Business Etiquette in Belgium
Most shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday with some staying open as late as 9:00 p.m. July and August are bad months for appointments since many take vacation during that period. Most Catholic holidays are celebrated in Belgium so check dates before attempting to schedule.
As in many European countries the level of success you’ve accomplished is judged by the way you dress. Be well-dressed yet conservative in color and patterns. Women should dress appropriately with small amounts of jewelry. If invitations state “casual” do not dress casually but go semi-formal. You can be slightly more casual if invited to a “casual” affair at someone’s home.
Although conversations can range from any number of topics try to refrain from getting boisterous and animated. Do not pry into the personal lives of your new acquaintances and never pat yourself on the back. Boasting is not seen favorably. Avoid topics like Belgian history, the Germans, and politics. Good topics are things to do with your own homeland and sports.
Address someone with title and name unless asked to do otherwise. If you are called by your first name, feel free to do the same. Although most people are introduced by their full name it’s acceptable, usually, to use just a title and last name until things become more casual.
Gifts are usually not given upon first meetings but are sometimes offered at the sealing of a deal. When you give gifts for this reason omit giving business card with it and avoid gifts with company logo. Although in some countries it is rude to open gifts in front of the giver, in Belgium, it’s acceptable.
It’s rare to be invited to a person’s home while in Belgium so be sure and bring a gift. If you select flowers avoid chrysanthemums, lilies or red roses. Flowers should be given in odd numbers but never thirteen. It’s polite and expected that you’ll send a handwritten thank-you note the following day.
Business cards and other paperwork should be printed in English on one side and Dutch or French on the other side, depending upon the language spoken by your associates. Doors are kept closed in most offices so knock and wait for a response and be sure to pull the door closed as you leave. Keep an air of professionalism about you during all meetings. Do not accept phone calls during the meeting or leave the room for any reason. You will earn more respect if you proceed with the meeting in a business-like manner.
Business lunches are more likely than business dinners. If ordering drinks keep in mind that beer, as well as other alcoholic beverages, are much more potent than in America. Drinking and driving in Belgium carries stiff penalties so never take the chance but get a cab instead.
While dining keep fork in left hand and knife in right. It’s is extremely bad manners to put hands below the table during dinner. You needn’t leave food on your plate, as in some other countries, to show you’ve had enough. Be sure and compliment the host and/or hostess on the food before exiting. Do not bring up business matters unless your counterpart does so first.
The handshake is the standard greeting and is also used upon departure. Make eye contact at all times while shaking hands. It’s good manners for a man to stand when a woman enters or exits a room. Wait for the woman to extend her hand; never offer yours first. Although others may kiss or embrace upon encountering an acquaintance you should refrain from doing so unless they approach you. Otherwise, remain at arm’s length away from those to whom you are conversing.
Never talk to someone while keeping your hands in your pockets. Refrain from gesturing excessively while conversing. Keep perfect posture whether standing or sitting. Do not “pop” your knuckles in front of others – ever. This is considered obscene. Don’t pat someone on the back while talking to them. Never yawn in public and definitely don’t use toothpicks in front of others. The forefinger is not used for pointing but instead, use the entire hand, palm down. Do not chew gum whether at a meeting or in public. Never, ever blow your nose in front of someone else.
Carry your passport at all times. Driving laws are strictly enforced and speed traps are routine. If you’re a foreigner and you’re pulled for a traffic violation you must pay the fine on the spot. Your car will be impounded if you can’t pay. Holding a mobile phone while driving will get you a stiff fine as well. Use hands-free equipment instead. While driving trams have the right-of-way at all times.
