Mind, the skin color difference isn’t always true, since there are darker Ticos and lighter Nicas, but skin tone differences are generally true and there are other racial and cultural differences that once you get good at it, you can spot yourself.

I have had a great Tico buddy for years, and used to marvel over how he could spot a Nica or any other non-Tico from a distance, when no way could I. He told me years ago that if all else fails, you can spot a non-Tico by body language, and that actually works in tough calls. However, the calls are rarely that tough, even for me anymore. I can usually tell immediately and from a distance if a person is Nica or otherwise not Tico.

As for a gringo male with a Nica woman, being ostracized hasn’t been my experience. It’s almost as if the Ticos believe that we two groups of foreigners deserve each other. However, also in my experience, the Nicas know where not to go, unless they are the cooks or the maids. If you strut in with a Nica on your arm where Nicas really aren’t welcome and gringos only tolerated, yes, you may have difficulties. If you take your cues from the Nica, though, she will know where is acceptable and where isn’t.

It’s about adjusting as a minority, not always pleasant, but reality.