How to Practice Business Etiquette in Costa Rica

With its stable democratic government and its people's serious attitude toward work, Costa Rica is ripe for international business. It is essential, however, when working with these proud, formal people, to conduct yourself by their rules.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dress etiquette is conservative, with dark colors for men and women. Men should wear suits, and if, in warmer climates, the jacket is taken off, make sure it is always at the ready for meetings. The jacket should always be on when meeting clients. Women may wear a business dress, skirt suit or pants. Be prepared to bathe often, due to the heat, and make sure to bring many changes of clothes.

2. It is essential to be punctual to your meeting. Your Costa Rican associates will be on time and will expect the same consideration from you. This is especially important for a business lunch as, unlike many countries who may be more relaxed about the length of a lunch meeting, Costa Ricans are strict about their limited break.

3. Shake hands upon meeting and present your business card, which should be printed in Spanish on the back. Be sure that all written materials are printed in both English and Spanish. Begin with some friendly, safe small talk. Unlike some Latin American countries, it is fine to discuss politics in Costa Rica if the subject comes up naturally. History or art are also good topics, though it is best in all of Latin America to avoid the topic of religion.

4. Keep a spirit of cooperation in your discussion and do not be pushy or combative. Costa Ricans believe in diplomatic negotiation and will be willing to work with you to find a good compromise, if necessary. They may not be so conciliatory, however, if you take a hard-line approach.

5. Keep it in the comfort zone. Though it is true that they will try to find a good middle ground, Costa Ricans are not risk takers. Make sure there are some guarantees and safety measures in your proposal and that it does not wholly deviate from the business they are used to doing. It is highly unlikely that they will leap blindly into the unknown, no matter how excited you are about the project.

6. Talk to the room. Social status and hierarchy are not an issue here, as Costa Ricans are big believers in equality and democratic process. This includes women, who are widely accepted as equals in the business world.

Tips & Warnings

• Use professional titles, such as "Doctor," "Professor," "Ingeniero" (engineer) or "Abogado" (lawyer), whenever appropriate. In the absence of a professional title, always use Mr., Mrs. or Miss or the Spanish equivalents Senor, Senora or Senorita when addressing associates.
• It is proper to bring a gift of flowers (excluding calla lilies, which are reserved for funerals), sweets or wine when invited to an associate's home for dinner.