- Women nod, but men shake hands
- When greeting Hindus place your palms as if in prayer
- Business people speak English
- Punctuality is very important
- Previously part of Pakistan
- Predominantly Muslim
- Eat with your right hand
- Using the "thumbs up sign" is considered rude
- Avoid criticism of the country or government
- Travelers and businessmen enjoy discussing travel and professions
- In 1997 it reverts to China, but it is currently the largest free market in the world
- British are influential in Hong Kong because of one hundred year rule
- English is common within the business community
- Hand shaking is common
- It is common for Chinese to have three names, the first being their family name
- Western first names are common
- Attributes that are respected are: politeness, humility, and grace
- Embarrassing situations are avoided
- Avoid close personal contact
- Winking or using index finger is considered impolite
- Good topics: food, families, hobbies, and travel
- Bad topics: politics on mainland China, and 1997 takeover
- Hand shaking is common among men
- When greeting a women, it is common to put palms together and bow slightly
- Cows are not eaten by Hindus; the cow is held sacred
- Respect of elders is paramount
- Strict rules of diet are followed by Muslims
- Sikhs who are orthodox wear a turban, and don't smoke or eat beef
- The right hand is used in passing food
- Several British colonial customs remain in practice
- Good topics: culture, tradition, other people, and travel
- Bad topics: personal matters, poverty, foreign aid
- Adapt to western culture quickly
- Using Japanese protocol is encouraged
- It is common to bow or hand shake and then present a business card
- A weak gripped hand shake is common
- Long or frequent eye to eye contact is discouraged
- Using a first name is uncommon
- Incorporating a personal side with business is extremely important
- Style and substance are of equal importance
- Great virtues are: patience, politeness, and humility
- Be prepared for gift giving
- It is encouraged to phrase questions o that they can be answered in the affirmative
- The concept of harmony is important, so using the word "No" is frowned upon
- Good topics: history, culture, art
- Bad topics: WWII, anything that will embarrass
- "Malaysian or Malays" are equally correct terminology.
- After the Malay, the most predominant ethnic groups are the Chinese and Indians
- When visiting the West, they will shake hands
- When at home, they hold palms outward and touch fingers
- English is second to Malaysian
- Touching is considered rude, especially the top of one's head
- Common greeting: a handshake; close friends may hug
- It is not customary for a man to shake hands or touch a woman
- First names are not used unless solicited
- Islamic code of conduct is dominant
- The dominant language is Urdu
- Names are complex, pronounce carefully
- Staring is common
- A display of the soles of the feet is considered rude
- Good topics: culture, history, and Pakistani crafts
- Bad topics: criticizing Islam, speaking of India or Israel
- In China handshaking nodding or bowing are all considered acceptable greetings
- When hosting, seniority and rank are important
- Using dual language business cards is helpful
- It is common for Chinese to have three names, the first being their family name
- It is common for them to ask personal questions such as income or the value of your home
- It is difficult for them to say "no"
- Physical contact discouraged (hugging, back patting...)
- Applauding simple acts is encouraged
- It is common to toast
- It is recommended to either keep a gift modest, or give one large gift to a group
- Avoid discussions regarding Taiwan
- Good topics: history, culture, family, progress in China
- Bad topics: Cultural Revolution, sex, wealth, politics
- Formal greetings are exchanged prior to business meetings
- Very eloquent
- Common to exchange gifts
- It is recommended to avoid pointing legs toward the center of the room
- Good topics: culture and history
- Bad topics: American aid and political dominance
- Western style hand shaking is common
- Businessmen present business cards with two hands in a respectful manner
- Be careful to pronounce names correctly
- Punctuality is highly valued
- Even though the heritage is Chines, all speak English
- Being practical, straight-forward, and to the point are valued traits
- Unlike Japan, gift giving is uncommon
- Business luncheons are often long and casual
- Power breakfasts are normal
- Don't be surprised if blunt questions are asked, such as "How much do you earn?"
- An almost totally non-smoking society
- American style of negotiating is considered overbearing
- There is equality among men and women in business.
- Good topics: cleanliness, economic health
- Bad topics: the size of the country
- Bowing and shaking hands with two hands is common
- Women avoid shaking hands
- The family name is followed by the surname
- When laughing, it is advised to cover your mouth
- It is considered rude to blow your nose in public
- Women are relegated to secondary roles
- Important traits are: patience, humility, and respect for age
- Business entertainment is important and far -reaching
- After dinner, solo or group singing is common
- Koreans are referred to as "The Irishmen of the Oriental World"
- Good topics: culture, history, the successful 1988 Olympics
- Bad topics: political unrest, the secondary role of women
- The common form of greeting is the handshake
- Punctuality is vital
- The national drink is tea
- The name of the country was originally Ceylon; now pronounced "SHREE-lanka."
- Religious restrictions depend on caste
- The Sinhalese (Buddhists) are the predominant ethnic group
- The Tamils (Hindus) comprise the minority group
- it is considered impolite to smoke during introductions
- English is common
- The left hand is considered unsanitary
- Nodding the head means "No" while shaking the head means "yes"
- Good topics: hobbies, families, schools, history, culture
- Bad topics: ethnic friction, caste system, religion, sex
- Prior to 1949, Taiwan was a province of mainland China
- Currently inhabited by Nationalist Chinese
- "Mainland China" is referred to as the other China
- Most speak English and are friendly to the west
- Dual Language business cards are standard fare
- English surnames are adopted by the majority of businesspeople
- Highly valued traits: patience, humility, and respect
- Close relationships between friends are prized
- The common toast, "kam-pie", translates as "bottoms up"
- Gifts are given commonly; usually expensive
- Good topics: Chinese antiquities stored in Taiwan, art and cuisine
- Bad topics: politics, trade problems, and smuggling
- Palms placed against eachother as in prayer is the Thai greeting
- When visiting the West, Thais will adopt the handshake
- First names are used
- One may be addressed as "Mr. Joe" or "Mr. Louis"
- Public demonstrations of both temper and or affection are frowned upon
- Sarcasm and Western comedy are often confusing
- Business people take a considerable amount of time considering their options, there fore patience is key
- Never point with your foot or display the sole of your foot
- Never pat a Thai on the head
- Good topics: culture, history Thai food
- Bad topics: criticizing politics, the Royal family, and religion
Top of the Page
Return to Main Menu