Understanding the folk culture and business etiquette of the destination is one of the key factors for a successful exhibition. Customs and habits vary from country to country. Respecting local culture during the exhibition can not only help you win business trust, but also open up more cooperation opportunities for you. We provide you with a cultural guide to major exhibition areas around the world to help you navigate international business exchanges with ease.
Basic etiquette standards in business interactions in different regions
Handshaking is a common formal greeting. In business situations, people usually address each other by their job title and surname, such as "Mr. Wang". When handing over a business card, use both hands and express gratitude.
Attach importance to harmony and respect, and pay attention to "face". Greetings before meetings are important. Decisions usually require the participation of multiple parties, and patience is necessary.
Business banquets are often held at round tables. The host will arrange the seats, usually the VIP faces the door. According to local customs, there may be a toast.
Avoid giving gifts with unlucky meanings such as clocks, umbrellas, and scissors. The number 4 in Chinese is homophonic with "death", so it should be avoided.
A bow is the traditional way of greeting, but handshakes are also accepted in international settings. Exchanging business cards is extremely important and should be received with both hands and read carefully.
Punctuality and courtesy are extremely important. The decision-making process usually involves multiple parties "negoshi" (advance consultation). Be patient and avoid direct confrontation.
Business dinners are often held in traditional or high-end restaurants. Don't stick chopsticks upright in the rice when eating. Eating together can enhance relationships.
Gifts should be beautifully packaged, and avoid giving 4 or 9 pieces (which sound the same as "death" and "bitterness"). It is not appropriate to give sharp objects such as knives, which may imply severing relationships.
Bowing and shaking hands are common greetings. Elders should be treated with special respect, and business cards should be handed over with both hands when exchanged.
The sense of hierarchy is strong, and elders and superiors are respected. Building relationships (jeong) is crucial to business success, and business dinners are common.
Business banquets may involve a lot of drinking. When drinking with elders, you should turn sideways to show respect. It is not advisable to put your elbows on the table when eating.
Avoid giving green hats (implying infidelity) or green packaging. Do not write your name in red pen (traditionally used in Korea to write the names of the deceased).
Handshaking is a common business greeting. The Chinese, Malays and Indians each have their own traditional greetings, but international etiquette is usually adopted in business situations.
Respect the multicultural environment and pay attention to the customs of different ethnic groups. Singapore's business environment is more formal and efficient. Thailand's business environment is more interpersonal.
Business dinners are often held in high-end restaurants or hotels. Respect the dietary taboos of various religions (e.g. Muslims do not eat pork, Hindus may be vegetarians).
Avoid giving sharp objects. Avoid alcohol or pigskin products when giving gifts to Muslims. Avoid giving cowhide products when interacting with Indians.
A handshake is the standard greeting, and eye contact indicates honesty. Use titles and last names, such as "Dr. Schmidt," until trust is established.
Punctuality, directness, and efficiency are valued. Meetings have clear agendas and little small talk. Business relationships are built on professional competence rather than personal relationships.
Business lunches are more common than dinners. Knife and fork are always in hand during meals. In formal occasions, you usually need to wait for the host to invite you to start dining.
Business gifts are not common, but small meeting gifts or company souvenirs are appropriate. Red roses have a romantic meaning and are not suitable for business occasions.
A brisk handshake is the standard greeting. When meeting for the first time, address each other by their last name, plus "Monsieur" or "Madame". Social pleasantries before a business conversation are important.
Communication skills and logic are emphasized. Meetings are open and frank. Decisions are usually made by senior management, and discussions are more about information exchange.
Business lunches and dinners are important and may last for several hours. It is normal to discuss business during a meal. Complimenting the food is a sign of respect for the host.
If invited to a home, it is appropriate to bring flowers (not red roses) or high-quality chocolates. Avoid overly expensive gifts that appear excessive.
Handshakes are short and firm. Maintain an appropriate social distance. The British value subtle humor and courtesy, but avoid overly direct personal questions.
Business interactions are relatively conservative and formal. Meetings usually have a clear agenda but do not exclude discussion. Decisions may be slow and cautious.
Business breakfasts and lunches are common. When eating, the cutlery is put down to indicate a pause, and crossed to indicate the end of the meal. Bar culture is important in socializing.
Business gifts are uncommon, but small practical gifts are acceptable. Expensive gifts may be embarrassing.
A warm handshake with eye contact. Italians are particular about their appearance and first impressions are important. Social distance is close and there is more physical contact during conversation.
A relationship-oriented business culture where building trust is important. Meetings may not strictly follow the agenda and it is common for multiple people to speak at the same time.
Business dining is an important way to build relationships. Dinner usually starts after 8 o'clock and may last for several hours. Elbows can be placed on the table when dining.
If invited to a home, it is appropriate to bring wine, desserts or flowers. Avoid giving chrysanthemums (associated with funerals) or red roses (which have romantic meanings).
A firm handshake, maintaining eye contact. American business culture is more casual and gets to the first name stage faster. Introducing yourself is the norm.
Emphasis on efficiency and direct communication. Meetings usually have clear start and end times. The decision-making process is relatively fast, focusing on results and practicality.
Business breakfasts and lunches are common. Discussing business in a dining environment is standard practice. After using the right cutlery, place it on the right side of the plate to indicate completion.
Business gifts are uncommon, but small souvenirs are acceptable. Large companies may have a policy against accepting gifts. Avoid overly expensive or personal gifts.
A handshake is the standard business greeting. Canadians value politeness and modesty and avoid being too aggressive. Be aware that there are French cultural differences in Quebec.
The business style is gentle and values consensus. Meetings are usually on time and orderly. There are fewer interruptions to others, and equality and respect are emphasized.
Business dining is similar to the United States, but may pay more attention to detail etiquette. The food culture in Quebec is closer to the French tradition.
Business gifts are uncommon, but small gifts are acceptable. In Quebec, it is polite to open the gift to the host on the spot.
Warm handshakes or hugs, ladies may kiss each other on the cheek. Brazilians like to talk at close range, and physical contact is common in socializing.
Highly value interpersonal relationships, building trust and friendship before business. Meetings may not start on time, and the schedule is relatively flexible.
Business lunches may last more than 2 hours. Complimenting the food is a sign of respect for the host. It is polite to keep your knife and fork in your hand while eating.
Avoid giving black or purple items (related to funerals). Sharp objects such as knives are seen as a symbol of severing ties in some areas.
Men shake hands, acquaintances may tap shoulders. Ladies or men may kiss each other on the cheek. Use job titles to show respect.
Relationship-oriented business culture, personal connections are crucial. Pre-meeting social exchanges are essential. Decisions are usually made at the top.
Business lunches are important and may last for several hours. The host will seat you and you wait until the host starts eating before you start eating.
Avoid giving sharp objects and white flowers (related to funerals). Gifts with company logos or small gifts with characteristics of one's own country are more appropriate.
Handshakes between people of the same sex may be longer. When interacting with a Muslim woman, wait for her to extend her hand first. The greeting "Assalamu alaikum" shows respect.
Building relationships is important and socializing before meetings is essential. Decisions may require multiple meetings. Respect local culture and religious customs.
Pay attention to halal dietary requirements and avoid pork and alcohol. The right hand is used for eating and passing food. Tea and coffee are an important part of hospitality.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and pigskin products. Knives may be seen as aggressive. High-quality office supplies or local specialties that are not easily available are more appropriate.
Handshakes between men are gentle and may last for a long time. It is not common to shake hands with Muslim women. Use titles and surnames to show respect.
Islamic traditions are strictly followed. Business relationships are based on personal trust. Meetings may be interrupted many times, so be patient.
Halal dietary rules are followed. It is polite to accept invitations for tea and coffee, and it is usually polite to drink three cups. Only the right hand is used for dining.
Avoid gifts related to religion. Do not give alcoholic food or drinks, or pigskin products. Avoid giving statues and other figurines of people.
A handshake is a common business greeting. Friendly eye contact is important. Use professional titles and surnames to show respect, such as "Dr.".
Business relationships are built on personal trust. Meetings may not start strictly on time, and social interaction is important. Avoid rushing into business.
The right hand is traditionally used for eating. Turkish coffee is an important part of hospitality. Business people in big cities are familiar with international dining etiquette.
Avoid giving alcohol to devout Muslims. Turkish Deli specialty candies or local tea sets are popular gifts.
握手是常见问候方式。以色列商业环境较为随和直接。犹太教虔诚人士可能不与异性握手。
商务风格直接且非正式。会议氛围开放，鼓励讨论辩论。决策较为迅速。注意宗教节日安排。
注意犹太饮食规则(kosher)。虔诚犹太人不混食肉类和奶制品。周五日落到周六日落为安息日。
避免非犹太洁食(non-kosher)食品作为礼物。优质办公用品或具有特色的商务礼品较为合适。
了解各文化区域的核心差异，助您在跨文化商务中游刃有余
地区： 北欧、德国、瑞士、北美
地区： 南欧、拉美、中东、大部分亚洲
在单一时间文化区域参展，提前5-10分钟到达会议地点。在多元时间文化地区，随时准备调整日程，保持灵活性，但自己应保持守时习惯。
地区： 德国、荷兰、北欧、以色列、澳洲
地区： 东亚、东南亚、中东、拉美部分地区
在间接沟通文化中，学会"听话听音"，关注非语言暗示。在直接文化中，不要将直接反馈视为冒犯，而应理解为效率和诚实的表现。
地区： 北欧、澳洲、加拿大、荷兰
地区： 东亚、中东、印度、拉美
在等级文化地区参展时，确保派出适当级别的代表与对方交流，使用正式职称称呼对方。了解决策者是谁，并尊重决策链。
地区： 德国、英国、美国、北欧
地区： 中国、中东、拉美、南欧
在关系导向文化中参展，预留足够时间建立关系，接受社交邀请，展示长期合作意愿。准备好讨论个人话题，如家庭、兴趣等，但避免政治敏感话题。
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