Avoid Committing a Foreign Faux Pas
Tips for Conducting Business Abroad

After studying abroad for six months in Ireland, and visiting various European countries, it became clear to me that you can’t play (or work) by the same set of rules.

Conducting business in different parts of the world can be very different than what you are accustomed to.  In order to establish a good relationship, you need to know what to expect before you go.  Looking into the country’s customs, personal etiquette, style of dress, gender roles, etc. can really make or break a deal (and save you a lot of embarrassment!).  Learn as much as you can about the country to bridge the cultural gap; the effort will be appreciated no matter where you are! 

Here are a few country-specific tips to know before you go:

• The Irish are not very time conscious and may stroll in late for business and social meetings. They have a relaxed sense of time. However, as mentioned earlier, you can’t play by the same set of rules. A foreigner in Ireland should be on time for business meetings.
• If you’re in Japan, don’t be alarmed if someone asks you how much money you make. Also, when receiving a business card, hold it with both hands and read it over (no shoving it in your back pocket!).
• Have a business dinner in Spain? Rest up and expect it to start late at night and go into the early hours of the morning.
• Leave the business talk at the door when you are having a meal in Germany.
• Go ahead, have that sip of wine! In Russia, drinking is a way of establishing a close relationship… Just don’t have too much!
• Receive a gift in Africa? Open it immediately! Receive a gift in China? Wait and open it later.
• In Egypt, showing the sole of your foot or crossing your legs when sitting is an insult. Also, never give anyone the “thumbs-up” (it is considered an obscene gesture!).
• Go veggie in India. Avoid giving gifts made from leather, because many Hindus are vegetarian and cows are considered sacred… A good thing to keep in mind when taking an Indian client to a restaurant!
• Did your mother always tell you not to burp or slurp in public? Well, in some regions of Asia, it’s a sign of pleasure to slurp your noodles or belch after a meal!

We all know first impressions are extremely important, and as the saying goes, you can’t make a second first impression. So, do your homework!

I’d love to hear about some of your travelling experiences…

• Have you been to another country where they conduct business differently? What did you notice?
• Did you research the country’s business etiquette before you went?

Lindsay Moore

Project Director