Exporter Assistance
Export Guides and Training

The International Business
Etiquette Internet Sourcebook

January 2006

The International Business Etiquette Internet Sourcebook 2006
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
B.C. Regional Office
420 – 4321 Still Creek Drive
Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7
Telephone: 604-666-6344
Fax: 604-666-7235
Web site: www.agr.gc.ca
Email: atsbc@agr.gc.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
ASIA AND ASEAN
EUROPE
LATIN, SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
THE UNITED STATES
MISCELLANEOUS / GENERAL

INTRODUCTION

Doing business with international clients requires more than just financial acumen. A lack of knowledge about a customer's culture can lead to misunderstanding, frustration and potential embarrassment. Savvy Canadian exporters will include research on their clients' culture and regional etiquette when preparing to export. The building of successful business relationships is a vital part of any international venture, and such relationships rely heavily on an understanding of each partner's expectations and intentions.

Each culture has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to social business relations. As a representative of your company, you want to ensure that you make the best impression on potential clients - and that means having at least a basic familiarity with the customs and practices of the region. This Internet Sourcebook is intended to point you in the right direction for creating lasting partnerships with international clients. The web sites listed provide guidelines for etiquette in both general and business situations.

An additional internet resource not included in this booklet is the Usenet Newsgroups or "discussion groups." There are newsgroups on nearly every culture imaginable - far too many to list in this booklet. These are internet forums where interested persons can discuss the culture and politics of a particular country or region. They are also an excellent resource for first-hand information on a culture. If you have a specific question or would like tips from people who are familiar with a particular culture, this is the ideal place to find information. Most cultural newsgroups follow the format "soc.culture.xxx," where "xxx" would be the name of the country or region. For example, if you are looking for information on the Chinese culture, you would search the newsgroup under soc.culture.china. An extensive listing of newsgroups can be found on Google at groups-beta.google.com/grphp.

The electronic version of this publication can be found on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, B.C. Regional Office web site at www.ats.agr.gc.ca/ region/british_columbia_e.htm. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada welcomes any feedback and comments on this publication. Please send your suggestions to atsbc@agr.gc.ca or call 604-666-6344.

Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, reliability or for any decisions arising from the information contained herein.

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran

Tips for Business Travellers – Iran
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Iran. Includes information on language, tipping and do's and don'ts.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=11984

Business Culture Guide to Iran
Information on business dress, welcome topics of conversation and tips on negotiating, acceptable public conduct, gift giving, and entertaining for business success.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Iran.html

Israel

Tips for Business Travellers – Israel
Information on language, business hours, statutory holidays and advice on conducting business in Israel. Also includes links to Bank of Israel currency conversion table and facts and figures about Israel.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=10673

Business Culture Guide to Israel
Links to the Israeli culture with regards to making business appointments, dress code, conducting business conversations, negotiations as well as general information about Israel.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Israel.html

Lebanon

Tips for Business Travellers – Lebanon
Information on language, business hours, climate, transportation, currency and tipping in Lebanon. Also includes advice on doing business in Lebanon and how to succeed in the Lebanese market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=24244

Miscellaneous/General Middle East

Middle East Business Etiquette and Manners
Includes links to business etiquette and customs of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/mideast.htm

Doing Business in the Middle East
Information on cultural influence differences in doing business in the Middle East, tips on meetings and negotiation, and general business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-middleeast.html

South Africa

Tips for Business Travellers – South Africa
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in South Africa. Includes information on business customs, language, currency exchange rate, weather, driving conditions and safety tips.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=19702

Canadian High Commission in South Africa
Practical tips for doing business in South Africa. Links to High Commissioner's Newsletter, Canada-South Africa Relations and Business Development, Trade and Investment.
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/southafrica/

Business Culture Guide to South Africa
Links to the South African culture with regards to making business appointments, dress code, conducting business conversations, negotiations and general information about South Africa.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/South+Africa.html

ASIA AND ASEAN

China and Hong Kong

Business Customs and Etiquette – Hong Kong
Information on business etiquette and customs in Hong Kong including meetings, socializing and superstitions. Links to more information on the Hong Kong Tourism Board web site.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=4344&gid=246

Hong Kong Etiquette
Information on language, introductions, business relationships, business attire, currency, telecommunications and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/hong_kong_etiquette.htm

China Etiquette
Information on language, introductions, business relationships, business attire, currency, telecommunications and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/china_etiquette.htm

China Including Hong Kong: A Guide for Canadian Visitors
A guide for Canadian visitors to China including Hong Kong. Includes travel, time, language, currency and credit cards, food and drink, health care, communications, politics, advice on doing business in China and the Canadian Consular services.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/china-en.asp

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in China
Greetings, etiquette for business meetings, social events and gift giving. General rules of thumb and Chinese expressions.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/chinabt.htm

India

Indian Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions, business hours, money, gifts, postal service and telecommunications.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/india_etiquette.htm

Business Culture Guide to India
Links to the Indian culture with regards to making business appointments, dress code, conducting business conversations, negotiations as well as information about India.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/India.html

Indonesia

Tips for Business Travellers – Indonesia
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Indonesia including a section on Canada-Indonesia relations.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=14815

Indonesian Etiquette
Information on language, introductions, business attire, business hours, currency, postal service, telecommunications and general business and personal etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/indonesian_etiquette.htm

Business Culture Guide to Indonesia
Information on making appointments, business dress, welcome topics of conversation, gift giving, tips on negotiating, and entertaining for business success.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Indonesia.html

Japan

Tips for Business Travellers – Japan
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Japan including travel information, advice on doing business in Japan and how to be successful in the Japanese market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=12476

Japanese Etiquette
Basic rules of personal and business etiquette.
www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html

Doing Business in Japan
Extensive information on doing business in Japan, market information and business opportunities.
www.jetro.go.jp/

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in Japan
Information on business customs, communications, business meetings, social events and business card do's and don'ts.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/japanbt.htm

Japanese Etiquette
Information on language, introductions, business attire, business hours, currency, postal service, telecommunications, gift giving and general business and personal etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/japan_etiquette.htm

Korea

South Korean Etiquette
Information on language spoken in businesses, currency, gift giving, appropriate business attire, introductions, postal services, telecommunications, business hours and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/south_korea_etiquette.htm

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in Korea
Information on business customs, communications, business meetings, social events and business card do's and don'ts.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/skoreabt.htm

Malaysia

Malaysian Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions when conducting business, currency, gift giving, telecommunications, working times and general etiquette.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Malaysia.html

Business Culture Guide to Malaysia
Links to the Malaysian culture with regards to making business appointments, dress code, conducting business conversations, negotiations as well as general information about Malaysia.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Malaysia.html

Philippines

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in the Philippines
Business and social etiquette tips including greetings, business meetings and social events with a list of Filipino expressions.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/philippinesbt.htm

Filipino Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions when conducting business, currency, telecommunications, working times and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/fi lippino_eiquette.htm

Singapore

Tips for Business Travellers – Singapore
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Singapore including advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=20313

Singaporean Etiquette
General rules for personal and business etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/singaporan_eitquette.htm

Taiwan

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in Taiwan
Business and social etiquette tips including greetings, business meetings and social events. General rules of thumb and a list of Chinese expressions.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/taiwanbt.htm

Business Culture Guide to Taiwan
Links to the Taiwanese culture and tradition including making appointments, appropriate topics of conversation, addressing others with respect and acceptable public behaviour.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Taiwan.html

Taiwanese Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions when conducting business, currency, negotiation tactics, gift giving, telecommunications and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/taiwan_etiquette.htm

Thailand

Thai Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions, business hours, currency, telecommunications and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/thai_etiquette.htm

Business Culture Guide to Thailand
Links to making appointments, appropriate business attire, welcome topics of conversation, tips on negotiating, entertaining for business success and acceptable public behaviour in Thailand.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Thailand.html

Vietnam

Vietnamese Etiquette
Information on language, business attire, introductions when conducting business, currency, telecommunications and general etiquette.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/vietnam_etiquette.htm

Tips for Business Travellers – Vietnam
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Vietnam including advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=19073

Miscellaneous/General Asia

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
A wide range of information, analysis, statistics, news and Internet links detailing Canada's economic, political, social and institutional relations with Asia Pacific.
www.asiapacific.ca/about/index.cfm

Asian Business Etiquette
A web site that will link you to information on general business etiquette for different countries in Asia.
www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/etiquette1.htm

Business Card Etiquette
Do's and don'ts for business card etiquette in China, Japan and Korea.
ciber.msu.edu/busres/channel/businesscard.htm

EUROPE

Austria

Tips for Business Travellers – Austria
Information on language, currency and links to accommodations in Austria. Also includes advice on doing business in Austria and how to succeed in the Austrian market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=25078

Business Culture Guide for Austria
Links to the Austrian culture and tradition including making appointments, welcome topics of conversation, tips on negotiating, entertaining for business success and acceptable public behaviour.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Austria.html

Belgium

Belgium
Information pertaining to business customs and etiquette in Belgium. www.exporthotline.com/upload/1149B84E-B538-492F-B8CE- 9EBC663EECBE.pdf

Finland

An Internet Guide to Finnish Customs and Manners
Direct links to Finnish customs and manners including religion, gender, languages, names and titles, greetings, eating and social etiquette.
virtual.fi nland.fi /finfo/english/guide.html

France

Tips for Business Travellers – France
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in France including business travel, business culture, trade regulations and marketing a product to the French market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=26112

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in France
Information on business customs, language and courtesies.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/francebt.htm

Greece

Tips for Business Travellers – Greece
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Greece including language, currency, punctuality and best practices for Canadian firms.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=13341

Italy

Italy – Business and Social Etiquette
Information pertaining to business and social etiquette including business meetings, dress code and table manners at an Italian restaurant.
www.crazycolour.com/os/italy_02.shtml

Tips for Business Travellers – Italy
Information on local customs and etiquette for conducting business, entry regulations, working in Italy and advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=19714

Spain

Tips for Business Travellers – Spain
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Spain including useful links to information regarding business travel.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=19999

Business Culture Guide to Spain
Links to the Spanish culture with regards to making business appointments, dress code, conducting business conversations, negotiations as well as general information about Spain.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Spain.html

Sweden

Tips for Business Travellers – Sweden
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Sweden including tips on succeeding in the Swedish market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=18338

United Kingdom

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in the United Kingdom
Information on introductions, social events and business meetings.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/ukbt.htm

LATIN, SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA

Argentina

Oregon International Trade – Business and Travel Etiquette in Argentina
General information on business customs, currency, language and time.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/argentinabt.htm

Business Culture Guide for Argentina
Links to making appointments, appropriate business dress, welcome topics of conversation; tips on negotiating, gift giving, and entertaining for business success.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Argentina.html

Brazil

Business Culture Guide to Brazil
Links to making appointments, guidelines for business dress, appropriate topics of conversation and acceptable public conduct in Brazil.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Brazil.html

Chile

Business Etiquette and Manners - Chile
Links to the Chilean culture including appearance, behaviour and communications.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/chile.htm

Colombia

Business Culture Guide to Colombia
Information on making appointments, welcome topics of conversation, entertaining for business success and acceptable public behaviour in Colombia.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Colombia.html

Costa Rica

Tips for Business Travellers – Costa Rica
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Costa Rica.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=24462

Cuba

Tips for Business Travellers – Cuba
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Cuba including advice on doing business and how to be successful in the Cuban market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=13137

Dominican Republic

Tips for Business Travellers – Dominican Republic
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in the Dominican Republic including business hours, major business holidays and advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=20969

Panama

Panamanian Business Etiquette and Manners
Business and social etiquette listed including appearance, behaviour and communications.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/panama.htm

Peru

Business Culture Guide to Peru
Links to tips on making appointments, addressing others with respect, welcome topics of conversation and acceptable public behaviour in Peru. Also contains links to general information about the country.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Peru.html

Venezuela

Tips for Business Travellers – Venezuela
Local customs and etiquette for conducting business in Venezuela including advice on doing business and how to be successful in the Venezuelan market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=12701

Venezuela Business Etiquette and Manners
Business and social etiquette listed including appearance, behaviour, communications and Venezuela resources.
www.executiveplanet.com/business-etiquette/Venezuela.html

Mexico

Mexico ¿Qué pasa?: A Guide for Canadian Visitors
Mexican culture, customs, necessary travel documents and information on working and doing business in Mexico.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/PDF/mexico-en.pdf

Making it in Mexico – Business Customs and Practices
Tips on social customs and business etiquette.
www.fas.usda.gov/info/agexporter/1999/makingit.html

Miscellaneous/General Latin America

Latin America Business Etiquette and Manners
Business and social etiquette listed for Latin American countries.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/latin_america.htm

Business Etiquette in Latin America
Information on appropriate business attire, interviewing, welcome topics to conversation, proper social etiquette in Latin American countries.
www.pasadenaisd.org/rayburn/Clubs/BPA/contest/Latinamerica.html

THE UNITED STATES

Miscellaneous/General

USA Bound: Advice for Canadian Travellers
General information on traveling and working in the United States including important contact information.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/PDF/usa_bound-en.pdf

MISCELLANEOUS/GENERAL

Business Culture Worldwide
Links to worldwide business reports, pre-departure reports, training and consulting, executive reports, business database and global management information.
www.businessculture.com/

The Canadian Foreign Service Institute
Links provided to intercultural learning, language training and professional development.
www.cfsi-icse.gc.ca/

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Provides tips for business travellers on various countries and regions around the world.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/EServices.jsp

Consular Affairs
Assistance provided to Canadian travellers to prepare them for foreign travel. Links to services provided abroad.
www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp

Etiquette Handbook: Country Customs
Business and travel etiquette for selected countries.
www.crazycolour.com/os/hb03-01.shtml

Executive Planet
Links to business cultures of various countries around the world.
www.executiveplanet.com/

Foreign Destinations
Travel information, weekly bulletins and travel warnings as well as information about Canadian government offices abroad and foreign government offices in Canada.
www.voyage.gc.ca

Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller
Helpful hints for women travellers including accommodation, dress sense, business and personal etiquette.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/PDF/her_own_way-en.pdf

International Business Customs, International Business Protocol, and Business Practices
Information on international business practices, business protocol, etiquette, cross-cultural communication, negotiating tactics and country-specific data.
www.worldbiz.com/

Malkam Consultants Ltd. (Specialists in Cross-Cultural Communications)
Variety of links on how to communicate with people from different cultures, integrate diversity awareness into the workplace and improve overseas effectiveness of business team.
www.malkam.com