Baltimore City Guide - Business Etiquette

Americans can be less formal than Europeans (both in dress and manners) but normal business courtesies should still be observed. The degree of formality often reflects the nature of the business – banking and legal professions will be more formal than computer and media companies. Americans are quick to use first names, although both men and women may still be wearing suits. Short-sleeved shirts are acceptable in summer. Business cards are commonly exchanged at meetings. As a visitor, there is nothing wrong in being as formal as in Europe, then relaxing once the attitudes of the host have been established.

Punctuality for business meetings is expected and time should always be allowed for traffic delays. Business hours are from 0800/0830 to 1700. Working late is, however, common. Nor is it unusual for people to be working well into the night or over the weekend. Working lunches are more common than working breakfasts and may be anything from a sandwich and coffee to a more serious, although not prolonged, restaurant meal.

Socially, Americans are individualistic but meeting for drinks or dinner after work on a Friday is a popular end to the working week. As a guest, not over-indulging in alcohol is always a good idea. Evening dinner invitations might be to the home or to a restaurant. Visitors should bring a bottle of wine to the home or offer to share part of the bill in a restaurant. E-mail is the favourite means of communication.