Business Culture - General Greeting In greeting, Vietnamese executives will probably initiate a handshake since a Western handshake is widely acceptable. Since Vietnamese women don't usually shake hands, unless she holds a senior position or offers her hand first, nodding your head is adequate. In Vietnam, rank and status are important. Respect for people older than yourself is fundamental. In business meeting, similar to Western culture, you direct your greeting toward the highest ranking official first. However, for a social visit, you should first greet the most senior person in the family. Name Vietnamese names start with the family name first and given name last. Common family names are TRAN, LE, NGUYEN. Put Mr., Miss, or professional titles such as Doctor before the given name. Thus a colleague named NGUYEN van Minh would be addressed as Mr. Minh or Dr. Minh, if he is a doctor. Vietnamese women retain their maiden names after marriage. If the woman is married, she is usually addressed as "Mrs." plus her husband's given name. Business Card Vietnamese business people like to exchanging business cards early in the meeting. Though it is not required to have your card in both English and Vietnamese, it is an advantage for you if the other side of your card is in Vietnamese. Vietnamese are affectionate toward those who show appreciation for their language. The card should be handed to the host (highest ranking person first) with your right hand. Business Dress Appearance is very important in Vietnam. Conservative dress is appropriate at all times. Gray or dark blue suits, and white or light blue shirts are appropriate. Women are expected to dress conservatively and modestly, and should not wear expensive jewelry, flamboyant accessories, or revealing clothing. Communications English is considered the business language in Vietnam. It is best, however, to speak slowly and clearly, and try to avoid slang. When speaking, you should pay attention to your host's facial expression because it may signify that he may not understand you. During the conversation, your host may not want to interrupt you to let you know that he did not understand you. When in doubt, ask politely. There would not be any offense if you carry yourself in a polite manner. After all, for a business meeting to be effective, your host and you need to have a clear understanding from each other.