Латинская Америка (Latin America )

There are many countries in Latin America whose customs are not similar to the rules of etiquette and customs of other countries, for example, in Asia or Europe, but at the same time have some common features. Knowing these features of the rules of etiquette, you will be able to feel comfortable when traveling or on a business trip.

When planning negotiations, it should be borne in mind that in Latin America it is as hot as in Spain, so it is also customary there to arrange a siesta in the middle of the day - a 2-3-hour break for lunch and sleep, so this time is not suitable for negotiations.

During negotiations, Latin Americans often switch to "you" as a sign of their special location to the guest.

Gifts are treated easier here than, for example, in the Middle East, and they are very fond of them. Gifts that meet the tastes and affections of the owner are especially appreciated. Therefore, if you need to make a business gift, it is advisable to find out in advance what your partner likes.

Originality is appreciated in gifts. In ordinary cases, they give a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. However, you need to be careful with colors, since there are different symbols in different countries. For example, in Guatemala, mourning flowers are white, and in Mexico or Brazil - purple. You should not give yellow flowers in Chile, where they mean contempt.

Latinos for the most part are quite hospitable. They like to do business slowly, prefer to establish friendly relations first, and only then sit down at the negotiating table. Personal connections are the main thing here: before doing business with any person, you need to be introduced to each other by a third party - an organization, for example, a bank, a law or consulting firm, a mutual acquaintance or friend.

All business meetings should be arranged approximately two to three weeks in advance, and the date should be confirmed both before departure and after arrival. The main time for meetings is in the morning, from 10.00 to 12.30. Plan for 2-3 hours for each meeting, very often they turn into a business lunch, since the meal is the main thing in Latin America.

Meetings begin, as a rule, with a general conversation, the purpose of which is to get to know the partner as a person (the exception is Venezuela, where they prefer to get straight to the point). The negotiations themselves are going very slowly, it will take more than one meeting. It is very important not to show your impatience or irritation about the low pace of negotiations.

Establishing friendly relations means informal communication outside the office - and Latinos like to have fun both in restaurants and at home. And although the main way of such communication here is business lunches (lasting one and a half to two hours), business dinners are also popular. In Latin America, dinner is a late meal that sometimes starts at 10 p.m. or later.