Business Etiquette

Business Etiquette

It is customary for business visitors to Istanbul to address new acquaintances by their first names followed using ‘Bey' (sir) or ‘Hanim' (lady).

Secretaries are rarely empowered to take important messages or even know the boss's schedule, so when phoning, it is usual for callers to be told to ring back ‘one hour later' or fax your queries. Once the appropriate contacts have been made, however, business visitors are usually treated with personal warmth and courtesy.

Business meetings could be formal or take place over dinner, and punctuality is always expected. Business entertaining can be can be lavishly generous.

Business dress is the same as in Europe or North America, although women are advised to wear business suits with trousers or skirts below the knee. Visiting businesswomen will usually be treated with the same respect as male colleagues. However, women should be aware that after-dinner invitations to accompany the men to a revue bar or belly-dancing club might imply going to an upmarket brothel, and a woman's company will be resented. Women are advised to clarify the nature of the establishment before going.

Business hours in Istanbul are technically Monday to Friday 0900-1700 although many employees are still expected to put in a 10-hour working day.