Doing business & staying in touch

Customs tend to be conservative. Advance appointments and courtesy are appreciated, although Costa Ricans are rarely punctual. It is preferable to have some knowledge of Spanish, although many locals speak English. Best months for business visits are November and December; avoid the last week of September, which is the end of the financial year.

San Jose: Though Latin America is known for its relaxed business culture, official visitors to Costa Rica are expected to dress professionally, behave formally and be punctual. Don’t expect meetings to finish on time, however: It’s polite to indulge in a bit of personal chit-chat before diving into business, perhaps followed by an impromptu lunch. Women are on notably equal footing in Costa Rica, as evidenced by the 2010 election of President Laura Chinchilla. Regardless, it’s wise to choose conservative suits over more sexually provocative outfits. You won’t, however, be judged for wearing trousers rather than a skirt.

Traditional niceties – professional titles, business cards, house gifts, and so on – are still appreciated in Costa Rica. It is preferable to have some knowledge of Spanish, although many locals speak English. Spanish speakers should be careful with the informal you, “tu”; in Costa Rica, even children are referred to as “usted”.

Costa Ricans value “playing well with others” highly, and go to great lengths to avoid conflict. Foreigners who argue aggressively, raise their voices or directly criticize others are seen as socially inept or offensive and best avoided. Stay calm in negotiations and couch disagreements in such a way that the other party can save face, and your diplomacy will inspire further cooperation.

Risky ventures rarely go over well in Costa Rica, so take time to discuss any safety nets backing up your business plan. Best months for business visits are November and December; avoid the last week of September, which is the end of the financial year.