Doing business & staying in touch

Normal business courtesies should be observed in British Columbia, although businesspeople here are less formal than Europeans and tend to use first-name terms after initial introductions have been completed.

Business cards are usually exchanged on meeting a colleague for the first time - and a compliment on British Columbia's beauty is sure to be well received. Both men and women generally wear suits, although short-sleeved shirts are acceptable in summer.

Appointments and punctuality for business meetings are expected. Business hours are usually Monday to Friday 0900-1700, although may start or end an hour earlier or later, depending on the company. Lunch meetings are more common than breakfast meetings, however, these are rarely alcohol-fuelled affairs.

Most business entertainment takes place in bars and restaurants and it is unusual for a business visitor to be invited into someone's home. If you are, a token gift (alcohol, flowers or chocolates) would be a nice gesture. Anything more expensive may be deemed unacceptable.