Is there a recommended way to approach tourists or foreigners to strike up a conversation or offer advice in Costa Rica?
Hi everyone,
I sincerely hope that everyone is having an amazing day.
This post is dedicated mainly to foreigners (like Europeans or Americans for example) who have visited Costa Rica and aren't very fluent in Spanish.
My husband and I are pretty reserved most of the time, but more often than not we have seen young or middle age tourists kinda lost or stationary in the streets of San José with backpacks, travel suitcases and looking at their phones while talking in English.
Despite being introverted, we would like to offer some help and, at the very least, try to ask the tourists we've seen in the streets if they need assistance with something or advice. This could include knowing the dollar/euro exchange rate into colones, which places to visit, or apps to use for ordering food or traveling, as well as general advice for a great experience here in Costa Rica.
We're under the impression that most people don't want to be bothered in the street or would be scared if a stranger approaches them and asks out of nowhere how they are doing and if they need any help, especially since it's pretty common that most Costa Ricans (or least middle age and older ones) aren't particularly fluent or good enough with the English language, but my husband and I are pretty good (we both worked at Call Centers for a couple of years), and we really think we could make a difference.
What are your stories and recommendations, or your thoughts about being approached by a native in a foreign country you decided to visit? In regards to Americans and Europeans, are there any DOs and DON'Ts that need to be taken into consideration before speaking with a tourist in the street?
Any advice, anecdotes, stories or comments will be highly appreciated.
Have a great rest of your day, and for the Americans reading this, have a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow! Take care!