| In
Australia...
Know your meals: Before issuing or accepting
a dining appointment understand that lunches are reserved
for conducting business, whereas dinners are used for
socializing. |
 |
| In
Bangladesh...
Don’t be surprised: In traditional Muslim
homes, the hostess may not join the guests for dinner.
Muslim women eat separately from men. |
 |
| In
Brunei...
Forget your diet: In this country it is polite
to accept even just a little food or drink when offered.
When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch
the plate lightly with the right hand. |
|
| In
Cambodia...
Forget chairs: In traditional homes, Cambodians
will sit on floor mats when eating. The men will sit
with their legs crossed, whereas women will tuck their
legs to one side. |
|
| In
China...
It’s all in the eyes: During a greeting,
the Chinese will often avoid direct eye contact. Slightly
lowered eyes are considered a sign of respect. Avoid
prolonged eye contact as it may be uncomfortable for
the Chinese as well as perceived as being rude. |
|
| In
Hong Kong...
Offer to pay: Although it will not be accepted,
it is considered polite to offer to pay the dinner bill.
Never offer to split the bill as this would result in
loss of face for your host. |
|
| In
India...
Be prepared to pay: A foreign woman may entertain
an Indian man at a business meal. Most men will offer
to pay the bill, but finally she should insist on paying.
|
|
| In
Indonesia...
Know your place: If both men and women are
present at a business dinner, the male guest of honor
will be seated next to the host. The female guest of
honor will be seated next to the hostess. |
|
| In
Japan...
For men only: Wives rarely accompany their husbands
to a business dinner. |
|
| In
Malaysia...
Things change: Spouses may be invited to dinner,
but not to lunch. |
|
| In
South Korea:
How to succeed in business: Foreign businesswomen
should appear elegant, refined and very feminine. |
|
| In
Laos...
Feeling full: Placing the lid on top of your
rice basket is considered a polite way of indicating
you have had enough food. |
|
| In
Pakistan...
No left hands, please: Never use your left hand
for eating or passing food. The left hand is used for
bodily hygiene and is considered unclean. |
|
| In
Singapore...
No odd numbers, please: If you invite Singaporeans
to dinner, ideally have an even number present at the
table to ensure good fortune. |
|
| In
Taiwan...
Culturally-correct chopsticks: Do not place
chopsticks parallel on the top of your bowl (bad luck)
or standing straight up in the rice (associated with
a funeral ritual and synonymous with death). |
|
| In
Vietnam...
No smoking, please: Foreign women smokers are
advised not to smoke unless they wish to attract considerable
attention from Vietnamese men. |
|
