Dress Codes in Costa Rica

By BobbyRica | October 14, 2011

dress code

Here’s a contribution from another one of my dear old friends, Regina. After having spent the whole summer in San José last year, she decided to send me one of her more memorable insight about Costa Rica. She currently has moved back to Hollywood for another shot to fame! Sorry guys, no photos of her here. But let me assure you, she’s beautiful! Enjoy.

Having spent most of my time worshiping the sun (and appreciating the view of handsome tico men) in Costa Rica, this Milwaukee chick has never felt more at home here in San José than anywhere else. Westerners and fellow compatriots are getting their presence felt in Costa Rica. And being in this lush, tropical country, shorts have become common daily wear for me. I, an average Jane after all, am very lax with my fashion sense. On a typical day, I just put on whatever frock available in my closet (read sloppy). That is, until I almost got into trouble.

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Fueled by diet Pepsi and a handful of Reese’s Pieces, I decided to try the Flor de Loto Chinese restaurant in Sabana Norte. Now, before we proceed, here’s a little preamble. The funny thing about Chinese restaurants here is that they serve bananas and coffee in the menu: two of the country’s staples. In true tican fashion, they also include cassava, plantains, chayote, palm hearts, gallo pinto, star fruit, ceviche, papaya, coconut milk, guava, sugar cane drinks, and other tropical accoutrements not usual in Chinese fare. So don’t be surprised if you see French fries on top of your beef broccoli. Flor de Loto, I had hoped, would work a little harder to create offerings that are more traditional Chinese.

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After some convincing, I brought my partner-in-crime Mia. She finally budged when I relented to pay for her lunch. As we were about to enter the premises, we were shoved away from the entrance by the guard! He barked in a thick Hispanic English that we can’t go in the restaurant. At first, I thought he was referring to others at our back, but when he shoved us, I knew this guy was serious business.

Then it dawned on me. The reason for the barred entry? We were wearing shorts. Of all the nerve, I huffed. But good sense won over me (or else, this Latino gets to taste my Wisconsin virago) and I stopped myself from causing a scene. Even though I was fuming mad, I just kept mum. I don’t want to be painted as an ugly American. This chick was raised as a lady.

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With a heavy heart and a grumbling stomach, we head back home and changed into skirts. We then ate our pride and returned to the hallowed halls of Flor de Loto. Not because we were masochists, but it was the only place Mia and I wanted to eat in. We gave the guard a knowing look, while my friend discreetly flipped him the bird when he opened the door for us.

Finally, we were in! Though shorts are a common sight here in San José, it was not the case years ago. During more genteel times, any clothes that shows too much flesh, especially the legs and the bosom, was frowned upon. Women have stringent dress codes. But tourism and globalization eased that up gradually.

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That is not to say a less conservative dress code is permissible. Apparently, almost all government buildings won’t allow people to enter unless visitors are dressed in their Sunday best. Not until a tico contested the strict dress code in court after being refused entry in their Registro Nacional de Costa Rica. He won eventually, and the rest is history. His winning the case made it clear that people can go in all government buildings in whatever piece of clothing they decide to wear. It does not, however, mean that the ruling applies to private establishments. Don’t be fooled by appearances either. Establishments like the Flor de Loto still keep conservative dress codes in effect. Bear that in mind next time.

Despite the hassle, our experience dining at Flor de Loto was more than satisfactory. We enjoyed the food immensely. At the same time. we were mindful of being prim and proper lest we be sent out again. The servings were generous for an average meal of seven to ten dollars per head. Some are even meant for sharing like the wanton soup. The Chinese egg rolls don’t disappoint. They are perfect with salsa picante and sweet/sour sauce. With full stomachs and a hearty laugh, we went out with a grin on our faces. I’ll definitely go back for more. But armed with a proper change of clothes.

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