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It is worth paying attention to the following points at business meetings in Austria:
- The code of business conduct is similar in Austria to that in the rest of Europe and the USA. A handshake at the beginning and end of a meeting is the accepted custom. Care should be taken to shake the hand of everyone present at the meeting.
- The accepted form of dress for a business meeting in Austria is a formal suit for men and women are recommended to dress fashionably but not loudly.
- It is very important at a business meeting to indicate your colleague's title first and then his surname. Use of first names is intended only for private meetings, after a personal relationship has been established. Thus for example if you meet with a professor, address him as Herr Professor Schmidt. At further meetings, you may use his title without his surname - Herr Professor. For women, 'Frau' is used instead of 'Herr' for either single or married women.
- If you are invited to your Austrian colleague's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as a selected wine, a box of chocolates, etc.
- Most business people in Austria have a good command of English.
- Punctuality in Austria, as in Germany, is renowned throughout the world. Make every effort to arrive for a meeting at the appointed time or, if you are a few minutes late, make your apologies to your colleague.
- In many places in Austria, including restaurants, there is a strict ban on smoking. Try to smoke only when the people around you are doing so.
- You are recommended to avoid making business appointments for the months of July and August as well as around the dates of Austrian national holidays.
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