27. December 2011
It’s long, narrow and crammed with incredible natural beauty: Chile is one of the most fascinating countries in South America. Its culture has a European flavour. Here are the main do’s and don’ts for business travellers.
BODY CONTACT.
Chileans greet each other with a handshake just as Europeans do. If they know each other better they may embrace or kiss. If you meet a group of Chileans you should greet each one individually. Eye contact is top priority: a Chilean likes to get close to the person he is talking to and lay a hand on his arm occasionally. It isn’t considered rude to interrupt somebody who is talking to you: it shows you are really interested.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Chileans have kept to the Spanish style of namegiving. Most have two surnames, a
patronymic and a matronymic. Generally they only used the first one, and that is how they are addressed.
FLOW OF TALK.
Chileans love travelling and discovering other cultures – the perfect opening to a
conversation! If you have some photos of your home region with you, don’t be shy about showing them. Other potential subjects are families, Chilean cuisine, wines
and sight-seeing. Most Chileans are well informed about the political situation in other countries and like to discuss current events. On the other hand, you should avoid topics like religion, human rights violations and Chile’s erstwhile military dictator-ship.
ELEGANCE IS IN.
Chilean fashion can be summed up in one word: elegant. In their leisure hours Chileans give this elegance a sporty look, but women shouldn’t wear anything too revealing. Abusiness meeting calls for classic elegance: men wear navy or grey suits and ties, women well-cut trouser suits and high heels.
UNCOMPROMISINGLY PERSONAL.
If you want to create a business relationship with a Chilean, you need to start by building trust. The best way to do this is through personal contacts and conversation. Willingness to compromise is highly esteemed: it shows that the personal relationship is more important than the financial aspect. Meetings should be arranged several weeks in advance – but please not in January or February. That’s summer holiday time and very little goes on.
AT THE TABLE.
If you’re invited to a meal you are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes late. Presents, such as sweets or flowers, are well received. Flowers are often sent in advance. Be careful: yellow roses symbolise disdain, dark red flowers mean death. A lot of talk goes on during the meal, but you should lay down your knife and fork while you are speaking. If you’re in a restaurant and want to attract the waiter"s attention, you raise a finger. Staff except a ten per cent tip.
GRILLED MEAT WITH SEAWEED.
The country’s varied vegetation makes for an exciting menu. The main crops are potatoes, tomatoes and maize, and there is intensive stock-rearing in the interior.
A lot of fish is caught along the coast, and seaweed is also harvested and turned into side orders. Hence the menu is a mixture of Spanish and local dishes. Beef and lamb are usually served grilled; on special occasions this is called an asado.
TASTY TIPPLE.
Wine buffs worldwide have a high opinion of Chilean wine. High-quality grape varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have put Chile among the world’s six leading wine producers. The Bordeaux variety Carmenere is considered to be typically Chilean. In most countries it has been exterminated by phylloxera: Chile is the only place in the world that has never been affected by this pest.
