Asinta Business Etiquette Insight: Nicaragua

October 27, 2016:

Is your company looking to set up a new business in Nicaragua? Here are some useful business etiquette insights to help guide you in the right direction:

a) Nicaragua remains a very informal society and this extends to business situations with a very relaxed attitude towards timekeeping. Although meetings have to be prearranged, it is completely acceptable to arrive late for a meeting up to a limit of 30 minutes, after which it is considered as an insult unless a valid excuse is made beforehand.

b) Business dress in Nicaragua is only very informal for a first contact meeting. Thereafter, a more relaxed form of dress is usual; the four-pocketed Guayabera shirt worn in many Latin countries is still in use by many businessmen. Over-dressing for meetings is considered very poor taste!

c) Allow plenty of time at the end of the meeting. Meetings in Nicaragua come to a natural conclusion, rather than being determined by the clock. Rushing off to another venue is considered rude and viewed as disinterest in the people at the current meeting. The use of business cards is increasing, although many people still do not carry them. As a common courtesy, offer your business card when you introduce yourself and pronounce your name clearly.

For answers to all of your questions regarding business etiquette and employee benefits in Nicaragua, please get in contact with Asinta Partner Unity via their contact form.