Doing Business in Azerbaijan 2009 - Azerbaijan Export ...

154 DOING BUSINESS IN AZERBAIJAN
sweets or chocolates are often provided. Many Azerbaijanis serve
tea but sometimes chose not to drink theirs but are pleased if you
drink yours. It is done as a courteous act of hospitality.
Sugar may not be offered as many Azerbaijanis prefer to sip their
Chai and eat something sweet to accompany the drink. If sugar
cubes are offered you may find your host places one in his mouth
and drinks his Chai through the sugar cube. He will not expect you
to do the same unless you wish to.
Business Dress Code
Business dress is always conservative but varies slightly with the
seasons. Men generally wear suits or jackets and ties. Similarly,
women should wear smart professional outfits. In the hotter
weather (and temperatures can regularly reach over 27 degrees in
summer months), men usually switch to short-sleeved shirts with
or without ties. Light colored summer suits are also acceptable.
The oil sector, especially foreign companies, adopts rather more
informal standards. Shorts are not advisable either at work or
socially.
Outside Baku, and especially in the regions, while men’s dress code
remains the same, women should wear more conservative clothing.
Women are advised to refrain from high fashion and many women
might find that they feel more comfortable in longer skirts or
trousers. No shorts. At the beach, normal beach wear is worn by
Azerbaijanis and foreigners alike. Topless bathing is not allowed.
When visiting a mosque, bear in mind that it is a place of worship.
Never enter a mosque with shoes. There is always a rack where
shoes can be kept. Make sure your feet are clean and will not bring
in dust or mud. Men should not wear shorts and must wear a shirt