Mind your p's and q's in Costa Rica

A quick trip to Costa Rica taught me plenty about this up-and-coming business destination.

For instance, sighting a man wearing a tie is rare no matter what the venue. Although this Central American hot spot is a hard-working place where wheeling and dealing is the order of the day, dressing for comfort is still a must.

Here's another wardrobe observation typical for Costa Rica's tropical climate: Women with plunging necklines apparently don't go out in public. Revealing clothing is just not appropriate in this country's buttoned-up work place.

I noticed plenty of other observances taking place in thriving Costa Rica:

• Politics are discussed at nearly every conceivable event. Free thinking on the topic is, well, topical. So are family, art and history. Another popular topic of conversation is eco-tourism, a practice widespread in this land of protected rain forests and extensive wildlife preserves where a wide variety of both animals and plants proliferates.

• Men in business always shake hands, whether meeting for the first time or for the fifth. Women, however, don't always follow the same practice, often acknowledging each other with a light pat on the left hand. Good friends of the female kind are apt to kiss each other on the cheek.

• Expect plenty of women working in top positions in Costa Rica, many with advanced degrees and many who practice law. There are arguably more lawyers in this country than any other in Central America.

• What I was taught at home in upstate New York is also taught all over Costa Rica: Keep your feet off the furniture and don't appear distracted when getting to know another person. (Translation: Look the other person in the eye and be sure not to fidget during your discussion no matter how long it goes on.)

• Business dinners are popular with Costa Ricans, who often include their spouses and are happy if you do, too.

• Whatever the reason for a meeting, be sure to be on time. Also, be sure to be ready with the right materials, including, but not limited to, business cards and written proposals presented in both English and Spanish whenever possible.

• If you feel the need to criticize a business practice, do not make that criticism personal. This is a sure way to break ties in Costa Rica.

• Pack a variety of small gifts, such as pens with the company logo or pocket diaries, to give to your colleagues. In the workplace, there will be plenty of instances when you want to give a little present and there will also be plenty of instances when you will be given one as well.

• If you are lucky enough to be invited to a Costa Rican colleague's home for dinner, be sure not to go empty handed. Instead, take flowers (such as roses or carnations), a box of chocolates or a bottle of good Scotch.

• One major faux pas to avoid should you become the guest at a Costa Rican home: Taking along someone who is not invited. If you do ask a counterpart to join you without first checking with your host, don't be surprised if that extra person is turned away at the door.

• Expect to dine early and expect to leave shortly after eating, but only after offering to help clear the table or clean the dishes. Also realize that no offense should be taken if your good intentions are not accepted.