The International Business Etiquette Internet Sourcebook

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
BC Regional Office
420 Ò 4321 Still Creek Drive
Burnaby, BC V5C 6S7
Telephone: 604-666-6344
Fax: 604-666-7235
Email: atsbc@agr.gc.ca
Website: www.agr.gc.ca

Introduction
Doing business with international clients requires more than just financial acumen. A lack of knowledge about a customerÌs culture can lead to misunderstanding, frustration and potential embarrassment. Savvy Canadian exporters will include research on their clientsÌ 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 partnerÌs 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 Ò 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 websites 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 Ïdiscussion groups.Ó There are newsgroups on nearly every culture imaginable Ò 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 Ïsoc.culture.xxx,Ó where ÏxxxÓ 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, BC Regional Office website 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
This site provides information about Iranian customs, etiquette for conducting business, tipping, and doÌs and donÌts.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=11984

Doing Business in Iran
In this brief guide to doing business in Iran, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-iran.html

Israel
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Israel
This site provides information on language, business hours, statutory holidays, and advice on conducting business in Israel.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=10673

Business Culture Guide to Israel
This site provides detailed information about IsraelÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Israel

Lebanon
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Lebanon
This site provides information on language, business hours, climate, transportation, currency, and tipping in Lebanon. It 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

South Africa
Tips for Business Travellers Ò South Africa
This site provides information about local customs and etiquette for conducting business in South Africa. It also 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

South African Etiquette
This site provides general information about South Africa, including South African society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-africa-country-profile.html

General Middle East
Middle East Business Etiquette and Manners
This site provides 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
In this brief guide to doing business in the Middle East, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-middleeast.html

Asia and Southeast Asia

China
Doing Business in China
In this brief guide to doing business in China, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-china.html

Oregon International Trade Ò Business and Travel Etiquette in China
This site provides information about business and travel etiquette in China.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/chinabt.htm

Hong Kong
Business Customs and Etiquette Ò Hong Kong
This site provides information on business etiquette and customs in Hong Kong and a link to the Hong Kong Tourism Board website.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?
did=4344&gid=246

Etiquette in Hong Kong
This site provides general information about Hong Kong, including Hong Kong society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/hongkong-country-profile.html

India
Doing Business in India
In this brief guide to doing business in India, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-india.html

Business Culture Guide to India
This site provides detailed information about IndiaÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=India

Indonesia
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Indonesia
This site provides tips for business travellers.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=14815

Japan
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Japan
This site provides information about Japanese customs, etiquette for conducting business, travel information, and tips on how to be successful in the Japanese market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=12476

Doing Business in Japan
In this brief guide to doing business in Japan, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-japan.html

Oregon International Trade Ò Business and Travel Etiquette in Japan
This site provides Information on Japanese business customs, effective communication, and business card doÌs and donÌts.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/japanbt.htm

Korea
Business Culture in South Korea
This site provides information about Korean culture, working relationships, and business etiquette doÌs and donÌts.
www.communicaid.com/south-korea-business-culture.asp

Doing Business in South Korea
This site provides detailed information about South KoreaÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=South_Korea

Malaysia
Doing Business in Malaysia
This site provides information about Malaysian culture, working relationships, and business etiquette doÌs and donÌts.
www.communicaid.com/malaysia-business-culture.asp

Business Culture Guide to Malaysia
This site provides information about business relationships, dress code tips, and advice on import regulations.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=295&gid=34

Philippines
Business Culture in the Philippines
This site provides detailed information about business culture in the Philippines, including office and telephone etiquette.
www.buyusa.gov/philippines/en/doing_business_philippines.html

Business Culture Guide to the Philippines
This site provides information about languages in the Philippines, as well as Filipino society, culture, business etiquette, and customs.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/philippines-country-profile.html

Singapore
Business Culture Guide to Singapore
This site provides information about languages in Singapore, as well as Singaporean society, culture, business etiquette, and customs.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/
singapore.html

Business Etiquette in Singapore
This site provides detailed information about SingaporeÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Singapore

Taiwan
Business and Travel Etiquette in Taiwan
This site provides information on business and travel etiquette in Taiwan.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/taiwanbt.htm

Business and Travel Etiquette in Taiwan
This site provides greeting, business meeting, and gift giving information, as well as survival tips.
www.crazycolour.com/os/taiwan_02.shtml

Thailand
Thai Culture
This site provides useful information about Thai culture including dress and social behaviour.
www.ethailand.com/index.php?id=558

Thai Etiquette
This site provides general information about Thailand, including Thai society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html

Vietnam
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Vietnam
This site provides information about Vietnamese customs and etiquette, including advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=19073

Vietnamese Etiquette
This site provides general information about Vietnam, including Vietnamese society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/vietnam.html

General Asia
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
This site contains a wide range of information, including news and Internet links detailing CanadaÌs economic, political, social, and institutional relations with Asia Pacific.
www.asiapacific.ca/about/index.cfm

Business Card Etiquette
This site contains information regarding business card etiquette in China, Japan, and Korea.
ciber.msu.edu/busres/channel/businesscard.htm

Europe

Austria
Austrian Etiquette
This site provides general information about Austria, including Austrian society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/austria-country-profile.html

Belgium
Doing Business in Belgium
This brief guide offers basic pointers on how to do business more effectively in Belgium.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-belgium.html

Business Etiquette in Belgium
This site provides detailed information about BelgiumÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Belgium

Finland
An Internet Guide to Finnish Customs and Manners
This site provides a detailed guide to Finnish customs and manners.
virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/guide.html

Finnish Etiquette
This site provides general information about Finland, including Finnish society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/finland-country-profile.html

France
Tips for Business Travellers Ò France
This site provides information about French business culture, travel, marketing, and trade regulations.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=26112

French Etiquette
This site provides general information about France, including French society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/france-country-profile.html

Greece
Greek Etiquette
This site provides general information about Greece, including Greek society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/greece-country-profile.html

Italy
Italian Business and Social Etiquette
This site provides detailed information about business and social etiquette in Italy.
www.crazycolour.com/os/italy_02.shtml

Italian Etiquette
This site provides general information about Italy, including Italian society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html

Spain
Business Etiquette in Spain
This site provides detailed information about SpainÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Spain

Spanish Etiquette
This site provides general information about Spain, including Spanish society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/spain-country-profile.html

Sweden
Doing Business in Sweden
In this brief guide to doing business in Sweden, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-sweden.html

Business Etiquette in Sweden
This site provides detailed information about SwedenÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Sweden

United Kingdom
Business and Travel Etiquette in the United Kingdom
This site provides information about business and travel etiquette in the United Kingdom.
www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/ukbt.htm

Business Etiquette in the UK
This site provides detailed information about the United KingdomÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=United_Kingdom

Latin, South, and Central America

Argentina
Business Etiquette in Argentina
This site provides detailed information about ArgentinaÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Argentina

Brazil
Brazilian Etiquette
This site provides general information about Brazil, including Brazilian society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/brazil-country-profile.html

Business Etiquette in Brazil
This site provides detailed information about BrazilÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Brazil

Chile
Doing Business in Chile
In this brief guide to doing business in Chile, a few tips on business culture and etiquette are offered.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-chile.html

Business Etiquette in Chile
This site provides detailed information about ChileÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Chile

Colombia
Business Etiquette in Colombia
This site provides detailed information about ColombiaÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Colombia

Colombian Etiquette
This site provides general information about Colombia, including Colombian society and culture, etiquette, customs, and business etiquette.
www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/colombia.html

Costa Rica
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Costa Rica
This site provides tips for business travellers to Costa Rica.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=24462

Cuba
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Cuba
This site provides information about conducting business in Cuba 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 Ò Dominican Republic
This site provides information on Dominican business etiquette and advice on doing business.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=20969

Panama
Panamanian Business Etiquette and Manners
This site provides general information about appearance, behaviour, and communication in Panama.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/panama.htm

Peru
Business Etiquette in Peru
This site provides detailed information about PeruÌs business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Peru

Venezuela
Tips for Business Travellers Ò Venezuela
This site provides information on Venezuelan business etiquette, advice on doing business, and tips on how to succeed in the Venezuelan market.
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=12701

Mexico
Mexico ¯Qu» pasa?: A Guide for Canadian Visitors
This detailed guide provides information about Mexican culture, customs, and working and doing business in Mexico.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/PDF/mexico-en.pdf

Making it in Mexico Ò Business Customs and Practices
This site provides information on business customs and practices in Mexico.
www.fas.usda.gov/info/agexporter/1999/makingit.html

General Latin America
Latin America Business Etiquette and Manners
This site includes links to business and social etiquette of various Latin American countries.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/latin_america.htm

Business Etiquette in Latin America
This site includes information about appropriate business attire, interviewing, and proper social etiquette in Latin American countries.
www.pasadenaisd.org/rayburn/Clubs/BPA/contest/
Latinamerica.html

The United States
USA Bound: Advice for Canadian Travellers
This document provides general information about traveling and working in the United States.
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/PDF/usa_bound-en.pdf

American Business Etiquette
This site provides general information about appearance, behaviour, and communication in the United States.
www.cyborlink.com/besite/us.htm

Business Etiquette in the United States
This site provides detailed information about the United StatesÌ business etiquette and culture, including several links to other websites.
www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=United_States