• +44 0330 027 0207
  • +1 (818) 532-6908

How Do Chinese Names Work?

chinese-girl-V-sgn

Wherever you travel in the world, getting someone’s name wrong can be the difference between making a good impression or a bad impression.

If you’re travelling to China on business, it’s important that you take the time to understand the naming structures.

Continue reading
  106869 Hits

How Do Business Meetings Run in The UK?

british-biz-meeting-table

If you’re travelling to the UK for a business meeting, then be sure to make a good impression by understanding British meeting culture!

A little bit of cultural awareness can go a long way in improving communication and professional relationship building.

Continue reading
  12801 Hits

How Should I Address People in Japan?

tw-senior-japanese-men

Whether for business or pleasure, if you’re travelling to Japan, it’s important you know how to address people.

Etiquette is an important part of Japanese culture and getting things wrong could result in you being perceived as rude or ignorant – not a good footing on which to start your trip to Japan.

Continue reading
  71076 Hits

What's An Example of a Cultural Faux Pas?

thai-king-baht

Have you heard the story about the French student keeping money in his shoe?

Well, then we’re going to tell you a true story about a young French student called Victor who travelled to Thailand.

Continue reading
  11829 Hits

10 Terrific Cultural Tips on Doing Business in ASEAN Countries

ASEAN-buddhas

Working in the ASEAN region? Looking for some quick tips on how to do business? Need to know some of the main cultural differences you may come across?

Then this blog is for you!

Continue reading
  8934 Hits

Culturally Aware Taxi Drivers Ensure Good PR for The UAE

dubai-taxis-waiting

If you’ve visited the UAE, then you’ll know that one of the things they do really well (particularly in Dubai), is to create great visitor experiences.

The UAE is known for its beautiful architecture, luxurious hotels, beautiful mosques, cultural landmarks and incredible tourist attractions.

Continue reading
  3982 Hits

5 Chinese Dining Etiquette Tips You Really Need to Know

2-bowls-china

Doing business with the Chinese?

If so, then it’s more than likely that food will be involved at some point!

Continue reading
  6652 Hits

Doing Business in Thailand? 10 Tips on Etiquette You Need to Know

thai-giel-offering-wai

If you are travelling to Thailand for work, then you really need to understand a little about Thai culture first.

Despite its reputation as the Land of Smiles, Thai culture is relatively formal and, if you behave in the wrong manner, people can judge you negatively for failing to show the right decorum.

Continue reading
  17697 Hits

Nominication – How Alcohol Helps Communication in Japanese Business Culture

swanlake-beer-japan

 Doing business or working in Japan can be tough for foreigners.

The cultural differences can be vast and it takes a while to get used to how the Japanese like to do things.

Continue reading
  10575 Hits

Japanese Culture and the Art of Words

the-ramen-bar

If you're doing business in Japan or working with the Japanese culture, it's crucial to get your head around some key language phrases.

The Japanese have a way of using words to beautify their communication.

Continue reading
  6366 Hits

The Importance of Apologies in Japanese Culture

traditional-japanese-dresses

Did you know the Japanese have over 20 ways to say 'sorry'?

If you plan to do business in Japan, you need to get up to speed with how apologies work in Japanese culture.

Continue reading
  9466 Hits

Israeli Chef Makes Etiquette Blunder with Dish Served to Japanese PM

Israeli Chef Makes Etiquette Blunder with Dish Served to Japanese PM

During a two-day visit to Israel last week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meal created and served by celebrity chef Moshe Segev at Israeli PM Netenyahyus residence.

All was going well, and the meal proved to be outstanding until desert arrived, rather curiously, in a metal decorative shoe.

Continue reading
  4451 Hits

Gift Giving Etiquette in the Middle East

diplomats-exchange-gifts

The giving and receiving of gifts is an important part of professional and personal life in the Middle East.

Closely tied up with the need to maintain relationships and as a way of gaining and giving face, gift-giving bonds people together.

Continue reading
  82132 Hits

Middle Finger Gesture Lands Briton in Dubai Courts

give-the-finger

Having worked in Dubai for over 10 years, one of the things that constantly amazes me about visitors to the Emirate is that they think they have landed in some sort of desert version of Las Vegas, where everything goes.

Well, as British IT consultant Jamil Ahmed Mukadam has found out - it is anything but.

Continue reading
  7501 Hits

How to Negotiate Successfully with Different Cultures

chocco-cake

What's your approach to negotiations?

Have your cake and eat it? Or are you happy if everyone gets a slice?

Continue reading
  7477 Hits

What do I Need to Know About Doing Business in Muslim Countries During Ramadan?

moon-over-mosque

Do you work with or travel to Muslim majority countries? 

Then you need to know all about Ramadan!

Continue reading
  16924 Hits

Media Throw Confusion Over Wearing of Hijab in Saudi Arabia

Media Throw Confusion Over Wearing of Hijab in Saudi Arabia

Some recent news coverage focusing on Theresa May not wearing a headscarf on her business trip to Saudi Arabia has caused some major confusion over etiquette and protocol in the Kingdom.

Certain news outlets and media seemed to use terminology that suggested that the British PM May somehow 'refused' the idea of covering her hair.

Continue reading
  35967 Hits

Etiquette Tips for Doing Business in Iran

i-love-tehran

Having received great feedback on my blog about the place of "tarof" in Persian culture, a few people have requested a brief guide to doing business in Iran for companies making the journey over.

So here goes....

Continue reading
  20698 Hits

The 'Budgie Nine' - An Example of Cultural Ignorance

The 'Budgie Nine' - An Example of Cultural Ignorance

Have you heard about the 'Budgie Nine'?

If not, then here comes another perfect example of foreigners acting cuturally inappropriately when abroad.

Continue reading
  5778 Hits

Ta'rof - Understanding the Essence of Iranian Etiquette & Culture

Ta'rof - Understanding the Essence of Iranian Etiquette & Culture

Despite continued political tensions with Iran, the demand for Iran cultural awareness training continues.

As a senior Iran cultural awareness trainer, I spend a lot of time helping businesses understand the nuances of Persian culture. 

Continue reading
  40659 Hits