Home › Travel Guides › North America Travel Guide › United States of America › Washington State › Doing business & staying in touch

Doing business & staying in touch

Seattle locals appear remarkably informal in their business dress and manner, even to other Americans. Comfort comes foremost, particularly in the high-tech and e-commerce world, where jeans, trainers and sweatshirts are standard business attire.

Equal opportunity in race, creed, sex and sexual orientation is standard practice. In the world of high finance and law, however, the crisp business suit and briefcase is still the norm for both women and men.

‘Power' breakfasts for brainstorming are common, as are ‘power lunches' ordered into company premises from designer caterers or speciality restaurants. Dinners at private homes are rare, with fashionable restaurants or wine bars more likely settings. Many Seattleites are health conscious, so when making a private visit, alcohol or sweets might not be appropriate and flowers are the best bet. Visitors should not even think of smoking.

Office hours: 

It was Microsoft founder Bill Gates' philosophy that people worked harder in less formal environments, so working hours in many companies have followed suit with flexibility, although based on 0930-1800 working hours.

Economy: 

Telephone: 

For emergency police, fire or medical services in major cities, dial 911. The following codes denote toll free (freephone) numbers: 800, 855, 866, 877 and 888.

Mobile phone: 

Foreign mobile telephones only work if they are tri-band or quad-band; charges are high. Visitors can also hire a mobile telephone. Pre-pay cell phones can be purchased from a variety of retail outlets, including drug stores.

Internet: 

There are Internet cafés in most urban areas, and an increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots. Many coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi. Many of the international airports offer Internet access too.

Media: 

Freedom of expression in the US is guaranteed by the constitution. The USA has the most highly developed mass media in the world. Public broadcasting is partly government-funded, but also supported by private grants.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.