Useful Spanish for Santa Teresa: ordering food, explaining allergies, finding transport, asking about water and power, and communicating respectfully.
Illustrative cover image
A few clear Spanish phrases can make everyday travel in Santa Teresa easier. Start politely, say the important detail and ask the other person to repeat anything you did not understand. For an address, booking or allergy, show the written information as well as saying it aloud.
Everyday Conversations
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Good morning / afternoon | Buenos días / Buenas tardes |
| Please / Thank you | Por favor / Gracias |
| Excuse me | Disculpe |
| Could you speak more slowly? | ¿Puede hablar más despacio? |
| I don't understand | No entiendo |
| Could you write it down? | ¿Puede escribirlo? |
| How much does it cost in total? | ¿Cuánto cuesta en total? |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? |
Costa Rican conversation often uses “usted.” These phrases use that polite form. You do not need slang to make yourself understood; a friendly greeting and a precise request are more useful.
Ordering and Dietary Needs
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Could I see the menu? | ¿Me puede traer el menú? |
| Without meat / without dairy | Sin carne / sin lácteos |
| I am vegan | Soy vegano / vegana |
| Does it contain egg? | ¿Contiene huevo? |
| I have a food allergy | Tengo una alergia alimentaria |
| Could I speak to the manager or chef? | ¿Puedo hablar con el encargado o el chef? |
| Is service included? | ¿El servicio está incluido? |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor |
For a serious allergy, carry a professionally prepared allergy card naming the exact allergen and cross-contact requirements. A phrasebook is not enough to establish whether a kitchen can prepare a suitable meal. “Sin gluten” and “bajo en gluten” do not mean the same thing.
Transport and Accommodation
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Where is the pickup point? | ¿Dónde es el punto de recogida? |
| I have a surfboard bag | Tengo una funda con tablas de surf |
| Could you send me the location? | ¿Me puede enviar la ubicación? |
| Can you store my luggage? | ¿Pueden guardar mi equipaje? |
| Is there drinking water? | ¿Hay agua potable? |
| There is no electricity / water | No hay electricidad / agua |
| What time do we need to leave? | ¿A qué hora tenemos que salir? |
Confirm the amount, currency, date and location in writing for a booking. “Later” is less useful than an agreed clock time. Costa Rica uses its local time year-round, so check an overseas calendar invitation against the local appointment.
Learn More During Your Stay
José Cardoza advertises private, paired and online Spanish lessons in the area. Ask about your level, teacher, schedule and meeting place. A lesson can focus on practical conversations you will actually use, from ordering breakfast to discussing a rental.
FAQ
Should I use local slang?
It is optional. Clear, polite Spanish works well for a visitor.
How do I avoid a booking misunderstanding?
Ask for the total price and have the exact meeting pin, date and time written down.
Can these phrases handle a medical emergency?
Use Costa Rica's emergency number, 911, and get appropriate help. Do not rely on a short vocabulary table for urgent communication.
Should I confirm a spoken booking in writing?
Yes. Ask for the date, local time, location and total price in writing, especially when a detail was unclear during the conversation.
Plan the Rest
Learning Spanish in Santa Teresa, Eating With Food Allergies in Santa Teresa, Power and Water Outages in Santa Teresa.
Sources and Last Check
Checked November 5, 2026. Operator pages describe advertised services; menus and event programs can change.
