Menu
Expat.com

Questions regarding business culture in Peru

Last activity 17 June 2017 by OsageArcher

Post new topic

student2017

Hello,

I'm a student who is planning to study abroad in Chile and Peru. One of the assignments for this study abroad program requires me to get answers to questions regarding cultural differences between the United States and Peru. Can anyone help me by answering any of these questions regarding business culture in Peru?

1.    Are there any common customs in the U.S. that are rude in Peru?
2.    How important is eye contact during business discussions?
3.    Among business circles, how do Peruvians see United States citizens? For instance, are they generally wary of U.S. citizens or are they amiable?
4.    Should you greet people along a social hierarchy? Or do you just greet whoever you encounter first?
5.    How punctual is a person expected to be when arriving for a business meeting? Should they be early, on time, or a little late?



Thank you for your help.

OsageArcher

Re your #5, I always ask, ¿Hora inglesa u hora latina?

This generally gets a chuckle but also they'll tell you what's expected as as far as when to show up.  For some events like casual get-togethers (and not business meetings) if you show up on-time you're liable to wait quite a while before anyone else shows up...for business meetings show up on time.  Only the big(ger) bosses are expected to be late - just like in the US...

In general for the rest it depends more on connections, who you know, often more so than in the US.  And this can vary according as to how fluent is your Spanish - you don't get to know a culture until you can speak their language.  If you have a good native contact you can trust you should ask her/him for guidance - not every business situation is the same.  There is no "one size fits all" answer for your questions, not in the US and not in latin countries either.

If you are doing business with total strangers (you probably should never do business with total strangers) you want to be quite reserved.  You should always be respectful, but firm when necessary but never laying down any ultimatums.  It's natural for both sides to be wary, but that doesn't mean you can't be cordial.  As much as you can without pressing too hard you should try to get agreement on dates, timetables, deliverables etc. etc. because if you don't there are always excuses later on...remember that this happens even in the so-called developed countries, and don't be surprised that it happens in latin countries too.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Peru

  • Setting up a business in Peru
    Setting up a business in Peru

    Peru is a real haven for foreign investment, which greatly contributes to the economy. Many foreigners have ...

  • Finding work in Arequipa
    Finding work in Arequipa

    Arequipa, Peru's ‘white city' named for its beautiful white colonial architecture, is the second most ...

  • Finding work in Peru
    Finding work in Peru

    Working and living in Peru is a goal for many foreigners, with a low cost of living (by North American and ...

  • Finding work in Trujillo
    Finding work in Trujillo

    Located in the north of Peru, Trujillo is the third biggest city in the country. The capital city of La Libertad, ...

  • Internships in Peru
    Internships in Peru

    Peru's diversified and growing economy means there are many opportunities for foreign students and young graduates ...

  • Become a digital nomad in Peru
    Become a digital nomad in Peru

    South America is becoming an attractive environment for digital nomads. A growing start-up scene, new coworking ...

  • Finding work in Lima
    Finding work in Lima

    Lima, as the capital of Peru, is the country's industrial and financial centre and also a major Latin American ...

  • Leisure activities in Peru
    Leisure activities in Peru

    If you're considering a move to Peru, why not make the most of this time by discovering the country and learning ...

All of Peru's guide articles