A sampling of country profiles

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN ARGENTINA

Fashion:

Dress differs from region to region. It is rather conservative. Young people tend towards more casual wear.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake and a slight nod show respect. People are introduced by title. Hand gestures are common in daily conversation.

Visiting:

Visiting does not require a prior appointment and being late is acceptable. Small gifts and compliments are appreciated. Greet each person individually.

Restaurants:

Tipping is not required but for special services 10% is appropriate.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN AUSTRALIA

Fashion:

Australians tend to dress more casually.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is common. People are generally addressed by their first name. People should be aware of the basic etiquette.

Visiting:

It is common that guests bring some food and a small gift with them. After having dinner at home people often go out.

Restaurants:

The bill is paid at the register. Tipping is not necessary.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN BRAZIL

Fashion:

Brazilians are very fashion conscious, preferring European style clothes. In rural regions traditional clothing is common

Basic cultural skills:

  • Brazilians greet each other with a handshake. Close friends often embrace each other.
  • Thumbs up shows approval. Whistling is considered rude.

Visiting:

If invited to dinner it is common to bring a small gift. It is not rude to be late. It is rude to ask money-related questions.

Restaurants:

If the tip is not included in the bill, 10-15% is OK.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN CHILE

Fashion:

Style is European and sophisticated in the suburbs.

Basic cultural skills:

Handshake and eye contact are appropriate for formal greeting. Titles should be used. Avoid excessive gestures.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN CZECH REPUBLIK

Fashion:

The dress is more casual compared to other European countries.

Basic cultural skills:

A firm handshake is common. Address people by their title and surname. Hand gestures are used. Eye contact is important.

Visiting:

Invitations to a private home are rather seldom. Guests may bring a small gift. Shoes are removed before entering a home.

Restaurants:

In pubs are usually two waiters, one for the drinks and another for the food. An empty glass is always refilled.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN DENMARK

Fashion:

Business dress is formal. The wardrobe should reflect the Scandinavian weather.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is appropriate for a formal greeting. People are called by their surnames. Courtesy is important in all interactions. Hand gestures are not used in conversation. Eye contact is important.

Visiting:

A small gift, such as a flower bouquet is appreciated. Guest will be seated near the host.

Restaurants:

A service charge is included in the bill, but leaving a small tip is common.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN FRANCE

Fashion:

People in France are very fashionably attired. Business wear tends to be more formal.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is customary. Greetings are usually combined with a person’s name and title.

Visiting:

Vistits are by appointment. Personal and money related questions should be avoided. The host should be complimented on the meal.

Restaurants:

Elbows are not placed on the table. Avoid using the finger for eating.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN HUNGARY

Fashion:

Conservative suits are worn in a business context. Traditional clothing is only worn for special occasions.

Basic cultural skills:

Address people by their there surname.

Visiting:

Visits are arranged by appointment. A small gift is customary.

Restaurants:

A service charge is not included, but a 10-15% tip is apreciated

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN INDONESIA

Fashion:

Businessmen wear shirts and ties; a suit jacket is not necessary.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake combined with a slight bow is common. Address people by their title and their surname. Hand gestures should be avoided.

Visiting:

Shoes are removed when entering a home.

Restaurants:

A service charge is included in the bill, tipping is not common.

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN IRELAND

Fashion:

Even though the business attire is very conservative, casual wear is beginning to gain acceptance in most situations.

Basic cultural skills:

Address people by their title and surname.

Visiting:

It is not customary to bring a gift, when invited. Meeting in pubs is common.

Restaurants:

In most cases a service charge is included in bills; if it is not, a 10-15% tip is OK.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN ITALY

Fashion:

Italias are dressed well.

Basic cultural skills:

The handshake is common. Guests are introduced first. Hand guestures in a conversation are very common.

Visiting:

Visits are arranged in advance. A small gift, such as a bottle of wine, is common.

Restaurants:

A service charge is often included. A small tip is OK.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN JAPAN

Fashion:

Suits and ties are worn in a business context.

Basic cultural skills:

While a bow is the traditional greeting, shaking hands with foreigners is common. Address people by their title and surname.

Visiting:

Visits are arranged in advance. Shoes are removed before entering the home. A gift is important.

Restaurants:

N.A.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN MALAYSIA

Fashion:

Although most people wear western style clothing, a combination of traditional and western clothing is also customery.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is common. Objects are not passed with the left hand. Giving and receiving gifts with both hands shows respect.

Visiting:

Spontaneous visits are common. Punctuality is not important. Shoes are removed before entering the house.

Restaurants:

A service charge is included in the bill

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN MEXICO

Fashion:

The clothing is very similar to the US. Beauty and color are appreciated by all.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake as a formal greeting is sufficient. Gestures are used in conversation.

Visiting:

A visit does not have do be arranged in advance.

Restaurants:

Eating food on the street is inappropriate

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE NETHERLANDS

Fashion:

Basic European business dress.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is common. Address people by title and surnames. Eye contact is important during conversations.

Visiting:

Appointments must be arranged. It is important to be punctual.

Restaurants:

The main meal is lunch.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN NEW ZEALAND

Fashion:

Western style clothing is standard,

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is a normal greeting. After the introduction, people are addressed by their first names.

Visiting:

Shoes are generally removed before entering the house. A small gift is common.

Restaurants:

A service charge is included in the bill.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN NORWAY

Fashion:

The clothing is rather conservative.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is a normal custom. Norwegians often start introducing themselves. Address persons by their title and surname. Hand gestures are rarely used and should be avoided.

Visiting:

Punctuality is important. A small gift is common.

Restaurants:

It is impolite to leave food on the table. Although a service charge is included, a small tip (5-10%) is common.

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE SWEDEN

Fashion:

Swedes are dressed conservatively but not glamorously.

Basic cultural skills:

A handshake is common. People are usually addressed by their first names. Only in very formal situations are titles used. While eye contact is important, excessive gestures should be avoided.

Visiting:

Visits should be made with prior appointment only. Arriving on time is expected and a small gift is common.

Restaurants:

N.A

 

BASIC BUSINESS CULTURE IN UNITED KINGDOM

Fashion:

Conservative business attire is common.Traditional dress is worn on festivals and ceremonial occasions only.

Basic cultural skills:

A firm handshake is common. First names are widely used. In different parts of the country there are different customs.

Visiting:

A small gift is appreciated. Coming late is considered impolite.

Restaurants:

A service charge is not included. A tip of 10-15% is OK.

 

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