Doing Business in Costa Rica Can Be A ‘Challenge’

Being an American businessman in Costa Rica can be a challenge.

Having a working knowledge of Spanish will only take you half way. It is wise to remember that we are guests in their country. The way business is done here is a matter of tradition and custom.

No matter how much more efficient you may think (or know) your methods are, it will not-áhelp your situation to tell them so.

Tolerance of the American “superiority complex” is high here. In general, Ticos have a great affection and admiration for their northern neighbors. A little courtesy in this area will go a long way.
Costa Rica has some incredibly inefficient bureaucracies. Redundancies and duplications are part of everyday business.

All government permits require stamps or “timbres“. There are often a bewildering number of these multicolored and sometimes practically worthless (less than 1 cent) stamps placed on everything. These are tiny payments to agencies of every imaginable function.

In major government buildings there is even a person on duty whose entire purpose is the dispensing of these various stamps. But, take care in this process. For, if even one of these is missing, you may be sent back to the dreaded lines to do it again.

Also, expect to have all documents photocopied an excessive and unpredictable number of times. Each copy will be loudly stamped with at least one rubber stamp. The first time you see this it is very difficult not to laugh. But, they are quite serious about their jobs and this is not appreciated.

With any serious business involvement here, securing a good bilingual lawyer is a must. He will be experienced in navigating the ever changing maze of government ministries. Expect delays and repeat trips to accomplish anything beyond menial tasks.

Experienced businessmen will learn to factor these in. Don’t misconstrue this as intentional attempts to prevent providing speedy and efficient service. This is simply the way business is done here.

Getting angry or combative will not help your case. A little patience and appeal to their natural desire to help will go a long way.

Written by Chris Rabalais.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.