Puerto Rico: Doing business and staying in touch

Doing Business in Puerto Rico

A knowledge of Spanish is very useful, although English is widely spoken; most people in the tourist industry and the greater metropolitan areas are bilingual and the country acknowledges both English and Spanish as its official languages. Lightweight suits are advised for business meetings. Many business transactions take place over lunch or dinner; while drinking is acceptable during such meetings, it should be done in moderation.

Though many Puerto Ricans love politics, the topic is best avoided during business discussions unless there is a direct bearing on the matter at hand. Due to the complicated colonial history of the island and its current status as a US commonwealth, certain aspects of politics are a sensitive issue, particularly when discussed by someone with little knowledge of the island's history.

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