International Business Etiquette

We’ve complied some of the most common business etiquette do and don’ts for the most common languages and countries in the world so our website visitors and translation clients achieve success in their international business endeavors.

Arabian Business Etiquette

Taking time to understand the religion, politics and social structure of the Arabic world is the first step to understanding the basis of the proper business etiquette of this region.

Brazilian Business Etiquette

Brazilians are fashion conscious, so dress conservatively for business functions. Women should wear feminine dresses and suits, while men should wear dark suits. Three-piece suits indicate an executive-level status.

Chinese Business Etiquette

China and the Chinese language often play a vital role in modern business transactions. While China has the third largest economy in the, Chinese is spoken by one-fifth of the world's population.

Czech Business Etiquette

Politeness is a large part of Czech culture. Czechs will often avoid saying “no” in a business meeting. “We will see” or “it is difficult” will be used in place of the refusal and therefore have negative connotations.

Danish Business Etiquette

Danes strive to be average, and they do not emphasize prestige or status symbols. Career opportunities are based not only on achievements, but also on an individual’s level of modesty and social responsibility.

Dari Business Etiquette

Afghans communicate indirectly. Learn to read in between the lines when communicating with your colleagues. It is important to phrase your questions precisely in order to get the answers you need.

Dutch Business Etiquette

The Dutch do not appreciate displays of wealth or status. Flashy displays are seen as being in bad taste. Dutch people do not boast about their material possessions. This conflicts with their egalitarian beliefs.

Finnish Business Etiquette

If a Finn invites you to the sauna, do not refuse. Business meetings are sometimes continued in the sauna on informal terms. Invitations to the sauna are a sign of hospitality and a way for you to get to know your Finnish colleagues.

French Business Etiquette

The French value rules and propriety so taking time to learn proper French business etiquette will help ensure the success of your business with potential new clients and colleagues.

Greek Business Etiquette

Greeks respect senior business colleagues. Senior business people make the decisions. When giving a presentation, it is important to focus on the senior business people, as they will be the determining players.

German Business Etiquette

For those looking to successfully increase business in German markets, practicing proper German business etiquette is essential to gaining new partners and clients.

Israeli Business Etiquette

Expect to be interrupted. Israelis do not see this as rude. Israelis speak in a straightforward way and sometimes answer questions that were asked of someone else. Please do not be offended by this speech pattern.

Italian Business Etiquette

In the world of Italian business relations, practicing proper business etiquette is essential, as many Italian businesspeople place great value on first impressions.

Japanese Business Etiquette

In this process of building Japanese business relations, practicing proper business etiquette is vital, as one wrong step could offend your potential colleagues and cost you a lucrative business venture.

Korean Business Etiquette

As with any international business interaction, knowing the ins and outs of proper business etiquette will be key to your success.

Norwegian Business Etiquette

Norwegians do not do anything to draw attention to themselves. It is seen as rude. Norway is an egalitarian country where no one is better than anyone else. Please do not comment excessively on the car or other material possessions owned by a Norwegian colleagues.

Polish Business Etiquette

Poles are impressed by academic and professional titles. Use them upon initial meeting. Please put them on your business cards. Also please wait to be invited to be on a first name basis with your Polish colleagues.

Russian Business Etiquette

By practicing proper Russian business etiquette, you will impress your Russian colleagues, highlight your business skills and establish new, lucrative business relationships.

Spanish Business Etiquette

Like any foreign business transaction, the success of business in Spain crucially depends on a businessperson's understanding of proper Spanish business etiquette.

Swedish Business Etiquette

Swedes keep to an agenda during meetings. Wasting time is considered by Swedes to be the same as stealing someone’s property. Meetings generally have a set time for starting and ending.

Turkish Business Etiquette

You will meet with lower ranking members of a company first, to prove that you are trustworthy. Then you will meet the senior members of the company. The most senior member of a company always makes the decisions.

Ukrainian Business Etiquette

Shake hands with your Ukrainian colleagues upon initial meeting. Please maintain eye contact and repeat your name during each handshake. Shake hands again when departing.

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