Australia

English is the primary language of Australia, but there are many opportunities to encounter difficulties understanding business associates who are native to the continent. Australians use colorful expressions and slang in their conversations, beginning with being called "mate" whether you’re a man or a woman.

Foreign nationals will find that Australian society is very egalitarian - where political, economic and legal rights of all citizens are advocated by all. Their approach to business is no-nonsense, which explains their straightforward, informal mannerisms. It doesn’t take long for travelers to find themselves on a first-name basis with most of their business associates.

Entertaining among business associates is common in Australia. For example, lunches are common, but are used more for socializing than for discussing business issues of the day. Visitors can expect to be invited to a local’s home for dinner, and they should consider bringing along a bottle of wine or perhaps a coffee table book as a gift.

Lastly, Australians discourage whining by anyone. So, visitors would be wise not to select the discomforts of Australian life or its oddities as their topic of conversation.

Brazil

Night life is a very important part of life in Brazil. Drinks with colleagues after work are considered part of the business day. Senior executives are encouraged to occasionally invite staff to their homes or a local establishment. And, where discussing business over drinks may be discouraged in Australia, it’s invited in Brazil - this often is where the deals are made.

Brazil is full of international companies from all over the world, so most of the nationals are used to doing business with foreigners. Still, visitors who want an edge should try to speak Portuguese (not Spanish) as often as they can, because many Brazilians do not speak fluent English. It may even be wise to hire an interpreter to help during more important meetings and business discussions.

It is customary in Brazil, as it is in most Latin America countries, to engage in a few moments of leisurely conversation over coffee or wine before jumping headlong into a business discussion.

For visitors, punctuality is expected at meetings, but don’t be surprised if a meeting begins a litter later than scheduled (at least 30 minutes later). Usually, business cards are exchanged at the beginning of meetings. Dress is formal.

The best advice for business travelers doing business in Brazil for the first time is to let their Brazilian hosts set the boundaries - and then to follow the lead.

Germany

The majority of Germans engaging in foreign trade are able to correspond in English and one or more other languages. In fact, most Germans who have completed a high school degree will have good knowledge of English. Still, German is the language preferred by most firms, and the language is critically important at the retail level and among end-users. So it’s wise to print promotional literature and manuals in German.

The Germans are more formal in their forms of address than we are in the Western world. They usually shake hands upon arrival and departure. Colleagues are addressed by their last name preceded by Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Mrs.). Hierarchy is very important to the German business style, and it is not acceptable to jump the chain of command when hoping to get things done.

Japan

Japan has become used to doing business with international companies, but the country has some definite rules and customs that should not be ignored. For example, speak as much Japanese as possible in all situations. Even if it’s only the phrases of greeting and courtesy, visitors will be perceived as polite and educated.

Visitors should have a business card ready, and it’s wise to have them printed in English and Japanese. The giving and receiving of business cards is such a serious occasion that there is actually a name for it - meishi, which relates to the whole ceremony that goes into the exchange. Visitors should be sure to observe the proper etiquette of giving and receiving business cards, like carefully reading one handed to them, and handing over their own with a polite bow and with both hands.

In a nutshell: Western communication is explicit, or specific. The Japanese communication style is implicit, or implied. In fact, the Japanese place a great deal of importance into what is not being said, whereas Westerners have a need to fill the gaps in conversation. There are no quick decisions in Japanese business. It’s best not to press for a response at a meeting. While the process of deliberation may seem extended, clients and colleagues may tend to withdraw if they sense pressure.

Dress is conservative, and people are judged by their appearance. Meetings are usually in Japanese and it’s wise to bring an interpreter along if one isn’t provided. Punctuality is important.

Mexico

In Mexico, it’s important to show immediate and genuine concern for the people with whom business is done - making an effort to get to know something about a person before jumping into serious discussions. Likewise, at business functions, the visitor should take time to warm up to serious issues with casual conversation about the weather or an issue currently in the news.

Time is perceived somewhat differently in Mexico than it is in Japan. In fact, the daily work schedule is significantly unlike that of most Asian, European and other North American countries. Where offices don’t usually open until 9 a.m., lunch is from 2 until 4 (and is often the main meal of the day). This means office hours may extend until 7 or even 8 and dinners often start as late as 11 p.m.