Slovakia Business Practice

• Slovak dress and behavior are a combination of the accepted practices in the United States and Eastern Europe.
• It is not the custom to use a person's first name on first addressing them. Instead, use a title such as: Doctor, Engineer, etc.
• Some business people have a good command of English. Nevertheless, German is better understood. Occasionally effective conduct of a meeting may make use of the services of an interpreter to translate into English.
• Acceptable gifts for business meetings are items for the office, quality pens (including pens with your company logo) as well as specially selected wines.
• It is recommended to start a business meeting with polite conversation of a general nature, accompanied by a toast with a local alcoholic drink. Only after that, should the conversation turn to business matters.
• On receiving an invitation to a home, luxury chocolate, a scarf for the hostess or flowers is a welcome gift.
• Business decisions, including minor ones, are occasionally taken by a limited number of managers or even by one person acting alone.
• There are difficulties in obtaining an answer to a fax or email. It is advisable to back up faxes and emails with a letter that confirms any intended meeting. Similarly, after the meeting, it is advisable to send a letter with a summary of the main points raised at the meeting.
• Try to avoid business meetings in the months of July and August or around the times of national holidays.