Cracow City Guide - Business Etiquette

Letters of introduction are extremely useful for establishing contact with businesses in Poland, where practices are still quite formal. Meetings should be by appointment. Presentations should be thoroughly prepared and, at a minimum, the executive summary should be translated into Polish. Decisions are often by committee, so negotiations may be protracted and a deal cannot be confirmed until all parties have signed.

Until familiarity has been established, a person's title and surname should be used in addressing them. Handshaking is customary and business cards (preferably translated) should be exchanged with all participants at a meeting. To make a good impression, the wearing of conservative business suits is recommended.

Breakfast meetings are rare, despite the fact that the business day begins early, but business lunches and dinners are popular (Poles love to stay up late, talking and drinking). The person who issues the invitation is generally the one who pays the bill. It is important for visitors to make sure that if giving a gift of flowers, there should always be an odd number.

Government offices are open 0830-1630. Traditionally, offices in major industries were open 0700-1500, but many are now adapting to more Western business hours (even 0830-1700). Some businesses may open on Saturday morning as well.