Facts that you may not think about but are nevertheless quite amusing and useless...

• Most restaurants are family-owned and called 'sodas' with typical Costa Rican food.
• The days of the week are not capitalised (ie. lunes) apart from Domingo (Sunday).
• All measurements are in metric.
• It's all Spanish, naturally.
• There are no numbers on houses or businesses, just a description of a location.
• Most utility companies don't send bills, you have to pay at designated places.
• Pura Vida time is always running late.
• At the petrol station, attendants that put petrol in your car.
• There is a 13% sales tax on everything and 10% service tax in restaurants as well, sometimes included in the price, sometimes not.

• At restaurants you must ask for the bill (la cuenta) as they don't just bring it over.
• Most people do not have hot water heaters in their homes.
• In banks, you stand in the 'snake' line or get a number.
• No mandatory vehicle license is needed. The yearly car tax provides some cover.
• There is one medical insurance company: INS.
• There are no daylight saving hours, the time is the same all year around.
• Prostitution is legal even though the Catholic church reigns here.
• People have long names. First name, middle name, dad's name and mother's name.

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