San Jose works differently than other Central American capitals for business travelers. The infrastructure is reliable. English proficiency in professional settings is high. The culture values punctuality more than regional stereotypes suggest. And the city's position as a hub for tech, medical tourism, finance, and export industries means the business ecosystem has matured to support serious work.
This guide covers what you actually need to know - not tourist generalities, but practical information for getting work done while here.
Understanding San Jose's Business Environment
The Economic Landscape
Costa Rica punches above its weight economically, and San Jose is where most of that activity concentrates. The country has successfully positioned itself as a nearshore alternative to Asian manufacturing and IT services, attracting Intel, Amazon, HP, and hundreds of smaller operations.
Key sectors driving business travel to San Jose:
Technology and IT Services - Major tech companies operate significant Costa Rican offices. The IT services sector employs tens of thousands of workers who support North American and European companies. If you're meeting counterparts in tech, expect professionals who've worked with US companies for years.
Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals - Costa Rica has become a manufacturing hub for medical devices. Companies like Abbott, Baxter, and Boston Scientific operate here. The combination of skilled labor, US proximity, and free trade agreements makes the country attractive for this industry.
Business Process Outsourcing - Call centers and shared services operations for multinational companies are major employers. This sector means regular business traffic as corporate visitors check on operations.
Coffee and Agricultural Exports - Costa Rica's coffee industry, while smaller than major producing countries, focuses on specialty markets. Business visitors frequently arrive for sourcing, quality control, and relationship building.
Financial Services - Regional banking and financial services maintain offices here. Costa Rica's relative stability makes it attractive for companies needing Central American presence.
Tourism Industry Partnerships - Hotel chains, tour operators, and travel companies conduct business here, meeting with local partners and government tourism officials.
Business Culture Basics
Costa Rican business culture blends Central American warmth with exposure to US professional norms. Some generalizations that generally hold:
Relationship Building Matters - Business happens between people, not just companies. Expect initial meetings to include personal conversation before diving into agendas. This isn't wasted time; it's how trust develops.
Hierarchy Is Real but Accessible - Decisions often require senior approval, but Costa Rican executives tend to be less formal than in some cultures. Direct communication is appreciated while maintaining respect.
"Tico Time" Is Overstated - While flexible scheduling exists in casual settings, professional meetings usually start reasonably close to scheduled times. That said, traffic can genuinely delay anyone, so some flexibility is normal.
Directness Works - Costa Ricans generally appreciate clear, direct communication in business contexts. You don't need elaborate diplomatic language to raise concerns or negotiate.
Follow-Up Is Expected - Like anywhere, verbal agreements benefit from written confirmation. Email follow-ups after meetings help ensure mutual understanding.
Language Considerations
English proficiency in Costa Rican business settings is notably high, especially in tech, finance, and any company dealing regularly with US or European clients. Most business meetings can proceed entirely in English.
That said:
Some Spanish Helps - Basic greetings, courtesy phrases, and an attempt at Spanish are appreciated. Even "buenos días" and "mucho gusto" demonstrate respect.
Presentations May Need Both - If addressing mixed audiences including local staff, prepare for questions in Spanish or consider bilingual materials.
Legal and Government Matters - Contracts, official documents, and government interactions are in Spanish. Bring translation support for anything legally significant.
Social Settings - After-hours gatherings with local colleagues may shift to Spanish. This isn't exclusion; it's comfort. Some Portuguese and English are usually spoken.
Getting There and Airport Logistics
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
San Jose's main airport sits about 20 km northwest of the city center, near the town of Alajuela. Despite its international importance, it remains manageable in scale.
Flight Options:
- Direct flights from major US hubs (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles)
- Connections through Panama City (Copa) and El Salvador (Avianca) to South America
- European connections typically route through US hubs or Madrid
- Flight time from Miami: approximately 3 hours
Terminal Layout: Single terminal, straightforward navigation. Immigration lines vary from quick to 45 minutes depending on flight arrivals. The Global Entry/TSA PreCheck programs don't apply, but Costa Rica has been expanding trusted traveler options.
Arrival Timing: Allow 45-90 minutes from landing to exiting the airport, depending on immigration lines and baggage timing.
Airport to City Transportation
Official Airport Taxis (Orange) Licensed orange airport taxis wait outside arrivals. These are fixed-rate to zones throughout the greater San Jose area. The rate to Sabana Sur (where KC Hotel is located) is posted and non-negotiable - typically around $25-30. Taxis accept dollars or colones.
Uber Works from the airport despite occasional regulatory disputes. Pickup is technically from a designated area outside the main terminal zone. Rates are often lower than official taxis.
Hotel Shuttles Many hotels offer airport pickup for a fee. Arrange in advance. Useful if arriving late or wanting guaranteed transportation.
Rental Cars Major rental agencies have airport counters. Off-site agencies offer shuttle service to their lots. If you're planning day trips or have meetings throughout the country, a car may be worthwhile. For San Jose-only business, you probably don't need one.
Time to KC Hotel: Plan for 25-35 minutes in normal traffic, potentially longer during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). The route is straightforward - Autopista General Cañas directly toward San Jose, exiting near La Sabana park.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
A secondary airport in Guanacaste (northwest Costa Rica) primarily serves beach destinations. Some business travelers use LIR for meetings in the northwestern region. It's about 4-5 hours from San Jose by car, so it doesn't serve as an alternative San Jose airport.
Where to Stay for Business
The Sabana Sur Advantage
KC Hotel's location in Sabana Sur works particularly well for business travelers. Here's why:
Central Position - La Sabana sits between the airport (25-30 minutes west) and downtown business districts (10-15 minutes east). This central position minimizes travel time regardless of meeting locations.
Reliable Transit - Main roads connect easily to the Western Highway (to airport) and downtown. Traffic exists everywhere in San Jose, but Sabana Sur avoids the worst bottlenecks.
Morning Exercise Options - La Sabana park's running trails and facilities are directly across the street. A morning run before meetings doesn't require complicated planning.
Neighborhood Quiet - Unlike downtown's constant activity or tourist districts' noise, Sabana Sur is primarily residential. Sleep quality improves.
Dining Options - Local restaurants serve the neighborhood's professional population. Business lunches are available without traveling far. International options exist for client entertainment.
Understanding San Jose's Business Districts
Sabana Area (West Side) Where KC Hotel is located. Mix of residential and commercial. Several corporate offices, the national stadium, and access to western suburbs. Good balance of convenience and livability.
Downtown / Centro Traditional city center. Government offices, Central Bank, older businesses. Some international companies maintain downtown presence for historical reasons. More chaotic than other areas but culturally interesting.
Escazú Upscale western suburb. Modern office buildings, shopping malls, international restaurants. Many multinational companies locate here. About 15-20 minutes from KC Hotel. Can feel like a different country - very Americanized.
Santa Ana Further west, similar to Escazú. Growing office park area. Some tech companies and call centers locate here for newer facilities and lower costs than Escazú.
Heredia University town north of San Jose. Some tech companies prefer the proximity to the National University's engineering graduates. About 20-30 minutes from KC Hotel.
Cartago East of San Jose. Industrial zone with manufacturing plants. If your business involves manufacturing site visits, you may travel here. About 30-45 minutes from KC Hotel.
Hotel Amenities for Business Travelers
At KC Hotel, business-relevant amenities include:
WiFi - Reliable high-speed internet throughout the property. Costa Rica's internet infrastructure has improved dramatically, and business-class hotels prioritize connectivity.
Work Spaces - Comfortable areas for laptop work outside your room. Sometimes you need a change of scenery while staying connected.
Quiet Hours - The neighborhood's residential character means you're not competing with nightclub noise or tourist crowds.
Restaurant Proximity - Within walking distance of breakfast spots, lunch options, and dinner restaurants suitable for client entertainment.
Location for Morning Routines - The park across the street supports runners, walkers, and anyone needing movement to start their day.
Concierge Services - Staff who understand business traveler needs: early checkout, transportation arrangements, restaurant recommendations for client meetings.
Getting Around San Jose
Daily Transportation Options
Uber The most practical option for most business travel within San Jose. The app works reliably, prices are reasonable, and you avoid cash transactions. Wait times are typically under 10 minutes in commercial areas.
Official Taxis Red taxis with yellow triangles are licensed. They should use meters ("maria"). When they don't, negotiate before starting. Taxis work fine, but Uber's predictability and cashless payment often make it preferable.
Rental Cars For San Jose-only business, a rental car is usually unnecessary and often counterproductive. You'll deal with traffic, parking challenges, and navigation stress. However, if your schedule includes multiple meetings across the greater metropolitan area, or you're combining San Jose with site visits elsewhere in the country, a rental car provides flexibility.
If you do rent:
- International Driver's License not required for stays under 90 days
- Insurance from your credit card may cover you, but verify
- GPS/navigation apps are essential
- Traffic is heaviest 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM
- Parking can be challenging downtown
Public Buses Extensive network, very cheap, but complex for newcomers. Not recommended for business travel unless you know the system or have time to learn it.
Walking More viable than expected between many destinations. The Sabana area to downtown is about 3 km - walkable in 30-40 minutes in comfortable weather. Sidewalk quality varies, so appropriate shoes matter.
Travel Time Estimates from KC Hotel
These assume normal traffic conditions. Rush hours can add 15-30 minutes.
- Downtown San Jose: 10-15 minutes
- Escazú business district: 15-20 minutes
- Santa Ana: 20-25 minutes
- Heredia: 25-35 minutes
- Juan Santamaría Airport: 25-35 minutes
- Cartago: 35-50 minutes
Navigation and Addresses
Costa Rica's address system challenges visitors. Formal street addresses exist but aren't commonly used. Instead, locations are described relative to landmarks:
"200 meters south and 100 meters west of the Sabana park's southwest corner"
This takes getting used to. For business meetings:
- Get exact coordinates or a Google Maps link in advance
- Share your Uber destination with the driver on the app
- Ask your contact for the building name, which drivers often recognize
- Have a phone number to call if lost
Waze and Google Maps work well in San Jose and handle the informal addressing reasonably.
Meeting Spaces and Business Facilities
Hotel Meeting Options
KC Hotel can arrange meeting space for small groups. For larger meetings or formal presentations, several options exist nearby:
Hotel Chains with Conference Facilities The major international hotel brands (Marriott, Intercontinental, etc.) in Escazú and downtown offer meeting rooms for rent. Quality is predictable if uninspiring. Book in advance for guaranteed availability.
Coworking Spaces San Jose has developed a solid coworking scene. Companies like WeWork have arrived, and local operators offer meeting room rentals. These can be more flexible and contemporary than hotel meeting rooms.
Restaurant Private Rooms Some restaurants in Barrio Escalante and Escazú have private dining rooms suitable for working meals or small meetings. The food is better than hotel catering.
Communication Infrastructure
Internet Costa Rica's internet infrastructure is solid for business use. Hotels and coworking spaces offer reliable speeds. Mobile data on major carriers (Kolbi, Movistar, Claro) works throughout urban areas.
Mobile Phones Your US or European phone should work with international roaming. Data roaming costs can add up quickly; check your plan. Local SIM cards are easy to obtain at the airport or any mobile shop if you're staying longer than a few days.
Video Conferencing Bandwidth generally supports video calls. Time zone considerations matter more than technology - Costa Rica is on Central Time (GMT-6) year-round (no daylight saving), which aligns well with US working hours.
Business Services
Printing and Copying Most hotels can handle basic printing. For larger jobs, office supply stores like Office Depot have business centers. The downtown area has many small print shops.
Notary and Legal Services Costa Rican legal matters require local attorneys. Major firms have bilingual staff. Your embassy can provide lists of recommended professionals.
Translation Services Professional translation is available for documents and meetings. Arrange in advance for important matters.
Banking Major banks (BAC, Scotiabank, Banco Nacional) have business services. International wire transfers work but may take several days. ATMs are everywhere; cards from major networks work fine.
Where to Eat for Business
Breakfast Meetings
Costa Rican business breakfasts tend to be practical rather than elaborate. The culture doesn't emphasize power breakfasts the way some US cities do.
Hotel Breakfast KC Hotel serves a proper Costa Rican breakfast including gallo pinto - the rice and beans dish that forms the national morning meal. It's hearty enough to sustain a morning of meetings and authentic enough to share the local experience.
Nearby Options Several bakeries and cafes within walking distance serve breakfast. Quality is consistent, prices are reasonable, and you're eating where local professionals eat.
For Formal Breakfast Meetings The international hotels in Escazú have breakfast restaurants suitable for hosting clients. They're less interesting than local options but provide predictable environments.
Lunch Options
Costa Rican lunch culture centers on the "casado" - a plate with rice, beans, salad, and protein. While not traditional business lunch fare, understanding it helps:
Quick Lunches (Under $10) Local sodas (small family restaurants) serve casados and similar plates quickly and cheaply. Great for solo working lunches when you need food without fuss.
Business Casual ($15-30) Multiple restaurants near KC Hotel and in Barrio Escalante serve quality food in settings appropriate for casual business meals. Reservations usually unnecessary for lunch.
Client Entertainment ($40-75+) Higher-end restaurants in Barrio Escalante, Escazú, and Barrio Amón provide environments suitable for hosting important clients. Make reservations, especially for popular spots.
Working Lunches If you need to work through lunch, cafes with WiFi abound. The coffee is excellent, and most places don't rush you.
Dinner for Business
Business dinners in Costa Rica follow more formal dining conventions, though not excessively so.
Choosing Locations
Consider your guests:
- Local executives often appreciate quality over flash
- International visitors may expect higher-end options
- The restaurant should allow conversation - avoid excessively loud venues
Recommended Areas for Business Dinners
Barrio Escalante - San Jose's culinary hotspot. Multiple excellent restaurants in converted houses. Contemporary Costa Rican cuisine, international options, craft cocktails. Reservations essential for popular spots on weekends.
Escazú - International options including steakhouses, Italian, Japanese. More predictable if that's what your client prefers.
Barrio Amón - Historic district with restaurants in Victorian-era buildings. Atmospheric and good for impressing visitors who appreciate architecture.
Near La Sabana - Several quality restaurants within walking distance of KC Hotel. Convenient for dinners when you don't want to travel far.
Timing Costa Ricans typically eat dinner around 7-8 PM. Restaurants outside tourist zones may have limited availability if you arrive after 9 PM.
Bill Protocol The person who extended the invitation typically pays. Costa Rica adds a 10% service charge to restaurant bills (legally mandated), plus 13% sales tax. Additional tipping is appreciated but not expected. Cards are accepted at quality restaurants; confirm in advance if bringing clients.
Specific Restaurant Categories
Steakhouses Costa Rica raises quality beef, and good steakhouses exist in Escazú and Sabana areas. These work well for traditional business entertaining.
Seafood Fresh seafood is available despite San Jose's inland location. Several restaurants specialize in ceviche and grilled fish.
International Cuisine Peruvian restaurants have become popular and often impress visitors. Japanese, Italian, and Spanish options are reliable. Quality varies - ask for current recommendations.
Fine Dining A few restaurants approach fine dining levels with tasting menus and wine pairings. These require advance reservations and can be impressive for special occasions.
Cafes and Coffee Costa Rica produces excellent coffee, and the specialty coffee scene has matured. A coffee meeting can be as appropriate as a bar meeting and carries less alcohol-related risk.
Practical Matters
Currency and Payments
The Colón Costa Rica's currency is the colón (CRC). Exchange rates fluctuate around 500-600 colones per US dollar. Use current rates for your visit.
Dollar Acceptance US dollars are widely accepted, especially in business settings, hotels, and restaurants. Change will usually come back in colones. Some establishments offer poor exchange rates when accepting dollars.
Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard work nearly everywhere in business contexts. American Express is less universally accepted. Chip-and-PIN is standard; ensure your card has a chip.
ATMs Widespread and reliable. Most dispense both colones and dollars. Use ATMs in visible, secure locations (inside malls, bank branches). Standard fraud precautions apply.
Cash Needs Keep some colones for small purchases, tips, and taxi fare. $50-100 equivalent handles most incidental needs.
Business Payments Wire transfers work but take time. For urgent payments, discuss options with local banks or your counterparts.
Tipping Protocol
Restaurants The 10% service charge covers basic tipping. Leaving additional small amounts (a few thousand colones) for exceptional service is appreciated but not obligatory.
Taxis Not expected. Round up the fare slightly if you wish.
Hotels Bellhop: $1-2 per bag. Housekeeping: $2-5 per night. Concierge: depends on service complexity.
Tour Guides If you take day trips, $10-20 per person for guides is customary.
Dress Code
Costa Rican business dress is generally less formal than US corporate environments but more formal than West Coast tech casual.
General Guidance:
- Business casual is the default for most meetings
- Suits/ties are unnecessary except for formal presentations or government meetings
- Quality matters more than formality
- The climate is warm; lightweight fabrics are appropriate
Specific Situations:
Office Visits: Business casual. Collared shirt, pressed pants, closed shoes.
Client Meetings: Slightly dressier business casual. Err toward more formal until you know the culture.
Government/Legal Meetings: More formal. A suit won't be out of place.
Factory/Site Visits: Practical clothing and closed-toe shoes. Safety requirements may apply.
Social Functions: Smart casual unless otherwise specified.
Women's Professional Dress: Similar principles - professional but not excessively formal. The climate is a bigger factor than strict dress codes.
Health and Safety
General Safety San Jose is reasonably safe for a Latin American capital. Normal urban precautions apply:
- Don't flash expensive items
- Be aware of surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Use hotel safes for passports and valuables
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night
Business-Specific Considerations:
- Keep laptop and work materials secure
- Back up important data before traveling
- Be cautious with sensitive conversations in public
- Corporate espionage is not unique to any country
Health
- Tap water is safe in San Jose
- No special vaccinations required for urban travel
- Altitude is minimal (about 1,170m) - not a concern for most people
- Medical facilities are good; several private hospitals meet international standards
- Travel health insurance is advisable
Pharmacy Access Pharmacies (farmacias) are common. Many medications available without prescription in Costa Rica require prescriptions elsewhere - and vice versa. Bring prescription medications from home.
Legal and Business Formalities
Visas Most business travelers from US, Canada, and Europe can enter Costa Rica without visas for stays up to 90 days. Verify requirements for your specific nationality.
Business Activities Tourism and business meetings don't require work permits. If you're conducting actual work (not just meetings), consult with a local attorney about requirements.
Contracts Costa Rican contracts are enforceable. Major transactions benefit from local legal review. Spanish is the legal language; ensure accurate translations.
Intellectual Property IP protections exist but enforcement can be challenging. Discuss concerns with local counsel if relevant to your business.
Time Zone and Scheduling
Central Standard Time (CST) Costa Rica is UTC-6 year-round. No daylight saving time adjustments, which means:
- Same as US Central Time in winter
- One hour behind US Central Time in summer (when US shifts to CDT)
- Six hours behind GMT/UTC
- Same time as Mexico City year-round
Working Hours Standard business hours: 8 AM to 5 or 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Some businesses observe a reduced Friday afternoon schedule. Manufacturing operations may run shifts.
Scheduling Meetings Morning meetings (9-11 AM) are generally preferred. Early afternoon (2-4 PM) works after lunch digests. Late afternoon meetings may run into traffic complications.
Punctuality More respected than stereotypes suggest. Arrive on time for business meetings. Allow buffer for traffic, which is the most common legitimate delay excuse.
Work-Life Balance While Traveling
Morning Routines
La Sabana park opens early and fills with joggers by 5:30 AM. A morning run across the street from your hotel starts the day with exercise and exposure to how locals live.
Running Routes:
- Park perimeter: approximately 4 km
- Lake circuit: shorter loop around the central lake
- Internal trails: varied options through wooded areas
Gym Access: The park has outdoor fitness equipment (free) and a sports complex with facilities (minimal fees). Hotel fitness amenities provide convenient alternatives.
Swimming: The national pool complex in La Sabana offers lap swimming at certain hours. Check current schedules.
Evening Decompression
After a day of meetings, options for unwinding:
Walking the Park Late afternoon light makes La Sabana pleasant for walking. Watch pickup soccer games, observe local life, decompress without alcohol.
Craft Beer Scene Costa Rica's craft beer has matured. Several breweries and craft beer bars in Barrio Escalante and near Sabana offer quality options beyond the ubiquitous Imperial.
Coffee Culture The specialty coffee scene provides sophisticated evening options. A well-made pour-over in a quality cafe can be as satisfying as a cocktail.
Live Music San Jose has active music scenes from jazz to rock to traditional. Check current listings - options range from intimate clubs to larger venues.
Simply Resting Sometimes the best option is returning to the hotel, handling email, and getting proper sleep. Business travel exhausts; recovery matters.
Fitness Beyond Running
Yoga Multiple yoga studios in San Jose, some with English-language classes. The culture has embraced yoga more than you might expect.
Cycling The park has cyclists, and bike-share options exist. Traffic makes road cycling outside parks risky; stick to designated areas.
Soccer If you're here long enough to join a pickup game, the park fields welcome all skill levels on weekends.
Hiking Day trips to nearby mountains provide more serious exercise. Weekends allow time for excursions that combine nature with fitness.
Extending Your Trip
Day Trips for Free Weekends
If your business schedule allows a free Saturday or Sunday, several options provide meaningful experiences without excessive travel.
Poás Volcano About 90 minutes from San Jose. One of the world's most accessible volcanic craters. Morning visits offer clearer views; clouds often roll in by midday. Book park entry in advance online.
Irazú Volcano Costa Rica's highest volcano, about 90 minutes east. Moonscape landscapes and potential views to both coasts on clear days. Combine with Cartago's historic sites.
Coffee Farm Tours The Central Valley grows exceptional coffee. Multiple farms offer tours ranging from tourist-friendly presentations to serious agricultural experiences. Doka Estate and Café Britt are well-known; smaller operations provide more authentic experiences.
Sarchi and Craft Towns Traditional artisan villages 45 minutes from San Jose. Painted oxcarts, woodworking, and a glimpse of rural Costa Rica without major time investment.
Adding Beach Time
If you can extend your trip by a day or two:
Pacific Coast (2-3 hours) Jacó is closest and most accessible. Not the prettiest beach but convenient. Further south, Manuel Antonio combines beaches with wildlife in a national park setting.
Caribbean Coast (2.5 hours) Entirely different culture and feel. Caribbean food, reggae influences, laid-back atmosphere. Puerto Viejo is the most developed destination.
Guanacaste (4-5 hours) Costa Rica's "Gold Coast" with developed beach resorts. Too far for a day trip but possible for an overnight extension.
Combining Business with Adventure
Costa Rica's adventure tourism is legendary. If you want to add memorable experiences:
Zip-lining/Canopy Tours Multiple operators near San Jose and in beach areas. The experience originated here.
White Water Rafting Day trips to the Pacuare or Reventazón rivers provide serious rafting without overnight camping. Transfers from San Jose included.
Wildlife Watching Even day trips can include significant wildlife sightings. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more are visible with proper guidance.
Surfing Beach areas have consistent waves and excellent instruction. Even beginners can have meaningful surf experiences.
Planning Extended Stays
If your business relationship might involve repeated visits to Costa Rica, consider:
Longer-term Accommodations Furnished apartments in Escazú and Sabana areas rent monthly for significantly less than hotel rates. These make sense for stays of two weeks or more.
Developing Local Relationships Building relationships with restaurants, service providers, and contacts makes repeat trips more productive and enjoyable.
Understanding the Rhythm Each subsequent visit reveals more. The first trip is orientation; later trips become productive as you understand how things work.
Costa Rican Business Etiquette Details
Meeting Protocols
Initial Contact Email works for first contact with larger companies and international operations. Smaller local companies may prefer phone calls or WhatsApp messages.
Introductions Personal introductions from mutual contacts carry weight. If someone can facilitate an introduction, use that channel.
Business Cards Still exchanged, though less ceremonially than in some cultures. Have cards; present them, but don't expect formal card-exchange rituals.
Meeting Beginnings Expect 5-10 minutes of social conversation before business matters. This isn't time-wasting; it's relationship building. Ask about families, recent holidays, or local events.
Presentations PowerPoint is universal. Bilingual slides help with mixed audiences. Expect questions and discussion; Costa Rican business culture isn't rigidly hierarchical.
Decision Making Decisions often require consultation beyond the room. Don't expect commitments in initial meetings. Follow-up is essential.
Communication Styles
Directness Costa Ricans are generally more direct than some Latin American cultures. You can raise concerns clearly. Aggressive or confrontational styles don't play well.
"Yes" Considerations Agreement in meetings doesn't always mean commitment. Verify understanding with specific next steps and deadlines.
Email Follow-up Important for confirming discussions. Keep emails clear and concise. Spanish email if your counterpart is more comfortable in Spanish.
WhatsApp Usage More common for business communication than in the US. Local counterparts may suggest moving conversations to WhatsApp. This is normal, not unprofessional.
Gifts and Entertainment
Gift Giving Not expected for routine business meetings. For significant relationships or achievements, modest quality gifts from your home country are appreciated.
Entertainment Lunch or dinner invitations are normal for developing business relationships. The inviter pays. Reciprocity is expected over time.
Alcohol Costa Ricans drink socially, but excessive drinking in business contexts is viewed negatively. Wine with dinner is fine; getting drunk is not.
Sports Events Hosting clients at soccer matches (especially Costa Rican national team or major club games) can be effective relationship building.
Women in Business
Costa Rican business includes women at all levels. Female business travelers should expect to be treated professionally. Standard global business norms apply.
Technology and Connectivity
Staying Connected
WiFi Reliable at KC Hotel and throughout San Jose's business areas. Coffee shops and restaurants commonly offer WiFi. Quality is generally good.
Mobile Data Your existing phone should work on roaming. For longer stays, local SIM cards from Kolbi (state-owned), Movistar, or Claro provide affordable data.
VPN Considerations No local restrictions on VPN usage. Use your standard corporate VPN as needed.
Power Costa Rica uses 120V, 60Hz - same as US. Plugs are Type A and B (standard US plugs). European travelers need adapters and possibly voltage converters.
Digital Tools
Ride Apps Uber and DiDi both operate. Uber is more established. Both are reliable.
Maps Google Maps and Waze work well. Waze is especially popular with locals and handles traffic routing effectively.
Translation Google Translate handles Spanish-English adequately for simple needs. For business documents, use professional translation.
Payment Apps Some restaurants and services accept payment via apps. Having Uber/DiDi accounts with payment set up handles most transportation needs.
Emergency Information
Important Numbers
- Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 911
- Tourist Police: 2586-4000 (English speakers available)
- US Embassy: 2519-2000
- Immigration: 1311
Medical Facilities
CIMA Hospital (Escazú) Private hospital with international standards. Many doctors trained in US or Europe. English widely spoken. This is where expatriates and business travelers typically go for serious medical needs.
Hospital Clínica Bíblica (Downtown) Another private option with quality care. Closer to Sabana than CIMA.
Pharmacies Farmacias (marked with green crosses) are everywhere. Fischel and Sucre are major chains.
Lost/Stolen Items
Passport Contact your embassy immediately. The US Embassy is in Pavas, about 10 minutes from KC Hotel.
Credit Cards Standard international card emergency numbers work. Most banks have local Costa Rica contact numbers as well.
Police Reports For insurance claims or official documentation, file a report at the nearest OIJ (Organismo de Investigación Judicial) office.
Final Thoughts for Business Travelers
San Jose functions better for business than many visitors expect. The infrastructure supports productive work. The culture welcomes business relationships. The location provides a genuine Latin American experience without the challenges of less stable environments.
KC Hotel's position in Sabana Sur puts you in a working neighborhood rather than a tourist zone. You'll see how Costa Ricans actually live while maintaining easy access to business districts, the airport, and day trip destinations.
The key to successful business travel here, as anywhere, is preparation and flexibility. Understand the culture, respect the pace, build real relationships, and leave time to appreciate what makes Costa Rica distinctive.
Some practical final tips:
Plan for Traffic Build buffer time into your schedule. Costa Rican traffic is genuine and affects everyone.
Embrace the Pace Things may take slightly longer than in some environments. Frustration doesn't help; relationship building does.
Take Advantage of the Setting If you're traveling this far, experience something beyond conference rooms and hotels. An afternoon in the park, a coffee farm tour, or a quality meal adds dimension to your trip.
Maintain Communication Keep in regular contact with local counterparts. Relationships sustain business here more than contracts alone.
Come Back Costa Rica rewards repeat visitors. Each trip deepens understanding and strengthens relationships. What seems foreign on the first visit becomes comfortable by the third.
KC Hotel in Sabana Sur combines location convenience with neighborhood authenticity - a practical base for business travelers who want reliable accommodation without tourist-zone pretense. Our staff understands business traveler needs: early departures, late arrivals, and the occasional day when the most important amenity is simply a quiet room with reliable WiFi. The park across the street offers space to clear your head before or after long meeting days.
