Business and Travel Etiquette in Europe
Relationships
Most Europeans prefer to do business with those they know and trust. They place great importance on a person’s
character as well.
It is, however, possible to get to know people in Europe; one simply needs to allow sufficient time and invest sufficient effort to do so. Be modest in presenting oneself and one’s achievements.
Telephone
How phone calls are placed and answered varies greatly, country by country. At a minimum, most people answer with their names. In Austria and Germany, it is customary to answer with the company name, the individual name, and a greeting (“Kaufhaus des Westens, Hörbiger, Guten Tag”).
When placing a call, identify yourself immediately after you hear the greeting.
Other issues to consider
Compliments
In the U.S., compliments are almost sometimes considered patronizing and unnecessary. Not so in Europe. It is almost expected in Europe that compliments will be given. Many Europeans appreciate a kind word about their proficiency in English, a second language for most.
Public comportment
Talking loudly is considered a sign of the “ugly American.” 
Hugging and other physical contact (beyond hand shaking and, in some lands, a cheek kissing) is simply not done in many European lands. Eye contact is typically considered very important, however.
Gift giving
While giving gifts from one’s home country is no longer as obligatory as it was a few decades back, a few carefully planned and thoughtful gifts are always welcome. If you are invited to someone’s home, it is customary to bring a gift, such as flowers or wine. Do not bring red roses, a sign of romantic interest.
Green living
Turn lights off when leaving a room, including the restroom. Leaving lights on is wasteful and simply not done. Many European buildings, especially apartment buildings, have systems that turn lights on in hallways for visitors long enough for the visitor to make it to or from the apartment.
Many Europeans have been recycling bottles for years. Newspaper and paper recycling is less common.
Magic words in French, German, Italian, and Spanish
| French | German | Italian | Spanish | |
| Please | S’il vous plait | Bitte | Prego | Por favor |
| Thank you | Merci | Danke | Grazie | Gracias |
| Excuse me | Excusez-moi | Entschuldigung | Scusi | Perdón |
| Hello (informal) | Salut | Servus | Ciao | Hola |
| Hello (telephone, informal) | Allo? | (last name of person answering) | Pronto | Hola |
| Good morning | Bonjour | Guten Morgen | Buon giorno | Buenos días |
| Good day | Bonjour | Guten Tag | Buon giorno | Buenos tardes |
| Good evening | Bonsoir | Guten Abend | Buona sera | Buenos noches |
| How are you? | Comment allez-vous? | Wie geht’s Ihnen? | Come sta? | Cómo está usted? |
| Thank you, very well. | Tres bien, merci. | Danke, es geht mir gut. | Grazie, va bene cosi. | Bien, gracias. |
–Jonathan B. Spira is the Editor of Executive Road Warrior and Chief Analyst at Basex, a knowledge economy research firm.
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