Etiquette for
Globetrotters
By: Joseph Naldo
On entering a country,
Ask what is forbidden;
On entering a village,
Ask what are the customs;
On entering a private house,
Ask what should not be mentioned.
- Chinese Proverb
Communication
 The art of effective communication goes beyond written
and oral communication
 The way you say things and the gestures you use can
send a message that speaks LOUDER than words
 Being aware of how you are saying things is especially
important when travelling and conduction business
abroad amid unfamiliar customs
The Story of an American
Visiting Tunisia
 After asking some locals for directions to the bus stop,
the American gave the locals the “OK” sign
 The locals looked at the American with horror and
disgust!
 In Tunisia, the gesture for “OK” is equivalent of giving
someone “The Finger”
Etiquette
 When in a foreign country, study the customs and the
mannerisms
 Gestures that are innocent enough in North America have
drastically different meanings in other cultures, and vice
versa.
Example: Japan
 Complimenting a skilled co-worker can be a mistake.
 The Japanese culture strives toward uniformity
 Therefore, it is considered rude and inappropriate to single
out individuals, even if its well-intended
Etiquette in other Countries
Australia
 Australians generally do not like to talk business during leisure
hours and avoid making class distinctions.
 When riding alone in a taxi, it is considered polite to sit in the
front seat with the driver
China
 When Dealing with business associates in China, remember
that the Chinese people place a great deal of emphasis on trust
and mutual connections.
 Always use a person’s proper title
Etiquette in other Countries
England
 In general, the English are a reserved people for whom
manners are important.
 A handshake is the most commons form of a greeting.
 When visiting, guests bring a gift such as chocolate or flowers.
 Sending a thank-you note is also considered appropriate.
France
 The French are very proud of their culture, heritage, and way of
life.
 They expect visitors to have some knowledge and appreciation
of the French culture
 Therefore, foreign visitors should not bring wine as a gift unless
they are certain it is of high quality
Etiquette in other Countries
Hong Kong
 When doing business in Hong Kong, showing respect is paramount.
 You must show respect to gain respect.
 Trustworthiness is a point of pride
 therefore, it is common to apologize when asking for a written contract, even
though written contracts are recognized as standard practice.
 Avoid using the colors blue and white in a presentation material as
they represent death and morning
Russia
 Russians shake hands firmly when they meet
 While this is frequently done, pointing with the index finger is considered
impolite.
 Russians enjoy giving and receiving gifts.
 Guests usually bring the host a gift of flowers, food, or vodka, although is not
expected
Conclusion
 Next time you travel:
 Study the customs and the people of the place to which
you are travelling
 When on an important business trip, communication is of
the essence
 Especially when a large amount of money is involved and at
stake
Questions?
Thank You!
Works Cited
Hansson, Tomas. "Writer's Block, Essay, Etiquette for
Globetrotters - Spring 1999." Writer's Block - The Web
Resource for Communication Professionals. Web. 26
Oct. 2010.
<http://www.writersblock.ca/spring1999/essay.htm>.