Intercultural Business Etiquette

Costa Rica
Gift giving
• Gifts are usually not brought to a first meeting.
• If invited to a home, it is appropriate to bring flowers
(avoid lilies), wine, spirits, or chocolates.
• Gifts should be nicely wrapped.
• Gifts are usually opened right away.
Communication style
• Costa Ricans tend to take a more indirect path when
communicating, requiring creative speaking and
listening techniques.
• Costa Ricans stand close to one another while talking.
• There is a fair amount of touching while conversing.
• Direct eye contact is necessary if you want to deliver a
consistent message.