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| Australia and New Zealand |
Business Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
Australia is a casual country and its people are friendly and open. You will find overt formality in only the most rarified circles of Melbourne and a few other cities. New Zealand, on the other hand is like Great Britain, with greater formality and less instantaneous camaraderie.
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Handshakes
Australian and New Zealand handshakes are firm and quick. Don't grasp the other person's hand with both of yours and don't keep shaking. Women typically don't shake hands with one another in Australia, but typically do in New Zealand. And in both countries is typical that women extend their hand to men.
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Names and Titles
Australians and New Zealanders dislike pretense. Although you should call someone by their last name when you first meet them, this will not last long-especially in Australia, as you will probably soon be invited to call your host by his or her first name. New Zealanders are more reserved when you first meet them, but they, too, will quickly warm to you. Announcing your title when you meet is offensive because it's perceived as showing off.
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Business Attire
Typical business attire is so similar to American business attire as to not require separate discussion.
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Dining and Entertaining
Lunch can be a business affair, but both the near-obligatory call in at the pub and evening dinners are social events. Arrive on time in both Australia and New Zealand.
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Gifts
Bringing a bottle of Australian wine, a box of chocolates, or some other small item to your host's evening dinner party is expected.
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Social Taboos
Being overly demonstrative with another man is a taboo for men in Australia and new Zealand. And trying your hand at "G'day, mate" is more likely to result in offense than anything else.
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