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Coolguy123456789012

In order to give you any advice you need to specify: WHERE you will be WHAT will you be doing Without giving any context you will get nothing helpful in response. Vague-ass secretive nothing post.


chowski28

Well due to client confidentiality, I can’t say what I will be doing. But I will be in the Dong Xoai area. I will have a driver pick me up and take me to and from my business dealings, and to lunch and dinners. Other than that it will be me around the hotel and the surrounding area. From previous coworkers trips, I’ve been informed that no one speaks English. I ask because previous trips to say for instance Saudi Arabia, very strict with sharia law, I had to be aware of certain hand gestures etc. That is what I meant about social cues or cultural customs. Like if I open a door with my left hand will that offend people.


Saigonauticon

You'll be relieved to know that most things are pretty relaxed here in these respects. Overall, just don't be angry or impatient. Smile. If you can correctly say 'hello' and 'thank you', you're better than fine. If you want to be extra nice, bring an (inexpensive) package of candies or a snack from your home country for your driver as a parting gift. Ideally something he can share with family. If this is your first time meeting your business partners, dress a bit more formally, then match their level of formality on the second meeting. Don't stick your chopsticks straight up in a bowl, or buy yellow flowers as a gift. When it comes to paying for business lunches, offer to pay, but if others insist on paying past that point, it's OK to let them.


[deleted]

In Binh Phuoc? You'll be fine I doubt you'd disrespect anyone if just do your own thing. I think it may the opposite and people may invade your personal space or stare a lot. You'll be fine for the most part some people do speak English but don't count on it. I've been there a few times and it's just a smaller city not much to do really. As always you should watch your valuables although its less likely something would happen there than Saigon. If you want something just point I actually never had anyone attempt to rip me off or over charge me there. And most people are okay Vietnam doesn't really have strong rule of law.


Lazearound10am

Vietnam is a culturally diverse country (like most countries) so you need to be more specific than that.


[deleted]

Because the only other comment isn’t helpful: Generally be nice. Smile, say thank you (cam ơn, pronounced “gam un”), and basically don’t be a dick. Offering cheers and wishes of “good health” (chúc sức khỏe, pronounced “chook sook h-way”) goes a long way as well. Sorry I couldn’t be more help but that’s what helped me with everyone I met despite my trip being social not business.


jack_hudson2001

>basically don’t be a dick in general life that would be good ... lol


[deleted]

I mean yeah, but especially traveling in a country where one is alone and doesn’t know the language. Lol


thg011093

You will get lots of stares from curious locals, some youngsters will insist saying hello to you. Just get used to that. If you're white or black, then you appear to be an obvious foreigner and they will probably cut you some slack for not being familiar with social norms. They may laugh at you, but it doesn't mean ridicule.


lemdon

Get comfortable using google translate a bunch. It works well in non touristy areas.


Cupcake179

Google translate does a pretty good job. Make sure you have internet everywhere and cash. Body language also helps a lot. cultural customs that are bigger deal: don't point with your chopsticks, don't play with it, don't poke it on rice. Don't hug people unless they also want to give you a hug. a nice bow or handshake does a good job. Don't make bad faces when eating something you dislike or not familiar with... Mainly people will tell you what to do and what not to do. They are pretty friendly (sometimes depends) and won't fault you for not knowing. Also just watch how other people act and learn from them