Republic of Peru  

1. General

When you decide to go Lima, the capital of Peru, be prepared to stay at least 3 days to visit if you are from the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, you will spend almost one day to get there. For transportation from the airport to downtown Lima, you have to use a taxi if nobody picks you up, though a taxi is not safe. It usually takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The taxi rate to your destination should be negotiated with the driver in advance.

2. Clothing

Basically, men’s business style in Peru is formal shirts, neckties and suits. Female saleswomen usually wear suits too. It would be good to bring casual clothes too because you may be taken sightseeing in Lima City. A suit made of thin material is necessary in summer due to high temperature. In winter, warmer attire is suitable.

3. Business Greetings

When you have an appointment with your client, you should be there on time. They are punctual if you are an important customer, but if not, they may be late, about 1 hour. Peruvian businessmen in forties and fifties may have difficulty in dealing with saleswomen in twenties. Personal introduction require first for shaking hands and then exchanging business card and check their titles. Then, give a small gift to them. For your close customer or a person in charge of their company, you can prepare a special present personally to make a heart-felt impression.

4. Business Meeting

You can choose your seat at a meeting. Usually the superior speaks first and the others keep quite and listen to him/her carefully. During the meeting, you don’t need to put business card, which you received, on the table. Be friendly, open and speak up to be liked. Being quiet means you have no interest and they really hate this.         

5. Contract

Contracts are always irrevocable. Even though an important customer requests a revision after they sighed a contract. They never comply with it. You have to be careful when you making a contract in Peru.

6. Business Dinner

They usually invite you to dinner after a meeting. If you have enough time before dinner, they take you to bar for a drink. They usually eat dinner around 8 to 9PM. You are asked your preference. Don’t make a noise and talk when you eat. You can’t eat with you elbows on a table and hold your plates with one hand because these are considered rude. If you like to drink alcohol, don’t drink too much and don’t get drunk.

7. After Dinner

They will ask you what you would like t do after dinner. But usually, if you are in your twenties and there are others of the same generation in their company, you may be asked to go to disco. Otherwise, they will take you to bar.