Vancouver City Guide - Business Etiquette

Normal business courtesies should be observed in Vancouver, although Vancouverites are less formal than Europeans and tend to use first-name terms after initial introductions have been completed. Business cards are usually exchanged on meeting a colleague for the first time - and a compliment on Vancouver's beauty is sure to be well received. Both men and women generally wear suits, although short-sleeved shirts are acceptable in summer. Appointments and punctuality for business meetings are expected. Business hours are usually 0900-1700 weekdays, although may start or end an hour earlier or later, depending on the company. Lunch meetings are more common than breakfast meetings, however, these are rarely alcohol-fuelled affairs. Most business entertainment takes place in bars and restaurants and it is unusual for a business visitor to be invited into someone's home. If you are, a token gift (alcohol, flowers or chocolates) would be a nice gesture. Anything more expensive may be deemed unacceptable.