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It’s really easy to be an ugly American in Costa Rica if you want to be one.
There is an ugly American in every country, (and I don’t mean physically ugly) not only in Costa Rica. The 1958 novel turned into the 1963 movie with Marlon Brandon has made such a deep impression on mankind that the name “the ugly American” stuck on everyone’s mind.
Well, I got news for you: we also have ugly Germans, Canadians, Chinese, Dutch, Nicaraguans, and almost every nation on earth in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans, even though they’re an easy-going bunch, also have their share of ugly people. Luckily, we have more happy people than ugly people in Costa Rica.
Most people are ugly for a reason. Some had a mom or a dad who was ugly and others have become ugly through some bad experiences in life. Others become ugly because of some bad experience they had in Costa Rica. Society creates ugly people and the more a country develops, the uglier its people become.
Today, I’d like to get into the Ugly American issue, or better said the ugly foreigner, and how not to become one of them. To most Ticos, no matter which country you come from, you’re a Gringo. So for this blog’s sake, let’s change the name Ugly American into Ugly Gringo.
Foreigners who move to Costa Rica from a more developed nation, tend to be arrogant and have an ignorant attitude. To be able to adjust to your new home country, to be arrogant is the wrong attitude and not a good start.
An ugly American in Costa Rica is embarrassing for all the other expats who are living in Costa Rica.
The 7 reasons
What could be the reasons to become an ugly American in Costa Rica?
- The locals are stupid because they think differently than you.
- Have a low tolerance for the Latin people in general.
- You have the right to order everyone around because you are better educated.
- You have the right to order everyone around because you have money.
- The locals do everything the wrong way because they do it in a different way than you do.
- You can scream at everyone because you don’t agree with them.
- You have to right to wag your finger at them.
Better and smarter?
Every once in a while we get a client like that. Generally, during email conversations prior to their arrival, they stand out like a red flag. I’m not talking about the type A personality now. I’m talking about the people who think they’re better, smarter, have more money, and are better educated than the local population.
In my experience, most foreigners who have moved to Costa Rica are very open to starting a new lifestyle, will welcome interaction with the locals, and live a happy life. If you would like to be able to live a happy life amongst the local residents you first need to learn how to understand their habits, language, and reasons for being different from you are. If you behave like an arrogant and person when moving to Costa Rica, read my blog “is Costa Rica paradise or hell” and you’ll get the idea.
I really hope this article helps you to decide not to be an ugly American in Costa Rica. For recommendations on buying or renting a property in Costa Rica, contact us now
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I DO want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. Also, remember GoDutch Realty when talking about your home in Costa Rica to friends and family. We appreciate it.
