Appearance

• Business suit and tie are appropriate in all major cities.
• Women should wear a suit or dress with jacket in major cities.
• Rural areas and areas with extremely warm summers have more informal wardrobe requirements.
• Women may wear a business dress, or skirt and blouse, in rural areas.
• Men may wear a business without wearing a jacket and/or tie in rural areas.
• The formality of a meeting, even in rural areas, may dictate a sports jacket and tie for men.
• Casual clothing is appropriate when not attending a work related meeting/dinner.
• Clothing, whether formal or casual, should be clean and neat in appearance.
• Men may generally wear jeans or khaki pants with a shirt for casual attire.
• Women may wear comfortably fitting slacks with a casual shirt. Wearing jeans or shorts, even in a casual setting, may be inappropriate for the city.

Behaviour

• Business conversation may take place during meals. However, many times you will find more social conversation taking place during the actual meal.
• Business meetings may be arranged as breakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, or dinner meetings depending on time schedules and necessity.
• Gift giving is discouraged or limited by many US companies. A gracious written note is always appropriate and acceptable.
• If you do give a gift, it should not appear to be a bribe.
  An invitation for a meal or a modest gift is usually acceptable.
• If you are someplace with a line or queue, go to the end and wait your turn.
  Do not use or chew on a toothpick in public.
• Many public places and private homes do not allow smoking. In some areas laws have been passed to prevent smoking in public places.

Communications

• Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Maintain good eye contact during your handshake.
  
• Good eye contact during business and social conversations shows interest, sincerity and confidence.
  
• Good friends may briefly embrace, although the larger the city, usually the more formal the behavior.
  
• Introductions include one's title if appropriate, or Mr., Ms, Mrs. and the full name.
  
• Business cards are generally exchanged during introductions. However, they may be exchanged when one party is leaving.
  
• A smile is a sign of friendliness, and in rural areas you may be greeted with a "hello" rather than a handshake.
  
• Ask permission to smoke before lighting a cigarette or cigar. Due to health concerns, you may or may not be given permission.