How does a gringo blend in?

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yellowstone

Getting used to being a foreigner is one of the things one learns by being in another country. You will never look like a tica but you can look like a foreigner that lives there. How? First don't where shorts or real baggy clothes. Secondly observe how ticas walk when they are alone in public. You really don't have to worry much. You will really enjoy your stay in San Jose. It isn't Latin America's most beautiful capital city but the people are quite warm.

Reticent

You won't be the only one there looking like that. Some of the locals will look just like you and there are others from all over the world. Now, if you go to Uganda, then you would need to ask that question again. Que gozes mucho en San Jose y que estudies el espanor bastante bien y Quizas algun dia lo puedas hablar con migo y con el resto de los millones de hispanos en este mundo. Yo naci en Perto Rico y vivo en el gran estado de Nueva York.

muncie birder

Go to this site and check out some of the photos. You will notice que parecen como ustedes.

Courtney

Hun, not all Mexicans are dark skinned with dark hair. Do you ever watch Telemundo? Some DO have blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin. Mexico is a country, not an ethnicity, just like America.

soprano2alto

i lived in costa rica for a year, and yeah, you stand out, but people don't really care after a while. you could die your hair i guess, but i don't think that will really help. just try not to worry about it, and there really aren't all that many dangers that come with being foreign.

Justknow

Gringo's will always stand out, especially if you are on the Carribean side where skin color dramatically darkens. My suggestion as in any country is to master the language. Get the accent and slang down flat. You won't be able to not stand out: You're white in a latin country! There are good and bad things with this: you are the target for theft and rape (never walk alone at night). The good news is that in most latin countries foriegners are welcomed. The family values of latin america insist on showing hospitality. Never refuse a meal or conversation. Isn't that why you're down there, to integrate, share and learn cultures. Plus the views are amazing on the coasts. Enjoy your travels.

jdanlittle

be youself

haslo

Costa Rica is full of Americans, dont worry about standing out. Plus learn a few key Spanish phrases well. Like how much is it? etc. Have fun in San Jose!

LadyHazmat

Just be nice to everyone and good luck in studding espanol!!
Hey Fernandothemaster its San Jose!! Not Mexico!! Idiota!!
Thank you flutterby Storm!! But its still not Mexico we are talking!!

fernandothemaster

well if ur rich that hire a translator and dress up like a mexican with some mexican stuff.

434634564465

i live in san jose, and there more whtites and asian than mexicans studing

Getsbetterwithtime

Like flutterby said, not all spanish folks are "typical" are dark hair, dark skin. But if you do stand out, don't let it be from dressing flashy, wearing lots of jewelry, makeup. Dress down. Go easy on designer style. Don't flash big bills in the street. Don't ooh, and aahh and gawk at everything in tourist style. I'm a black girl, I spent 2 weeks in el salvador. I wasn't THAT much darker than most of the population there. But yeah I was stared at, pointed at the whole time. When that happens act kind of blahzay, like you don't understand what the big deal is. The less you make of it, the less everyone else will.

PedestrianMe

Costa Rica is full of "gringos." Also, Costa Ricans are themselves predominantly Caucasian (as in, non-black and non-Indian). I'm a "white Hispanic" myself. Furthermore, did you know that thirty thousand US-Americans live as expatriates in Costa Rica? That doesn't mean all the Americans are white, but they're probably mostly gringa like yourself.

curious7565

If you are that worried, don't go. That said, your biggest danger is from beggars and stray dogs.

You can't help what you look like, and you really can't hide.

coolnatkat

do not wear shorts
no joke, native ladies do not wear shorts

also go easy on the expensive electronics( don't wear an ipod and a superslim digital camera)

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