Australian, South American, Central American and Caribbean Etiquette Tips

There really isn’t much that can be said about Australian and New Zealand etiquette. They have manners, but they are much more relaxed and less formal than most other countries. (I heard Aussies even go to work in shorts!)

In New Zealand specifically, people may start out formal, but that formality will almost certainly wane. So will your volume. They are known for being softer-spoken and not often loud. Your position in the hierarchy of your company is usually not important, except if you are the owner of the company, of course. And, although they may be part of the Australian continent, they are very upset to be called Australians.

In Australia specifically, warm and friendly people use firm handshakes and openness and directness when speaking. And if they don’t agree with something, they will almost certainly talk about it. Australians don’t care much about personal distinctions or class structure as they are very informal. However, punctuality is highly appreciated, but not critical. Australians also keep their sense of humor, even when things get pretty tense.

In South America, specifically, Spanish is spoken everywhere except in Portuguese-speaking Brazil. Unlike Australia, South America is less inclined to worry about time and punctuality. Socially, they stand quite close together and touch each other (and expect to be touched in return), which is a culture shock for other countries. They eat their largest meal for lunch, around noon. Finally, social conversation and topics of a personal nature (ie talking about yourself) are often more interesting to them than your business and company representation.

In Central America, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. Like their counterparts in South America, they are also less concerned with time and more concerned with you personally than as a company representative. Central Americans are also a closer and more delicate crowd. They make their main meals at noon.

In Mexico, specifically, it is customary to shake hands, as in most other places. Unlike the South Americans, the Mexicans do see titles as important. Thing that must not be done? Wear purple (the color of death), joke about “Moctezuma’s Revenge,” or put your hands on your hips.

In the Caribbean, in general, handshakes are common, as is English, the main language of the region. Of course, some residents have quite intriguingly accented English. The pace of life is much more relaxed in the Caribbean, so table manners are much more informal, punctuality is not essential, gifts do not need to be exchanged, and business begins with prolonged social conversation. Business cards, however, are very important.

In Puerto Rico, specifically, gifts are exchanged and opened immediately. Standing close is customary, and backing away is considered quite rude. Although English is widely spoken, speaking at least some Spanish is greatly appreciated.