Peruđź•Ł
Country in the western part of South America. Official name – the Republic of Peru. Population – 6.7 million (as of 2020). Capital – Lima. Official languages – Spanish and Quechua. Government type – presidential republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Peru
Greeting
In Peru, a common way to greet someone in a business setting is with a handshake. Both men and women use this gesture in formal situations, and it’s also used when saying goodbye.
When meeting a group of people, it's important to greet each person individually. If people are sitting at a table or are in the room during a meeting, you should say hello or goodbye to each one personally, not just give a general greeting to the group.
Handshakes in Peru can vary. If your business partner is from a big city and has a European background, their handshake will likely be firm but friendly. People from rural areas often prefer a quick and gentle handshake.
Making eye contact is an important part of the greeting.
While first-time greetings tend to be fairly formal, later meetings are usually more relaxed and warm. Men might greet each other with a touch on the shoulder or a light hug. Women often greet with a cheek-to-cheek kiss on the right side (without actually touching the cheek). If there’s a kiss between a man and a woman, it’s usually the woman who initiates it.
Common phrases Peruvians use when greeting each other include: “Buenos dĂas” (“Good morning”), “Buenas tardes” (“Good afternoon”), and “Buenas noches” (“Good evening”).
Introduction
During initial contact in official, formal, or even social situations, it’s best to use formal titles — Señor, Señora, or Señorita — followed by the person’s last name.
In formal or professional settings, if your counterpart has a professional title or position, it’s polite to use it when addressing them. Common titles include Doctor (...
Exchange of Business Cards
In business settings in Peru, it’s common to exchange business cards during introductions at the first meeting, as well as at events like trade shows, fairs, conferences, or forums. So it’s important to have plenty of business cards with you.
Cards are usually exchanged right after the initial greeting.
Make sure your business card includes not ...
Small Talk: Overview
Even if your Spanish isn’t very strong, try to speak a little of the language in casual, non-business settings. Your effort will be appreciated by your Peruvian counterparts.
Don’t be surprised if your potential Peruvian partner asks personal questions during small talk — like about your family or personal life. This helps them get a ...
Preferred Topics
Peruvian cuisine – Show some interest in this topic. For many people in Peru, food and cooking are a source of national pride.
Sports, especially football (soccer).
Family and anything related to home or family life.
Peruvian history and culture – Including landmarks, nature, and famous places, are great...
Taboo Topics
Avoid politically sensitive or controversial topics, such as the War of the Pacific, Peru’s relations with Chile or Ecuador, ethnic issues, or corruption. These are considered taboo subjects.
Be cautious when discussing Peru’s internal politics. Even if you're well-informed, direct or critical comments can be sensitive and may...
Personal Space
Personal space in Peru is smaller than in many other cultures. People tend to stand quite close to each other during conversations. This is part of the warm, personal communication style common in Peruvian society.
If you stand too far away from someone during a conversation (which might be the norm in your culture), it can be seen as a sign of distance or lack ...
Communication Specifics
Building trust and mutual understanding is a key part of communication in Peruvian society. This process can take time.
Directness and blunt honesty are generally avoided in Peru. People tend to express themselves in a careful, friendly way to prevent conflict or avoid causing someone to “lose face.”
It’s common
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