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Spanish is the language of Costa Rica; but you’ll get by just fine with English in the places (Tamarindo, Flamingo, Brasilito, Potrero, etc.) frequented by tourists or “ex-pats”.  In fact, in those places, you’ll hear almost as much English - often with an accent (British, Aussie, Kiwi, etc.), as well as Italian, Portuguese, French, German, and so on. 

It is helpful (and courteous), however, to know a little Spanish - especially if you plan to travel beyond the heavily touristed areas.  You can find plenty of Spanish phrase books and translation dictionaries at your local bookstore (or at the GringoFlamingo.com Store).

Here are a few helpful words and phrases to get you started:

Where is the Bathroom? = ¿Dónde está el baño?

Where is . . . ? =  ¿Dónde está . . .?

How much is it? = ¿Cuánto cuesta?

One ticket to . . .  =  Un boleto para . . .

Good Morning = Buenos dias

Good Afternoon = Buenas Tardes

Hello = Hola

Good Evening = Buenas Noches

Goodbye = Adiós

Yes = Sí

No = No

Thank you = Gracias

You’re Welcome = De nada

Please = Por Favor

Excuse me = Perdón

I do not understand = No entiendo

Do you speak English? = Habla usted Ingles?

I don’t speak Spanish = No hablo Español

Numbers:

One = Uno

Two = Dos

Three = Tres

Four = Cuatro

Five = Cinco

Six = Seis

Seven = Siete

Eight = Ocho

Nine = Nueve

Ten = Diez

Especially if you travel off the “beaten path”, it is also helpful to carry some “pictograms” with you.  Then you can just point at the picture of whatever you are trying to locate or buy.  Click on the following pictogram cards to open them in .pdf format, print them, and carry them with you.