The following advice by Sue Fox, author of Business Etiquette for Dummies,
may help business travelers avoid an embarrassing gaffe abroad.
Argentina It is rude to ask people what they
do for a living. Wait until they offer the information.
Bahrain Never
show signs of impatience, because it is considered an insult. If tea is
offered, always accept.
Cambodia Never touch or pass something
over the head of a Cambodian, because the head is considered sacred.
Malaysia If you receive an invitation from a
business associate from Malaysia, always respond in writing. Avoid using your
left hand because it is considered unclean.
Mexico If visiting a business
associate's home, do not bring up business unless the associate does.
China As
in most Asian cultures, avoid waving or pointing chopsticks, putting them
Dominican Republic When speaking to someone, failure to
maintain good eye contact may be interpreted as losing interest in the
conversation.
France Always remain calm, polite and
courteous during business meetings. Never appear overly friendly, because this
could be construed as suspicious. Never ask personal questions.
Greece If you need to signal a taxi,
holding up five fingers is considered an offensive
Egypt Showing the sole of your foot
or crossing your legs when sitting is an insult. Never use the thumbs-up sign,
because it is considered an obscene gesture.
India Avoid giving gifts made
from leather, because many Hindus are vegetarian and consider cows sacred. Keep
this in mind when taking Indian clients to restaurants. Don't wink, because it
is seen as a sexual gesture.
Japan Never write on a business
card or shove the card into your back pocket when you are with the giver. This
is considered disrespectful. Hold the card with both hands and read it
carefully. It's considered polite to make frequent apologies in general
conversation.
Vietnam Shake hands only with someone
of the same sex who initiates it. Physical contact between men and women in
public is frowned upon.
Philippines Never refer to a female hosting an
event as the "hostess," which translates to prostitute.
Singapore If you plan to give a gift,
always give it to the company. A gift to one person is considered a bribe.
Spain Always request your
check when dining out in Spain. It is considered rude for wait staff to bring
your bill beforehand.
