 30–60 mins late. For social occasions, arriving on time means arriving early.
Dress Code
Medellín is style-conscious — El Poblado and Laureles are trendy — smart casual is the baseline at restaurants and bars.
Cartagena is beach-casual — Light fabrics, breezy dresses and sandals — the heat makes anything else impractical.
Bogotá runs cool — At altitude with frequent rain, pack layers and a light jacket for evenings.
Religious sites require modesty — Cover shoulders and knees for churches. Cartagena's historic chapels are particularly strict.
Bogotá weather: It rains nearly every afternoon. Pack a compact umbrella — always.
Tipping
10% service charge often included — Check your bill for “propina incluida” — if present, extra tipping is optional.
Voluntaria means your choice — Restaurants must ask if you want to add it. You can say no without any issue.
Hotel porters: 2,000–5,000 COP — About $0.50–$1.25 USD per bag. Cash is always preferred.
Tour guides: 10,000–20,000 COP — More for private guides. Coffee farm tours especially deserve generous tips.
Tipping in USD: Widely accepted in tourist areas. Keeping a few $1 bills makes tipping effortless throughout your trip.
Transport
TransMilenio in Bogotá — The BRT system is fast and cheap but very crowded at peak times. Keep valuables secure.
Cable cars in Medellín — The Metro Cable connects hillside comunas — a remarkable urban feat and great local experience.
Domestic flights are cheap — Colombia is large — flying Medellín–Cartagena often costs less than a long bus ride.
Mototaxis in Cartagena — Common and cheap — always agree on price before getting on.
Bus station safety: Terminal de Transportes in Bogotá requires extra vigilance. Keep bags on your lap or between your feet.
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🇦🇷
Argentina
"Porteños are passionate, opinionated and incredibly proud of their culture — especially their food, football and Malbec."
Spanish (Rioplatense)ARS PesoGMT-3European-influenced
Food & Dining
Asado is a ritual — A barbecue invitation is a serious cultural event. Arrive on time, don't rush the host, and eat everything offered.
Dinner is very late — Restaurants don't fill until 9–10pm. Arriving at 7pm marks you as a tourist instantly.
Milanesa is everywhere — Breaded cutlet, a staple across all settings. Milanesa a caballo (with fried egg on top) is essential.
Never rush the meal — Argentine dining lasts 2–3 hours. Asking for the bill early is considered rude.
Vegetarians: Argentina is steak country — options exist but require effort. Always ask for opciones sin carne specifically.
Safety
Buenos Aires is generally safe — By LATAM standards, BsAs is very walkable. La Boca is only safe around Caminito in daylight.
Pickpockets in crowds — San Telmo market, Subte rush hour and tourist areas are prime spots. Use a money belt.
Remís over street taxis — Pre-book remís through your hotel — safer and often cheaper than flagging taxis randomly.
Currency scams are common — Use trusted exchange houses (cuevas) — never street strangers.
Counterfeit pesos: Check large notes ($1,000 and $2,000 pesos) with a UV pen before accepting. Counterfeit notes are common.
Greetings
One kiss on the cheek — always — Everyone greets with one cheek kiss, men included with friends. Don't offer a handshake instead.
Vos instead of tú — Argentine Spanish uses vos with different conjugations. Using it will impress locals enormously.
Porteños are direct — Buenos Aires locals are opinionated and love debate. Don't confuse directness with rudeness.
Avoid the Falklands topic — The Malvinas question is deeply sensitive. Steer clear unless you know someone very well.
Che is the ultimate Argentine conversation starter — used to get attention, express surprise, or punctuate a sentence. Use it freely.
Dress Code
Buenos Aires is chic — Porteños dress well for dining out. Smart casual at minimum — Palermo restaurants expect effort.
Patagonia means serious layers — Wind in Torres del Paine and El Chaltén is extreme — technical layers are mandatory, not optional.
Football shirts welcome — Wearing an Argentine football shirt is a guaranteed conversation starter.
Black is universal — Buenos Aires residents wear black more than almost any other city in the world — you'll fit right in.
Dress for altitude in Mendoza: Even at winery level it's warm, but mountain excursions require a warm layer — temperature drops sharply.
Tipping
10–15% at restaurants — Porteños always tip. Not tipping is noticed and considered rude. Cash is strongly preferred.
Inflation awareness — With Argentina's economic volatility, cash USD tips are deeply appreciated over pesos.
Hotel housekeeping: $1–2 USD per day — Leave daily — the room may be serviced by different staff each day.
Tango show staff — Tipping performers and waitstaff at milongas and tango shows is expected — generous tipping is remembered.
Cubierto charge: Most restaurants charge for bread and cutlery — this is not the tip. Add your tip on top of this separately.
Transport
SUBE card for Buenos Aires — Top up this card for the Subte, buses and trains — far cheaper than cash fares.
Subte is cheap but crowded — Fast and simple but avoid lines B and D during rush hour if you have luggage.
Long-distance buses are incredible — Cama buses offer reclining beds, meals and wine — often better than flying.
Driving in BsAs — Traffic signals are treated as suggestions by many drivers. Cross streets carefully and assume nothing.
Two airports: Ezeiza (EZE) is 35km from downtown for international. Aeroparque (AEP) is in the city for domestic — don't mix them up.
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🇵🇪
Peru
"One of the world's richest cultures — Peruvians are quietly proud of their Inca heritage and world-beating cuisine."
Spanish / QuechuaPEN SolGMT-5Inca & colonial heritage
Food & Dining
Ceviche is sacred — Only eat ceviche at lunchtime — it should be made fresh that morning. Never order it for dinner.
Altitude affects appetite — In Cusco, eat light for the first 24 hours. Heavy meals worsen altitude sickness.
Chicha de jora is ceremonial — Fermented corn drink offered in the Sacred Valley — accepting it is a mark of respect.
Tasting menus are world-class — Lima has 5 of the world's top 50 restaurants. Book Central, Maido or Kjolle months ahead.
Leche de tigre: The citrus marinade from ceviche is served as a shot and said to cure altitude sickness. Try it — it genuinely helps.
Safety
Tourist police (SERPOST) — Blue-uniformed tourist police patrol Cusco and Lima's Miraflores. Use them without hesitation.
Altitude sickness is the number one risk — Soroche affects fit, healthy people too. Ascend slowly, drink coca tea, skip alcohol day one.
Inca Trail permit scams exist — Only buy through licensed agencies. Permits are non-transferable and ID-checked.
Night bus precautions — Use reputable companies (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa). Keep valuables in your lap, not overhead.
Fake taxis at Cusco airport: Official taxis are pre-paid inside the terminal. Anyone approaching you outside is unauthorised — walk past them.
Greetings
Handshake plus slight nod — In the highlands, a more reserved nod is common. Don't over-impose physical contact.
Quechua greetings go a long way — Allianchu? (are you well?) in the Sacred Valley will create moments you'll never forget.
Peruvians are modest — Don't openly boast or over-compliment in an exaggerated way — sincerity is valued over enthusiasm.
Indirect refusal is common — If a Peruvian says “perhaps” or “we'll see” — it almost always means no. Respect it gracefully.
Photography etiquette: Always ask before photographing people in traditional dress in the highlands — and expect to pay a small propina if they agree.
Dress Code
Cusco is cold at night — At 3,400m, nights drop to 5–8°C even in summer. A warm layer is always needed after dark.
Sun protection is critical — UV radiation is extreme at altitude — SPF 50+, hat and sunglasses are not optional.
Modest dress in communities — Indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley appreciate conservative dress — shorts are often unwelcome.
Lima is coastal and casual — Miraflores and Barranco are smart-casual. The coast is cool and cloudy — light layers, not beach gear.
Alpaca clothing: Buy genuine alpaca in Cusco markets — the most practical and beautiful souvenir, and you'll use the warmth immediately.
Tipping
10% at restaurants — Not always included — check the bill. Tipping in soles is fine; USD also accepted in tourist areas.
Inca Trail porters — The most important tip of your trip. $20–30 USD minimum per porter for the full trail.
Museum guides — $5–10 USD for private guides at Machu Picchu or Cusco — they depend heavily on tips.
Taxi drivers — Not expected unless they helped with bags — rounding up is always appreciated.
Tip your Machu Picchu guide in cash before leaving the site — once back on the bus, the moment is gone and they've already moved on.
Transport
Inca Rail and Peru Rail — Two competing train services to Aguas Calientes — book well in advance, especially Jun–Sep.
Collectivos are shared minibuses — Cheap and ubiquitous for inter-town travel in the Sacred Valley — ask your hostel which ones to trust.
Lima traffic is brutal — Allow double the expected time for any Lima journey — the city has some of LATAM's worst congestion.
Domestic flights save huge time — Lima–Cusco is 1h15 by air vs 22+ hours by bus. Flying is worth every penny on this route.
Bus to Machu Picchu ruins: Consettur buses from Aguas Calientes fill up fast at 5:30am. Buy tickets the night before to get the first bus up.
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🇨🇱
Chile
"Chileans are reserved, precise and quietly proud — but incredibly warm once you earn their trust."
Spanish (Chilean)CLP PesoGMT-4Pacific coast culture
Food & Dining
Once is everything — The late-afternoon tea (5–7pm) of bread, butter, avocado and tea is a cherished daily ritual. Join one if invited.
Palta (avocado) on everything — Chile puts avocado on nearly every dish. It's a food group here, not a trend.
Wine culture is serious — Always ask for a regional wine — Maipo (Cab Sav), Casablanca (Sauv Blanc) or Colchagua (Malbec).
Lunch is the main meal — Almuerzo runs 1–3pm and is the social centrepiece of the day. Dinner is lighter and later.
Completo: Chile's iconic hot dog loaded with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise. Order one from a street stall — it's a cultural experience.
Safety
Santiago is very safe — By LATAM standards, Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura are extremely safe neighbourhoods.
Peripheral comunas require awareness — La Pintana and Puente Alto — avoid at night unless with locals.
Valparaíso at night — The hills (cerros) are beautiful by day but navigate with care after dark — stick to lit main paths.
Earthquake readiness — Chile is seismically active. Know your hotel's evacuation procedure and don't panic during minor tremors.
Tsunami zones: Coastal cities have marked tsunami evacuation routes. Locate yours in Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Puerto Montt.
Greetings
One cheek kiss between women and mixed groups — Men shake hands on first meeting, then move to abrazo with closer friends.
Chileans are reserved initially — Don't interpret quietness as coldness — trust is built over time and warmth emerges gradually.
Cachai is everywhere — This tag question (from catch) ends most sentences in casual speech — using it signals cultural fluency.
Direct feedback is rare — Chileans are diplomatic and will rarely say no outright. Read between the lines in all settings.
Don't confuse Chileans with Argentines: They are culturally and linguistically distinct in ways both groups feel strongly about. Never mix them up.
Dress Code
Santiago is smart — Las Condes and Providencia restaurants expect smart-casual. Shorts and flip-flops at dinner are frowned upon.
Atacama demands layers — Days hit 30°C, nights drop below zero. You need both a T-shirt and a winter jacket simultaneously.
Patagonia means technical gear — Wind speeds at Torres del Paine exceed 100km/h. Proper waterproof layers are mandatory, not optional.
Beach towns are relaxed — Viña del Mar and La Serena are casual coastal — light fabrics and comfortable shoes throughout.
Bring a packable rain jacket everywhere in Chile — microclimates shift in minutes, from desert to drizzle to wind within a short drive.
Tipping
10% propina voluntaria — By law, Chilean restaurants must ask if you want to add it. Most people do — it's expected in practice.
Café staff — Round up or leave 500–1,000 CLP at cafés. Tips are small but appreciated.
Tour guides: 3,000–8,000 CLP — More for wilderness guides in Patagonia or the Atacama — these trips demand serious skill.
Parking attendants (cuidadores) — Informal helpers with orange vests expect 500–1,000 CLP. Pay on arrival, not departure.
Receipt check: Some tourist restaurants add the propina without asking — always scan the itemised bill before adding your own tip.
Transport
Santiago Metro is world-class — Clean, safe, punctual and inexpensive. Bip! card is essential — cash not accepted on board.
Micro buses (red buses) — Cover every corner of Santiago — Moovit and Google Maps make navigation straightforward.
Long-distance buses are excellent — Pullman and Turbus offer lie-flat cama seats — the overnight Santiago–Puerto Montt bus is a classic.
Renting a car unlocks Chile — The Carretera Austral and Atacama backroads require a car to explore properly.
Carretera Austral requires 4WD: Large sections are unpaved gravel. A regular sedan will not make it through the southern stretches.
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🇧🇷
Brazil
"Brazil runs on warmth, rhythm and spontaneity — Brazilians are among the world's most generous and joyful hosts."
PortugueseBRL RealGMT-3 to GMT-5Carnival culture
Food & Dining
PF (prato feito) is your friend — Rice, beans, meat, salad for $2–5 USD. Served everywhere and never skip it.
Feijoada on Wednesdays and Saturdays — Brazil's beloved black bean and pork stew. Always order it on these days.
Churrascaria rodízio system — Flip your token to green to keep receiving meat — red means stop. Pace yourself.
Coffee is tiny and sweet — A cafézinho is small, strong and sugary. It's a social gesture as much as a beverage. Accept one always.
Açaí in Brazil is nothing like the export version — thick, savoury-sweet, topped with granola and banana. Order at any lanchonete.
Safety
Arrastão awareness — Mass pickpocket events happen on busy beaches. Don't bring valuables to Copacabana or Ipanema.
Use 99 or Uber exclusively — These are the only safe options in Brazilian cities. Street taxis carry significant risk.
Beach rule: nothing visible — Bag at front, phone face-down, nothing valuable on display.
Favela visits — Only enter favelas on organised tours with licensed local guides — never independently.
The Good Samaritan scam: Someone spots bird droppings on your bag and offers to clean it — an accomplice pickpockets while you're distracted. Walk away immediately.
Greetings
Two cheek kisses in São Paulo — In Rio, one kiss is the norm — watch and match what locals do.
Tudo bem / Tudo bom — The call-and-response greeting used constantly. Use it and Brazilians will light up immediately.
Physical warmth is normal — Brazilians touch shoulders, arms and backs in conversation. It's affection — relax and match the energy.
Time is fluid — Brazilian time for social events means 30–60 minutes late is standard. For business, punctuality is expected.
Saudade is untranslatable — a bittersweet longing for something loved. If a Brazilian shares a moment of saudade with you, receive it with sincerity.
Dress Code
Beach culture defines dress — Brazilians wear as little as possible at the beach and as much style as possible everywhere else.
Havaianas are formal footwear — The famous flip-flops are worn everywhere from beach to boteco to corner shop. Join in.
São Paulo is fashion-forward — Paulistanos dress sharply. Smart casual in Vila Madalena and Jardins is the baseline for dinner.
Amazon trips require cover — Long sleeves and light trousers for jungle excursions. Mosquito protection outweighs all fashion concerns.
Brazilian swimwear: Smaller is more appropriate at Brazilian beaches, not larger. Board shorts signal tourist immediately.
Tipping
10% serviço usually included — Check your bill — if it says 10% serviço incluído, extra tipping is optional but appreciated.
Boteco bar staff — Round up the tab or leave 5–10 BRL. Street bar culture runs on small, consistent tips.
Hotel housekeeping: 5–10 BRL per day — Leave daily in the room — cumulative tips make a real difference to hotel staff.
Capoeira and samba performers — At street shows and capoeira circles, 5–20 BRL per person is appropriate.
PIX is Brazil's payment revolution: The instant transfer system is used for everything including tips. A QR code from locals is legitimate and convenient.
Transport
Metrô in São Paulo is excellent — Clean, reliable and extensive — the best way to navigate the world's 4th largest city.
Rio's metro is limited — Only covers select areas — Uber fills the gaps. SuperVia trains to suburbs require extra caution.
Ônibus (city buses) — Cheap and covering everywhere, but confusing for newcomers. Download Moovit before arriving.
Domestic flights save time — Brazil is enormous — flying between cities is almost always worth the cost over long bus journeys.
Never take buses after midnight in Rio or São Paulo — risk increases significantly after 12am.
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🇨🇷
Costa Rica
"Pura Vida isn't a slogan — it's a genuine philosophy of gratitude, slowness and joy that infuses every interaction."
SpanishCRC Colón / USDGMT-6Eco & wildlife culture
Food & Dining
Gallo pinto is national identity — Rice and beans fried together — the breakfast staple. Eaten daily by most Ticos. Never decline it.
Casado is the lunch anchor — Rice, beans, plantain, salad and a protein. The complete Costa Rican plate. Order it everywhere.
Coffee is sacred — Costa Rica produces some of the world's best single-origin coffee. Only drink it locally roasted and fresh.
Sodas are local restaurants — A soda is a small family restaurant — cheaper, more authentic and usually far better than tourist spots.
Chifrijo: Fried pork, beans, rice and pico de gallo in a bowl — Costa Rica's perfect bar snack. Order it at any local bar.
Safety
Costa Rica is safe by LATAM standards — But petty theft is common in tourist zones. San José's downtown requires basic awareness.
Car break-ins are very common — Never leave anything visible in a rental car — not even a charging cable. Thieves work fast.
Riptides on Pacific coast — Several beaches have dangerous currents. Always check beach conditions and swim between the flags.
Wildlife encounters — Don't touch wildlife. Bullet ants and fer-de-lance snakes are not photo opportunities.
Rental car windshield scam: Staged accidents involving rental cars exist. Always photograph your car fully before driving away from any agency.
Greetings
Pura Vida answers everything — Use it as hello, goodbye, you're welcome, no problem, that's great — Ticos will grin every time.
Handshake for first meetings — Ticos are warm but slightly more reserved than Colombians or Brazilians on a first encounter.
Mae for everyone — Gender-neutral dude used constantly between Ticos — using it signals total cultural integration.
Diay fills every pause — Costa Rica's unique filler word meaning roughly “well” or “what can you do”. Sprinkle into conversation.
Punctuality: Tico time is famously relaxed for social events. Arriving 20–30 mins late is standard. For tours and transport, be on time.
Dress Code
Biodegradable sunscreen only — Required in national parks. Chemical sunscreen damages coral and is increasingly enforced.
Packing light wins — Breathable, quick-dry fabrics you can wear for hiking and dinner are the ideal solution.
Rain gear is essential — The green season (May–Nov) means afternoon downpours daily. A packable poncho beats an umbrella.
Jungle hiking gear matters — Closed-toe shoes and long trousers for national park trails — sandals and shorts invite bites and scratches.
Laundry is easy and cheap — Most towns have lavandería services for $5–8 USD. Pack less and wash more to travel lighter.
Tipping
10% service legally offered — Costa Rican law mandates offering the service charge — you can decline, but it's unusual to do so.
Tour guides: $5–10 USD per person — Wildlife guides at national parks deserve generous tips — their expertise is extraordinary and under-compensated.
USD widely accepted — Most tourist businesses price in dollars. Tipping in USD is universal and eliminates exchange confusion.
Surf instructors: $5–10 USD — Jaco, Tamarindo and Nosara surf schools rely on tips to supplement low base wages.
Colón coins for locals: Keep small colón change for sodas, bus fares and market stalls — locals appreciate native currency.
Transport
4WD rental is non-negotiable — River crossings, unpaved roads and steep jungle tracks make a 4WD essential for any off-road destination.
Shared shuttles are the sweet spot — Interbus and Grayline connect tourist towns affordably — safer than public buses, cheaper than private transfers.
Public buses are cheap — The Tica Bus network is extensive — slow but incredibly cheap and genuinely used by locals.
Domestic flights save days — Sansa and Skyway fly tiny planes to remote destinations (Tortuguero, Drake Bay) — completely worth it.
Google Maps fails in Costa Rica for rural roads — it frequently routes through rivers and impassable tracks. Use Waze and ask locals at every junction.
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