For whatever reason, it is often difficult to get Ticos to return calls and E-mails on a timely basis, if at all. This especially holds true when the communication would involve bad news, a difficult decision, or any sort of uncomfortable issue. It also holds true, believe it or not, when you are the customer. Of course, you probably won’t have this problem with large property brokers, sales offices, or banks that regularly deal with private sector foreigners. You probably will have this problem with hired professionals, state banks or insurance, construction contractors, and sales people selling moderately expensive items (furniture, cars, building materials, etc.). What to do? Call back. Then call back, and call back, and call again. Be gently insistent, but insistent, and eventually you’ll get what you need.

When it comes to conflict or communicating frustration, you will get a slight shock as to what works and what doesn’t. Disagreements in much of Latin America and the developed world – if they get heated enough – can easily devolve into shouting matches. But you won’t see this happen much in Costa Rica, if at all. Most everything proceeds with “respect,” moderate language, and an calm tone of voice, even if real anger bubbles beneath the surface. Even if you as a foreigner start shouting, it probably won’t do you much good. Shouting at a service person or employee, though cathartic, will not get you better results and will not make the shoutee work harder or better on your behalf. What it will probably do is generate resentment and slow things down even further. But while Costa Ricans don’t respond to displays of anger and frustration, there is another appeal you can make that works better: Sympathy. Requesting “help” - even if you’re paying for the service – might get you better results, as if you’re asking a favor. Otherwise, just continue to be gently insistent.