Vietnamese Business Etiquette Tips

Business people looking to establish and grow a presence in new Vietnamese markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Vietnamese business etiquette. Being familiar with and practicing etiquette will give you an advantage when working with your Vietnamese colleagues.

Keep in mind that Confucianism has flavored Vietnamese society. Confucianism stresses the relationships that people have with each other. Each of these relationships dictates a Vietnamese person’s actions. Remember that Vietnamese business people also emphasize relationships. By demonstrating proficiency in Vietnamese business etiquette, you will impress your colleagues and demonstrate your aptitude in the business world.

Vietnamese Business Meeting Etiquette

Vietnamese business etiquette is warm and accepting. Ensure the success of your business by practicing proper Vietnamese business etiquette:

• Save face - Face is the equivalent of a Vietnamese person’s reputation or sense of dignity. Never insult or scold a Vietnamese colleague. If a contact loses face because of an error on your part, you lose the contact.
• Hire an interpreter - Many Vietnamese are more comfortable using their native language rather than English. However, it is always much appreciated when a foreigner learns a few words of Vietnamese. Xin Chao (seen chow) means hello.
• Dress conservatively - Suits for men and dresses or suits for women. During the warmer months, you can leave the suit jacket at home. Business attire in the southern part of Vietnam is more casual, and suit jackets are not required.
• Present business cards in Vietnamese and English - Use both hands to demonstrate respect when you exchange cards. Truly look at your colleague’s card before respectfully putting it away. Presenting business cards is an important ritual in the Vietnamese business world. Cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. And when you translate your written materials into Vietnamese you are showing high regard for your Vietnamese colleagues. If you don't speak Vietnamese, consider hiring a Vietnamese translator or interpreter to demonstrate your professionalism and facilitate communication. Do you need Bilingual Vietnamese Professionals for your Company? Visit Foreign Staffing, Inc
• Build relationships - The first meeting is used as an opportunity for your Vietnamese colleagues to get to know you and for you to get to know them.
• Be punctual - Your Vietnamese colleagues will arrive on time and they will expect you to do the same.

Other helpful etiquette tips for Vietnamese business meetings include:

• Business is win or lose to the Vietnamese. Your Vietnamese colleagues may try to get the best deal for their interests, even if it means slowing down the decision making process.
• Decisions are made by committee. Consensus is important in Vietnam. Any and every person holds veto power. Everyone must be in agreement about a decision, or the decision will not go through.
• Shake hands. If a woman does not offer her hand, bow your head slightly. Some Vietnamese people shake with two hands. Take your Vietnamese colleague’s lead. Two-handed shakes occur with the left hand resting on top of the right wrist.
• Have third party introductions if possible. Your Vietnamese colleagues will be more likely to conduct business with someone they trust. Go that extra mile and impress your Vietnamese colleagues by providing a Vietnamese translation of all pertinent documents.
• Address colleagues by Mrs./Mr. and then the given name. Vietnamese names start with the last, then middle and then first. Use a title if applicable.
• Please use both of your hands when passing items to people. Never reach over another person’s head when passing items.
• Allow the most senior member of the company to be the first to enter a room. In addition, it’s the oldest member of a party who is first to be seated at restaurants. If you are invited to a colleague’s home for dinner, please wait to be shown where you are to sit.

Values Honored in Vietnamese Speaking Countries

• Relationships
• Face
• Family
• Social Order

About Foreign Translations, Inc.

Foreign Translations, Inc., is a 13-year-old foreign language translation, interpreting and website localization firm. With over 3,000 native translators located in over 30 countries, we frequently translate documents that range from 1,000 words to over several million in all the major languages of the world.