Say hello and goodbye with a kiss Woman to woman and man to woman, most Costa Ricans greet each other and say goodbye with a cheek-to-cheek kiss. Usually lips aren't involved nor arms; they aren't big huggers.

In Costa Rica, the most common and respectful way for a man to greet a woman, especially in social or informal settings, is with a single "air kiss" on the right cheek. This is known as a beso and is usually accompanied by a light touch on the shoulder or arm. It is important to note that the lips do not actually touch the skin; it is a cheek-to-cheek gesture with a "kissing" sound made in the air. This greeting is common between friends, family, and even new acquaintances in a social environment. In a professional or formal setting, such as a business meeting or a first introduction in a serious context, a standard, firm handshake is the more appropriate and expected greeting. If a man is unsure, it is always safest to wait for the woman to initiate the gesture. Among younger generations, a simple wave or a verbal "¡Pura Vida!" (the national motto) is also a ubiquitous way to say hello. Verbal greetings almost always include a polite inquiry into the person's well-being, such as "¿Cómo está?" or "¿Todo bien?" which reflects the friendly and warm nature of Costa Rican culture.