Greetings
Whenever you meet a Vietnamese friend or potential partner, start with
slightly smiling for a sign of goodwill. Smiling naturally every now and then
brings out your truthful manners in both business and social atmosphere.
Handshakes are common when welcoming and saying goodbye in
Vietnam. Xin chào is how strangers formally greet each other. When a woman
extends her hand to you, you may shake it, otherwise bow your head slightly
for greeting. Following the Confucian tradition, start with greeting the oldest
person first. When meeting a group of people, always greet everyone,
including children.
Sharing gifts
Giving gifts to your prospective business partners is not a must but it is
common. Try not to overdo with the present itself. Something small and
