Vienna City Guide - Business Etiquette

The Austrians, especially the Viennese, are extremely formal to strangers. It is essential to address business contacts by their title, until familiarity is well established. English is commonly used in international business settings, but a few words in German (by way of introduction) will not go amiss. Business dress is not too formal in Vienna and it is possible to go to a business meeting without a tie. It is, however, better for business visitors to err on the side of caution in the first instance.

Business hours are generally Monday to Friday 0800-1600/1700, with many offices closing slightly earlier on Friday at 1500/1600. Austrians greatly enjoy eating in restaurants and business meeting are often scheduled over a long lunch. Breakfast and brunch meetings are also becoming increasingly popular. Business visitors should not suggest lunch as a location for a first meeting however.

Austrians tend to keep work and social life separate. Overtime and weekend work is rare. On those few occasions when you are invited to a business contact or colleague's home for dinner, a gift of flowers for the hostess and a bottle of wine for the host is essential, as is punctuality. Visitors to homes should also at least offer to take off their shoes upon entering. Business meals are more for getting to know people, so family and politics should be avoided in conversation.