Business Hours:

• Business hours usually are 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday (and Saturday for many businesses and tourist attractions)
• In general, the hours for banking services are between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Saturday
• Some large supermarkets and shopping malls are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, and on Sundays until 6:00pm
• Restaurant and bar hours vary (although bars usually close around 2:00 am)

Business practices:

• Business suits and ties are almost always appropriate.
• Some business have gone to “business casual” or “smart casual” which includes wearing dress pants and a dress shirt, but no tie or sport jacket.
• Suits and dress pants in dark colors (e.g., black, gray, navy and brown) are the classic norm.
• For important functions, a white or light blue dress shirt is most appropriate. Other color dress shirts are acceptable for less formal events.
• Women typically wear a skirt or pants suit for formal business events, and a dress for formal social events. Classic conservative colors for women’s clothing include navy, gray, ivory and white.
• Punctuality is important in American culture. Accordingly, people are expected to timely attend functions, as well as to meet deadlines.
• Most Americans are willing to work long hours or overtime.
• A firm handshake is an appropriate signal of the start and end of social or business meeting.
• Business conversations often take place during meals at restaurants.
• Gift giving is rare at most US companies.

(Sources: www.cyborlink.com/besite/us.htm, www.businessculture.com/usa/index.html)

Pursuant to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), U.S. individuals and companies (as well as foreign companies that issue stock on the U.S. capital markets) who bribe foreign government officials can be prosecuted for such actions in the U.S. For more information, see the U.S. Department of Justice website at www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa