Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here) - BNA

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Chapter 8: Business Travel
• Business Customs
• Travel Advisory
• Visa Requirements
• Telecommunications
• Transportation
• Language
• Health
• Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
• Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
• Web Resources
Business Customs Return to top
The most important characteristic of French business behavior is its emphasis on
courtesy and a certain formality. Appointment schedules and hierarchical titles are to be
respected and correspondence – whether by mail or by fax – should be acknowledged
promptly. A handshake is customary upon initiating and closing a business meeting,
accompanied by an appropriate greeting. Professional attire is expected.
Today, many French executives put less emphasis on long, heavy business lunches for
reasons of health and time. Nevertheless, informal business discussions in restaurants
where everyone appreciates a good meal are one of the best ways to promote good
working relations.
Travel Advisory Return to top
State Department Travel Website: [http://travel.state.gov/]
Visa Requirements Return to top
U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States
should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa
applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: [http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html]
United States “Visas.gov”: [http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/]
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Paris: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/default.htm]
2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 134
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
© 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.