International Business Etiquette From Around the World

What is business etiquette — and why it matters

Business etiquette is a system of professional norms and behavioral guidelines that regulate interpersonal interactions in the workplace. These norms encompass proper communication, respectful conduct, punctuality, and professional appearance standards that foster trust and create a foundation for successful business relationships.

At its core, business etiquette is built on three fundamental principles: respect, consideration and honesty. These values shape how professionals interact with colleagues, clients and business partners, creating an environment where productive relationships can flourish.

Business etiquette matters because it directly impacts professional relationships, operational efficiency and business success. According to international business experts, professionals who practice proper etiquette while conducting business abroad will build trust and respect with their foreign counterparts and gain operational efficiencies.

“When you follow expected customs and behaviors, you’re more likely to be taken seriously and progress discussions effectively,” said Kristina Laliberte, who grew up in Germany and is the partnership manager at Talaera. “Missteps in etiquette can slow down decision-making and hinder progress.”

With business borders expanding, following a country’s business etiquette is not just good manners — it’s also good business.

Core professional etiquette for any workplace

Professional business etiquette forms the foundation of respectful workplace interactions and consists of several key elements that apply across most business environments.

Communication and tone

Effective communication requires proper language, tone and grammar in both written and verbal interactions. Being respectful, concise and clear in your communications helps establish credibility and prevents misunderstandings. Active participation in meetings is often seen as a sign of initiative and engagement.

Punctuality and time management

Being on time for meetings, appointments and work-related events shows respect for others’ schedules and demonstrates your commitment to your role. Efficiency is highly valued in business settings, as the concept that “time is money” remains a cornerstone principle.

Professional appearance

Dressing appropriately for the business environment is crucial. You should follow your workplace’s dress code while maintaining a neat, clean and professional appearance. Professional appearance standards may vary by industry and region, but maintaining a polished look consistently demonstrates respect for the workplace.

Digital manners

Digital etiquette encompasses proper behavior across all electronic communication channels, from email and video calls to instant messaging and social media platforms. Responding to emails within 24-48 hours, using clear subject lines and keeping messages concise shows professionalism and respect for colleagues’ time. Social media presence should remain professional, as personal posts can reflect on your company and career reputation.

International business etiquette: What varies by region

Regional differences in business etiquette can significantly impact professional relationships and business outcomes. While core professional principles remain consistent, specific practices around greetings, meetings, hierarchy and gift-giving vary dramatically by culture.

Asian business etiquette

China: Show up on time for business meetings. Punctuality is important to the Chinese, and being late is offensive. Chinese professionals appreciate a conservative dress code, and you should avoid physical contact while conversing. Enter the room in hierarchical order: The person of the highest seniority should enter the room first, and the rest should follow in order. Avoid firm negatives, such as a simple “no.” Find an alternative, such as, “That’s something I will have to think about.”

“When engaging with Chinese people, good etiquette involves paying more attention to aligning your words and behavior to reflect good morals and establishing your image as a trustworthy, sophisticated and considerate business professional,” said Emma Li, who is from China and serves as the director of Asian business development for Small World Alliance.

Japan: Japanese professionals are known to exhibit a calm, collected demeanor in business communications. Bowing is a typical way to greet one another. Handshakes sometimes occur, but you should let the Japanese person initiate them. When exchanging business cards — a Japanese ritual known as “meishi” — make sure you use both hands and don’t write on the card in front of the giver. Be patient in negotiations.

“Don’t rush the process, as it’s important to demonstrate that you’re thinking long-term,” said Yushiro Kato, co-founder and CEO of CADDi, a startup headquartered in Japan. “Quick decisions are seen as impulsive, while patience is a sign of respect and seriousness.”

Thailand: Rather than shaking hands, Thai locals will “wai,” or place their folded hands to their chest and bow their heads slightly. “This is a more hygienic way to greet people,” said Aaron Henry, managing director of the international marketing and PR agency Foundeast Asia Co. Ltd. Business within Thailand is largely conducted in Thai. “[You can say] ‘khob khun’ (thank you) and ‘sawasdee’ (hello) and end them with ‘ka’ if you’re female and ‘krub’ if you’re male,” Henry said.

India: You can show up to meetings on time, but don’t be surprised if Indian business partners are late. Be sure you’re setting meetings with the right contacts who can advance your business interests. Like in China, the word “no” can be considered rude in India. Try to use words and phrases such as “we will see” or “possibly” instead of “no.” If your business partner offers you a meal, it’s proper etiquette to accept the invitation.

“Understanding Indian society, especially family composition, also means understanding how an Indian business is structured, which is hierarchical,” said Elizabeth Soos, founder of the Auersmont School of Etiquette and Protocol. “This is why it’s so important to approach the final decision-maker rather than the intermediary. By only talking to the middleman, you will be wasting a lot of time, resources and patience.”

European business etiquette

Germany: Business events in Germany are well structured and straight to the point. Be punctual. “Germans value time and expect meetings and appointments to start promptly. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful,” Laliberte said. When entering business meetings, allow the oldest person to enter the room first. Germans also appreciate frankness. “Be open to direct communication. Germans tend to communicate directly and honestly,” Laliberte said.

France: Making appointments for both business and social occasions is vital in France. Punctuality is valued but sometimes treated casually, so don’t be surprised if your French colleague arrives late. The nation that created haute couture puts a premium on style. Fashion and appearance are more important in France than in many other countries in the world.

Italy: Italians don’t prioritize punctuality, so be patient and prepare for any delays that may arise. In Italian business culture, it’s not common to give gifts — especially expensive ones. Like France, Italy is a major center of European fashion. Formal attire is generally expected for business meetings.

United Kingdom: Punctuality and preparation are valued in the U.K., so arrive on time. When conversing with the British, try saying “please,” “thank you” and “sorry” frequently, as this is considered polite. Unlike Brazilians, Brits like to protect their personal space, so don’t stand too close.

Middle Eastern and African business etiquette

Many Middle Eastern countries adhere to a strict protocol of hierarchy and seniority. “In the Middle East, it’s customary for the most senior person to initiate contact,” said Benjamin Simon, regional vice president of international franchise operation and development at Mathnasium. 

A firm handshake, customary in the U.S., will often be matched when doing business in Africa. However, a lighter handshake and a bow are often preferred in the Middle East. In Simon’s experience, professionals in West Africa will showcase their local nightlife in business relationships, while those in the Middle East often start conversations with personal topics before launching into business matters. “This isn’t stalling; it’s a way to establish comfort and rapport,” Simon said.

Canadian business etiquette

Canadian business relationships can take longer to establish than American ones, which tend to be more goal-oriented and focused on short-term gains. “Canadians value forming deep, meaningful partnerships, and there may be more patience in developing professional relationships,” said Emily Hosie, founder and CEO of the Toronto-based REBEL. Canadians also tend to prefer an empathetic, patient communication style. Despite being geographic neighbors, the U.S. and Canada have different labor laws and industry regulations, so all employees must understand each country’s rules. 

Brazilian business etiquette

Brazilian business meetings often last longer than planned, but don’t leave before the meeting has officially ended. Physical contact during conversation is considered natural and highlights the trust between business partners. You should avoid eating with your hands. Even if you’re eating a sandwich, you should use a napkin or utensil. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, but some Brazilians also speak Spanish. Some parts of the country also speak German.

Applying etiquette in virtual and hybrid settings

The rise of virtual and hybrid work environments has created new etiquette requirements that combine traditional business practices with digital-specific considerations.

Video call etiquette

Be aware of your body language during video calls, as participants will subconsciously pick up on your nonverbal cues. To be safe, keep your body movements to a minimum, focusing on the upper half of your body that’s visible on camera.

Don’t multitask during virtual business meetings. Attempting to do multiple things will make you flustered and distract you from your main objectives. It’s also rude to do something else when you should focus on the call. Mute when not speaking, maintain eye contact with the camera, and ensure appropriate lighting and backgrounds.

Cultural sensitivity in remote work

When meeting remotely with international business associates or clients, keep your attention focused on the topic at hand. Consider having an interpreter with you. While you, your partner or client might speak each other’s language, if one or both of you are not fluent, there is the possibility of miscommunication. It’s best to have an interpreter present at such a meeting to ensure everyone comprehends what’s discussed. “If you want to do business with Thai companies, especially in a sector like manufacturing, you usually need local language support,” Henry advised.

Cultures have diverse ways of communicating nonverbally, and these are worth practicing and perfecting in virtual settings. Understanding how different cultures perceive virtual interactions can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen business relationships. “Americans, who tend to be more expressive, should be mindful of their nonverbal communication when interacting internationally,” said Kato.

Avoiding international missteps: Key no-nos

Understanding what not to do is often as important as knowing proper etiquette practices. Common international business missteps can damage relationships, slow negotiations and hinder business progress.

Universal offenses to avoid

• Arriving late without notice can be particularly offensive in cultures that value punctuality, such as Germany and China. 
• Being unprepared for meetings shows disrespect and can damage your professional reputation across all cultures.
• Direct confrontation or public disagreement should be avoided, especially in cultures like Thailand that pride themselves on maintaining harmony and avoiding public conflict.

Communication pitfalls

• Using firm negatives like “no” can be considered rude in many Asian cultures, including China and India. 
• Interrupting others during conversations or meetings violates etiquette norms in hierarchical societies where respect for seniority is paramount.
• Discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion or cultural criticism should be avoided. As Soos noted regarding India, “Openly rubbishing religion, politics and the caste system will definitely not win you any awards.”

Physical and social boundary violations

• Inappropriate physical contact varies significantly by culture. While Brazilians may be comfortable with closer physical proximity, many cultures prefer minimal physical contact in business settings. 
• Violating personal space expectations can make international partners uncomfortable.
• Gift-giving missteps can also cause offense. In some cultures, like Italy, expensive gifts early in a relationship can be inappropriate, while in others, like Japan, the manner of gift presentation is crucial.

Quick reference table: International etiquette at a glance

The following table provides an at-a-glance overview of essential business etiquette practices by region or country, making it easy to prepare for international meetings and partnerships. Use this reference — covering essential greeting styles, meeting approaches and common cultural missteps to avoid — to quickly understand fundamental cultural expectations before engaging with colleagues or clients from different parts of the world.

Sean Peek and Matt D’Angelo contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.