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Would you like to learn how to handle culture shock when you move to Costa Rica? What is culture shock anyway? It is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes. Depending on how you have travelled, how protected your life has been from the influence of other cultures, and how open you have learned to be to different cultures. Culture shock can hit you hard and stop you from adapting to Costa Rica’s culture.
Some people think they experience culture shock because they have too much culture and cannot find it in their own country. WRONG! It’s because they lack cultural awareness and are shocked that the new culture they should enjoy and learn from is unacceptable to them, making it difficult for them to adapt.
Did you know that culture shock can be beneficial? Honestly, I didn’t either. George Santayana argues in his article that experiencing culture shock keeps the mind nimble, kills prejudice, and fosters humor. I invite you to check out his article.
Moving to another country
The problem is that when you move to another culture, where they speak a language other than yours, and do things a different way, and are no longer in your 20s, you don’t adjust as quickly as an exchange student. But that’s why our agents are more than just real estate agents and are trained to assist in much more than just your house purchase in Costa Rica.
Many people, mostly older, who move to Costa Rica experience culture shock. That’s why I write many blog posts about living in Costa Rica and other topics. Very few of our clients return to their home country because they know we are always there for them.
Do you want to learn how to handle culture shock? Follow me then. Join me in a world of surprise and fun to keep your mind nimble. Starting today, you’re going to try to do some things the Tico Way, go native! That way, before you make your move, you’ll accept the new way of life in no time. Or you’ll know Costa Rica is not for you.
Taking cold showers
Many Ticos customarily take cold showers; my wife is one of those. You can purchase a suicide shower, like you’ll still find in quite some Tico homes. Then you can practice taking showers without power. You can buy these showers on Amazon. Install, then turn off the hot water, and take a cold shower after shampooing your hair.
The reason is that, especially during the rainy season and when there is high wind, power goes out. That can take anywhere between a couple of minutes and several hours. Unless you’re sure you’ll have a large hot water heater instead of an instant heater or a suicide shower. You will also learn that many showers in beach areas of Costa Rica lack hot water. In many areas of the Central Valley, you will find a suicide shower in the cheaper homes, which will give you just a trickle of hot water.
Be aware that practicing cold showers every day might not be that great for your sex life. But, for some reason, Ticos do not seem to have any problems with that.
If you like your showers really hot, talk to your real estate agent or your home inspector. They’ll show you how to install an instant heating system and a power backup in your home to keep you comfortable.
Eating habits
Throw your gringo breakfast out the window and adapt to the local food. Instead, start eating rice and beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You don’t like it? Sorry, get used to it! Make sure you eat them with corn tortillas; no more cornflakes, Canadian bacon, pancakes and syrup, waffles, and whipped cream.
From Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit:
Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart
The more you eat, the more you fart
The more you fart, the better you feel
So let’s eat beans with every meal
If you’re not ready for rice and beans, your other option is toast and eggs. The fruits in Costa Rica are also delicious, so you won’t starve to death when starting your day.
Family
Ticos are friendly, but it’s not easy to become close friends with them. That’s because they are very family-oriented. One way to make many friends here is to marry a Costa Rican. You’ll be surprised how hard it is to get rid of them again. Learn how important family is to Costa Ricans and how to deal with them.
Wait in line
If you plan to live in Costa Rica, you need to learn how to wait in line. There are lines at banks, at every government office, and even at gas stations right before gas prices go up. We have lines at the grocery store because they operate only two checkout lanes out of 12. We also have queues at the tolls on Highways 1 and 27, mostly during peak hours. If you take the bus, you’ll see that passengers stand in line. And wait till you need to go to the Caja clinic or Ebais, they love lines there.
Standing in line teaches patience, which you probably have very little of. Well, I’ve got news for you: learn how to stand in line. You can practice standing in line by calling the Expedia help desk or any other online customer service at your convenience.
A few tips:
- Banks and governmental agencies have a unique window for disabled, pregnant women, and seniors over 65. The line is shorter there, so the wait is better.
- Get a quick pass and stick it on your windshield; most highway lines will magically disappear for you.
- Always keep a book with you, or create a Facebook account. That’ll allow you to pass the time much more easily.
Learn to accept bad writing
The other day, a gringo asked about Escazoo on a forum. Escazoo is not written with a double o but with a ‘ú’. Escazú. The ú is pronounced as a double oo. That’s why Washington is written as Whasington in Costa Rica, as shown below. Now go practice that for a while. I also know quite a few Costa Ricans with the name Jhonny.
Find other expats
The best way to avoid culture shock is NOT to rely on other expats for everything you need. Go NATIVE! The best way to go native is to use your time before your move to Costa Rica well.
Of course, you won’t be able to stay away from people who speak your language. You will find thousands of expats online. There are online expat forums like CostaRicaLiving and many expat Facebook pages.
The Cure
That takes us to the next step of getting the cure for culture shock:
Learn Spanish
You can become another ugly American by just speaking English to the local population, without even trying to speak Spanish. Or you can learn at least basic Spanish as soon as you can. The Five-Finger system will make it easier for you.
Work hard at it
Don’t assume it will all go automatically. Try to be independent and do your own homework. You’ll be surprised how easy it is, but don’t do what many others already tried on social media:
• Hi guys, we’re trying to adjust to our new country as fast as we can. Any expats out there that can help us? Thank you!!
• Does anyone know a good cleaning lady? Must speak English.
• Where can I purchase a gas heater? I have visited every store in Costa Rica, but I haven’t found anyone who sells heaters.
P.S. The best culture shock is the one you get when there is an earthquake in Costa Rica.
Do your homework, feel free to comment on this blog, and share this article on your social media. Would you like to learn more about buying property in Costa Rica? Then request a Zoom meeting with me now.
