Greeting Customs Around the World

Japan:

• Bowing is extremely important in Japan
• back straight and your hands at the side
• Don't maintain eye contact
• Women often hold their hands clasped in the front
• The longer and deeper the bow, the more respect that is shown
• Business cards are called 'meishi' 
• carry your cards in a nice case
• The quality and condition of your business card speaks much about how you intend to conduct yourself and business.
• When receiving a business card, thank the other person and bow slightly as you take it
• Examine the card closely with respect
• The worst thing you can do is put a persons business card in your pocket infront of them
• One rule to remember when entering a home or sitting area is to always remove your shoes
• A wooden threshold will indicate where you should remove your outside shoes
• Place your shoes on the provided rack or off to the side.
• Bare feet are rarely acceptable. If you wear sandals, bring a small pair of white socks with you for wearing so that your bare feet do not touch the provided slippers

France: 

• Gift Giving 
• If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor. Bring flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur for the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.
• Flowers should be sent in advance 
• A bouquet should have an odd number of flowers, but never seven or thirteen.
• Do not take a gift of wine, since the host usually prefers to make the evening’s selection themselves
• Do not offer gifts with your company logo stamped on them (the French consider this vulgar).
• Dress Code
• Dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations.
• Reflection of your social status and relative success
• Men should wear dark suits, particularly during the winter and when visiting the north
• Never be the first to shed your jacket.
• Women should dress simply and with elegance. A well-tailored business suit or dress is appropriate and good shoes are a must.

Costa Rica: 

• Dress Code
• Men should wear a conservative dark suit. In warmer climates, a jacket is optional. 
• Women can wear a dress or skirt and blouse for formal business meetings, but it is far more common for women to wear pants to work. 
• Costa Ricans are much more formal and serious than other Latin Americans. Therefore, keep jackets on during business meetings
• Behavior 
• Costa Ricans are by far the most punctual people in Central America. North Americans are expected to be on time for appointments.
•  If you are invited for dinner to a home, bring flowers, chocolates, scotch, or wine. Do not bring calla lilies; they are associated with funerals
•  Have business cards, proposals, and other material printed in both English and Spanish
• Communications 
•  Good conversation topics: children, history, art
• Bad topics: any personal criticism, religion
• Politics are freely discussed because of the stability there
• Handshaking the common greeting
• Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos 

South Africa:

• South Africans are very friendly and may express affection openly. You may find an associate slaps you on the back, shakes your hand, or even holds your hand in a sign of friendship.
• It is advisable to offer small gifts to associates, and when invited to a home for dinner, always bring a gift of chocolate, good wine, or similar.
• A woman can prove herself by knowing her subject matter and not being aggressive.
• It is considered rude to point your index finger at anyone
• The 'V' for victory sign is considered lewd
•  Never have a conversation with anyone while keeping your hands in your pockets
• Important to be a 'good listener'
• Be sure to make constant eye contact and nod often to indicate you agree with those you are conversing with
• It is advisable to obtain letters of introduction if you have done business with mutual contacts of the company or businessperson you wish to entreaty.
• A first business meeting should be more about getting to know one another than a strict discussion of business matters. 
• Plan meetings ahead of time 
• Almost everything is shut down during mid-December to mid-January as well as during the week of Easter and most Jewish holidays

Sources:

http://goasia.about.com/od/Customs-and-Traditions/a/Japanese-Business-Etiquette.htm

http://businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-france/business-etiquette-in-france/

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/costa_rica.htm

http://www.expatica.com/za/employment/Business-etiquette-in-South-Africa_105889.html