Business Etiquette in Latin America
If you are planning on doing business in a Latin American country, you should learn all you can about business etiquette for Latin American professionals so that you and your company can make a great first impression. Knowing how to correctly engage in conversation and adhere to the customs can make all the difference.
Other People Are Reading
-
Business Attire
-
In most Latin American countries, particularly those in South America, it is best for men and women to dress in business suits. If unsure about the business culture of the office where the meeting will take place, it is best to wear suits in conservative colors as well; shades of dark blue, black and dark gray are acceptable. In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Brazil, it is acceptable for women to wear form-fitting skirts, but the skirt should not be too far above the knee. High heels and manicures are expected.
Business Cards
-
In most Latin American countries, it is best to present business cards with the right hand. In Bolivia, business cards should be presented to everyone in the meeting. In Costa Rica, it is proper etiquette to address colleagues by using "Licenciado/a" if the professional has an advanced degree. Businesspeople in Latin America also see translating one side of the business card into Spanish as an impressive gesture.
-
Before the Meeting
-
It is best to arrive on time for business meetings, even though colleagues may be kept waiting for a while before the meeting starts. The first few minutes of a Latin American business meeting is often spent engaging in small talk. Discussions about family and school are acceptable, but it is not proper to talk about human rights or politics, particularly in Chile. In Colombia, the host of the meeting will likely offer a beverage such as coffee or herbal tea, which is referred to as "aromaticas" in the country. It is acceptable to politely refuse a beverage, but it is also in keeping with proper etiquette to ask for another.
Negotiations
-
Latin Americans appreciate honesty when it comes to business negotiations, but do not engage in harsh or abrasive language. Professionals in Mexico avoid hard sale tactics, and international colleagues are expected to follow this guideline. It is also proper etiquette to engage in a few more minutes of small talk once the negotiations are over. In Venezuela, negotiations may take a while, since everyone is able to give their opinion or feedback on a business deal. It is also appropriate for colleagues to interrupt one another while speaking, so international professionals should not take offense to the this.
Giving Gifts
-
If a negotiation goes well and a professional partnership is formed, it is acceptable to present Latin American businesspeople with gifts, although this is not a requirement. In Nicaragua, it is best to present a gift that has been neatly wrapped. The recipient may open the gift in front of the presenter or in private, both of which are acceptable. Businesspeople in Honduras may interpret a gift presented at an initial meeting as a bribe; it is best to wait until a relationship has been formed to present gifts. If invited to the home of a professional in Honduras, it is best to bring gourmet candy or a quality bottle of wine.
-
