Hmmm... Disagree on that one....Elpanada... In fact there are many businesses in Europe that are having their websites created here because of the cost/quality of the educated workforce. British company Lastminute.com for example has outsourced all their website reqs. to an Argentine company.
But am sure most people around can recommend someone.
What you would usually do is either meet personally ot through the phone, explain your requirements, taking this in account they would later show you three or 4 examples of what your webiste could look like and present a Quote for their services.
At least in my experience.
I would recommend you request several quotes as well as "bocetos" or Examples of what your web could look like, so you have a choice. Ask for websites of other clients of theirs to see if you like their design work ....