Tips for International Business Travelers

Are you planning or attending meetings and events overseas? Several Colorado enterprises are indeed doing business abroad, so I thought these foreign-market specific tips for business travelers provided by One Hour Translation might be helpful. One Hour Translation has a community of more than 10,000 certified translators worldwide.

Germany

It's very important to always be on time or (better yet) be a little early so that you can discuss issues before the actual meeting. In Germany, business deals often are made before and after meetings.

Adhering to deadlines is crucial as well.

During meetings, you should offer coffee/tea and cookies.

Russia

Arrive at every business meeting well-dressed, according to the latest formal dress code.

If you belong to higher management, wear tailor-made suits and use branded pens and briefcases. This is true also for startup entrepreneurs. Russian business people care about these touches.

All agreements documents, business cards, brochures and presentations must be translated to Russian, in addition to English. This is true even when your Russian colleagues speak fluent English.

France

Don't conduct your business meeting in a rush.

Arrange your agenda to meet around noon and invite your guests to a good, trendy restaurant.

Argentina

Argentinean people shake hands in a "formal situation" and give one kiss on the cheek in informal ones.

Most formal situations may end up with an invitation to have lunch or another meal.

Argentineans tend to "make friends" at work that last for the rest of their lives.

Japan

It is considered impolite to say ‘no’ directly. Japanese business people imply it or circumvent having to say "no". Some people express "no" by not replying to an email or saying they are busy, but they typically never say they are not interested in what you are offering or asking about.

In addition, the Japanese culture is to put an apology phrase first when contradicting others, expressing an opinion, to simply say no or appreciate someone's help.

Brazil

Brazilians use a lot of body language, are very tactile and work at a very close proximity.

When conducting business in Brazil, don’t be alarmed with their use of a lot of eye contact.

Brazilians also use a lot of emotion when communicating; this is a sign of enthusiasm.

Beth Buehler
Editor
Colorado Meetings + Events
Photos via Beth Buehler

Photo: After two trips to Russia, my husband and I have figured out how to adjust our travel style and interact with the locals. Pictured here on Red Square in Moscow.

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