World City Guide

Business

Business Etiquette
The dwellers of Budapest like to do business with people they know and trust, so it is worth business visitors’ time taking the time to build relationships. This is particularly true of the older generation – the younger generation are usually more direct and to the point. They are also much more likely to speak English. These 20 and 30 year olds occupy important positions, which the older school resents. Verbal greetings are extremely important – shaking hands (one waits for women to offer their hands), then saying the full name (surname, then forename). ‘How are you?’ is not a rhetorical question and requires an answer. Business cards (névjegy) (preferably in Hungarian) are vital. One also shakes hands on leaving. Punctuality is essential. Giving and receiving gifts is common, so one should have promotional gifts at hand.

Hungarian is a difficult language but, contrary to popular opinion, it is not impossible to learn. A lack of knowledge of the language, culture and business context is often seen as a sign of arrogance and can also lead to social segregation. Asking a colleague to act as a translator (tolmác) can often lead to resentment, since this is seen as servicing rather than managing. Imposition of additional red tape is seen as a lack of trust and being overly confident is often regarded as naivety

Hospitality is extremely important and dinners tend to be quite formal affairs with a dress code. One should never drink until one’s host raises his glass, possibly with a toast. When visiting a colleague’s home, gifts should include wine or spirits for the host, flowers for the hostess and chocolates for the children.

Business clothing should exhibit a refined elegance. Mobile phones are an important part of one’s personal presentation. The business year is busiest in spring and autumn. Standard working hours are generally 0800-1630 Monday to Thursday, finishing earlier on Friday, however, meetings can be fixed outside these hours, even at weekends. The distinction between office and home phone numbers is far from clear – keeping in touch is vital and calls in the evening and at weekends are common.