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The Social Side of Business

International Business

With an increasingly global economy, international business is now commonplace. If you travel abroad, it’s crucial to know the basic customs of the places where you do business.

Researching Your Host Country

Before visiting a foreign country on business, research the following areas:

Language: Learn to say please, thank you, excuse me, hello, goodbye, and cheers.
Dress: Find out the standard business dress for the area you’re visiting. If everyone’s wearing shorts and a T-shirt, you’ll feel ridiculous in a suit.
Greetings: The standard business greeting in North America is the handshake, but bowing, embracing, and other greetings are the norm in some regions.
Eating: Not everyone uses a knife and fork—learn how the locals eat before you go.
Tipping: Standard tipping rates vary by region, so make sure you’re familiar with them.
Business cards: Have bilingual business cards printed in English and the language of your host. In North America, if someone gives you a business card, you might stick it in your wallet without a second thought. But in many countries, doing so is deeply insulting. Research business card customs carefully.
Respect: Research won’t prepare you for every situation. If you make a mistake or don’t know what to do, look to your host for guidance. An overall demonstration of respect for your host is more important than knowing every nuance of local custom.

Business Customs by Region

The following table contains general tips on business practices in different parts of the world. Be sure, though, to research specifics of the country you’re visiting before you go.

Region	Business Basics	Socializing	Dress
Europe	Northern Europe is more formal than southern Europe. Always use titles unless told otherwise. Shake hands at the beginning and end of every meeting. Women should extend their hands to men.	Restaurant lunches and dinners are common. Expect lots of drinking in eastern Europe. In some areas, it’s rude to put your hands on your lap during meals.	Business dress is very similar to that of North America. Men typically wear shoes with laces. Women should dress particularly conservatively (skirts, not pants).
Asia	Business cards are very important. Make sure to research business card etiquette in the region you’re visiting. Politeness and respect for elders are crucial. Except in the Philippines, don’t make eye contact when shaking hands.	Sharing meals is important. Leave some food on your plate. Let your host seat you.	In cooler countries, conservative North American–style business attire is customary. In warm areas, remove your jacket if your host does.
Africa	Present your business card to every person you meet. Use formal titles. Expect long meetings.	In some countries, meals are eaten with the hands.	Lightweight business suits or blouses/skirts are standard, but you might wear less in hotter countries. In Islamic countries, dress very modestly.
Middle East	Meetings are often lengthy and begin with small talk. Meetings revolve around daily prayer sessions. The work week is from Sunday to Thursday. Gender roles are very distinct.	Alcohol generally is not drunk. Your left hand is seen as unclean, so don’t use it. Business entertaining often takes place in the home. Don’t ask about your host’s wife or daughters.	Men should wear conservative suits and ties. Women should dress very modestly and follow local customs (or laws). In Saudi Arabia, women must be entirely covered.
Latin America	Be on time, but expect your host to be late. Use formal titles when addressing people.	Expect long business lunches. Evening meals start late and are exclusively social (no business talk).	Dress conservatively (suit and tie for men, suit with heels for women).