Top 10 DO’s to doing business in Vietnam

1. DO handle business cards with two hands
When presented with a business card, always receive it with both hands. Vietnamese view business cards as representation of the individual so treat the cards with some respect. Don’t stuff it hastily in your pocket. Do spend a few seconds observing the card. If you are sitting in the meeting, place the business card neatly in front of you. Respect is a big deal in Vietnam and more often, the handling of a business card is the first chance you get to show it. Try not to carry the cards loose in your pockets or allow them to become soiled. You might want to store them in a discreet card case. By the way, do remember to bring plenty of business cards along on your trip.

2. DO dress conservatively for business meetings
There is no "business casual" in Vietnam so dress conservatively. The South is a little more casual than the North. During the hot summer months, you might be able to get away with attend a meeting without a jacket. However, when it comes to first meetings or meeting with senior management, a suite is a must.

3. DO expect an element of corruption and bribes
The Vietnamese government is actually doing a pretty good job at curbing this problem and it is definitely less prevalent now than it was 3 or 4 years ago. Some Vietnamese feel that this the way business in done in Vietnam. Some foreigners feel that this is the cost of doing business in Vietnam. However you look at it, it's still a part of doing business in Vietnam. You need to be aware of it and be prepared in advance to deal with payoffs, kickbacks, and “gifts” requests. Do keep in mind that anyone convicted of corruption can be sentenced to death or face long prison sentences.

4. DO remember that age is still highly value
Vietnamese show a great deal of respect to their elders. The respect is expressed through gestures such as bowing and through language such as putting certain words in front of each spoken phrase to indicate respect. All Vietnamese has to select the appropriate personal pronouns when addressing someone older.

5. DO expect the traffic to be pretty crazy
If this is your first trip to Vietnam, you WILL be overwhelmed with the traffic especially when crossing the street or riding on the back of a motorbike taxi. It is best to hire a personal driver to take you around and do give yourself plenty of time to get to important meetings. Take a look at some images on Google to get an idea of the insane traffic.

6. DO be polite
Vietnam is a polite society and they don’t tolerate rudeness well. In Vietnamese, when you want someone to do something for you, it is best to say, “If it is only convenient for you, may we stop by the market on the way to my hotel?” Most Vietnamese would be happy to comply whether it is convenient for them or not. Vietnamese often use the phrase, ‘xin phep’ meaning ‘to seek permission’ before contributing to a discussion. Therefore, when you are at a business meeting, remember to always use the phrase, ‘May I suggest something’ before presenting an idea.

7. DO bring your own interpreter to business meetings
The value of a private interpreter is not so much in doing the interpreting but also to tell you afterwards the hidden meaning behind some translated responses. No matter how well government officials or potential business partners appear to speak English, do not assume that they fully understand you or that YOU understand them. Sometimes, a “yes” may not mean “yes”. A good interpreter (a native Vietnamese) should be able to catch and point out instances where a "yes" meant "maybe" or even "no".

8. DO remember the reverse order of names
First and last names are said in reverse order from English. The family name always goes first, then the given name. Introductions are said in the following order: Mr. surname, middle name, given name. Since many Vietnamese share common surnames, people are addressed with Mr., Mrs. or Miss and their given name. For example, when someone is introduced as Mr. Nguyen Van Long, you should address him as Mr. Long (his first name) and not Mr. Nguyen (his last name.)

9. DO try to eat what you’re served
Whenever you are presented with food that is not so good (that is not good to you), never say so, be gracious, and always thank your host. If you don't have an adventurous palate, why not change your thinking from, “I am afraid to try it this new food” to “Hmm...this dish looks interesting, I am curious to see what it tastes like.”Do this and you will have a much better time. Who knows, you might even enjoy some of the food. Also, an offer of tea at a reception or business meeting is a form of hospitality and should not be refused. By the way, when dining with acquaintances or business partners, don't pick up the last piece of food on the plate. It is meant to be left on the plate. The only time you would eat the last piece of food is when someone else picked it up and put it on your plate.

10. DO expect hotels to be very clean
Most hotels are very clean, equipped with hot water, toiletries, and satellite TV with business channels including CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg.

Top 10 DONT's (view details)

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