When doing business in Costa Rica, it can be very useful to know something about the background and business culture in the place, along with norms and etiquettes of business meetings. Compiled below are some of these tips on Costa Rican culture:

-Dressing for business here means men wearing formal dark suits. In a warmer climate, you can choose whether or not to wear a jacket. Females can dress in a skirt and blouse or dress for professional business meeting. However, it is more common amongst women to dress in pants for work. Costa Ricans are greatly more serious and formal compared to the rest of the Latin American population. Thus, in business meetings, make sure you keep your jacket on!
-Local people commonly bathe a number of times due to the heat. Therefore, as agust, you will be expected to bathe at least once a day.
-It is obscene to make a fist where your thumb sticks out between the index finger and middle finger. This gesture is referred to as the ‘fig.’
-Most North American gestures are well-understood and accepted by Costa Ricans.
-Cost Ricans are one of the most punctual groups in Central America. As a North American business associate, you are expected to be on the dot for meetings and appointments.
-It is considered impolite and distracting to fidget with your feet or hands.
-Gifts are always welcome, and they are often freely exchanged between business associates in Costa Rica. It can be used to mark all sorts of special occasions, including the sealing of a deal. When bringing flowers to dinner at a home, you may bring along scotch, chocolates, flowers, or wine. However, refrain from bringing calla lilies. These are related to funerals.
-Avoid putting your feet up on furniture, unless the item is purposefully designed for doing that.

Keep these special facts about Costa Rican culture in mind while dealing with your business clients in Costa Rica. That way you’re sure to avoid many offended clients.