Business Etiquette in Cuba

Speech

Being interrupted while
speaking is common,
not considered rude

Can interrupt others

Meetings

Show up on time

Tradition to wait up to an hour
for business partner(s)

5-15 minutes of small talk.
Host will begin business discussion

Greetings

Greetings usually begin
with handshakes

Men shake hands while greeting,
handshake may last longer than
necessary. Must keep direct eye
contact

Close acquaintances hug firmly.
May slap on back during hug

Women shake hands on first meeting

Close acquaintances kiss
once on the cheek

Men and women shake hands on
first meeting. Close acquaintances
will lightly kiss on the cheek

Business Attire

Business casual

Men can wear no tie or jacket

Must wear long sleeves,
short sleeves can be
considered inappropriate

Dress pants and slacks
are appropriate

The short sleeve shirt guayabera
is considered elegant and is worn
in the workplace

Women can wear, slacks,
skirts or dresses

Eye Contact

It is considered rude
to look away from
someone who is
speaking

Gift Giving

Do not give gifts
on first meeting

Do not gift expensive items,
must be modest

Gift less than $25

Speech

Use of slang is looked down
on. Considered low-class,
uneducated and vulgar

Profanity is highly offensive

Business Attire

Revealing or clingy
attire is not
appropriate for
women

Casual wear is usually
not appropriate, depends
on the situation

Short sleeve shirts
should not be worn
on most occasions