San Diego City Guide - Business Etiquette

Dress codes tend to be less conservative in San Diego than in many eastern American cities. Suits are not always mandatory at business functions and many restaurants do not maintain dress codes. Standard business hours in San Diego are 0800-1700. A meeting may include brunch at a popular seaside restaurant or dinner beside the pool at the host’s hillside residence. Southern Californians tend to be open and laid back and it is not uncommon to be invited to someone’s home for dinner, as a prelude or conclusion to a business meeting. A smartly pressed suit or dress will not be considered out of place and is often the best and safest choice on first meetings, although business travellers should include some casual wear in their wardrobe, such as shorts, lounge and swimwear.

California is world famous for its wines and these are often featured in casual and formal dining. A high-quality Californian Chardonnay or Pinot Noir may be appropriate as a gift when being invited to someone’s house. Non-smoking bylaws are enforced in most of the city’s public establishments and many Southern California residents do not smoke and are sometimes sensitive about smoking in their house.

Business cards are usually exchanged during introductions and e-mail is a standard manner of correspondence in Southern California.