About Italy
By: Monique Marin
Business Customs: Do's
-Many businesses close for the entire month of August, and office hours can vary on the weekends.
-Dress semi-formal for business meetings.
-However, office hours will usually be 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday, with morning hours on Saturdays.
- Dark suits are most common for men, with expensive ties, cuff links, and watches.
- Women should dress stylishly with make-up and jewelry. Perfume and cologne is also acceptable.
Business Customs: Don'ts
-Discuss politics, religion, the Mafia, or family with business associates.
-Offer a gift in a business meeting until one has been given to you.
-Be late to business engagements.
- Punctuality is not a priority, but as a guest to Italy, you will make a far better impression if you are on time.
-Don’t talk about politics.
Interesting Facts
-When McDonald's opened in 1986 in Rome, food purists outside the restaurant gave away free spaghetti to remind people of their culinary heritage.
-The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).