Hungary

Greetings

Man greeting Man – A handshake between men when meeting is common. If the men know each other well, a gentle hug while shaking the hand is not uncommon.

Woman greeting Woman – When first meeting, a handshake is common. If women know each other, then it is customary to kiss each other’s cheeks once on each side starting with the left side first.

Greetings between Men & Women – When first meeting a handshake is exchanged or sometimes a nod if the woman does not offer her hand. If the man and woman know each other, then a kiss on each cheek is customary. In some formal situations it may be acceptable for men to kiss a woman's hand.

Communication Style

• Hungarians tend to be quite direct and even confrontational when speaking in Hungarian. When speaking in English, it is different. They tend to be more passive, which requires asking more questions for clarification of what they really think or want.

Personal Space & Touch

• The appropriate amount of personal space is usually dependent on the relationship. A subordinate would stay at arm’s length when initiating a conversation with a superior; however, the superior may well close the space to respond.
• Those in closer relationships such as friends or family do not tend to adhere to any personal space restrictions. Much less than an arm's length is common. Strangers too, will usually speak right in your face.

• Unless you are family or on a very familiar level with a friend, it is uncommon to touch any part of someone’s body when speaking to them regardless of the sex.

• Female friends will sometimes hold hands or lock arms, but this is at a deeper friendship level.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is perfectly acceptable and considered a sign of honesty and respect for the person you are speaking with.

Gestures

• Pointing a finger is considered rude. If you need to point something out, flick the finger quickly drawing it back to you. The best way is to flick your head and eyes in the direction you want the person to look in.
• The thumb is used to signify the number one when you order something. For example, if you want one piece of cake, you use a thumb as you order to clarify. If you wish two, use the thumb and pointer finger.

Views of Time

• Hungarians have a tendency to be late for everything, but they never consider it rude to keep you waiting, since they expect you will be late as well. It is the rare person who is punctual, whether it is for business or pleasure, although in business it may be more expected.
• Much of the Hungarian person’s free time revolves around family regardless of one’s marital status. Youth through older singles spend a significant amount of time with their relatives and less time with their friends. If you are a foreigner and they feel a need to socialize with you, you may be included in a family event.
• Business events usually happen during the work hours and seldom extend beyond them.

Gender Roles

• Women’s liberation has not made strong inroads throughout the country, but that being said, women hold most all of the roles that men do.
• It is considered inappropriate for a woman to use foul language or be loud in public.

Taboos

• Showing someone the middle finger is an offensive gesture, as is spitting, men wearing a hat indoors, or putting your hands in your pockets when speaking to someone.
• It's best to cover your mouth when yawning.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking and smoking age is 18 years old. Drinking laws are enforced.
• Younger people smoke, but cannot buy cigarettes until they are 18.
• Drinking & driving is a serious offense and heavily enforced.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include fines and/or mandatory lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
• Smoking is now banned everywhere indoors including restaurants.

Dress

• For Men: Conservative, dark or medium colored suits with shirt and tie are common in corporate settings.
• For Women: Stylish yet classic business suits or dresses/pants and blouses are in corporate settings.
• Business casual and other informal attire may be appropriate depending on the industry.
• Make sure shoes and boots are always cleaned and polished and that clothes are neatly pressed.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are important at initial meetings. Use Mr., Mrs., or Ms., followed by the person's title and their surname.
• In business, everyone addresses each other as 'formal.' So, even if you know their name is Sven, and you're buddies, you still call him 'Herr' followed by his name.
• It’s best to use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name
• Most everyone introduces each other using their last name first, then their given name.
• Most Hungarians are proud to offer a business card. Be sure to take it with one hand admire it and put it away securely to show it is important to you.

Meetings

• Meetings are generally taken seriously and it’s best to be on time.
• It is common to greet the highest ranking person first.
• Some small talk is usually expected. It's best to allow the host to dictate the business discussion.

Negotiations

• Hungarians tend to be detail-oriented and will need to be sure of every part of a potential business deal before coming to an agreement.
• Business is hierarchical and decisions tend to come from the top down.
• Avoid hard selling and any sort of conflict or confrontation.

Gift Giving

• Simple gifts such as souvenirs from one’s country or company may be appropriate for initial business meetings, but are not expected.
• If invited to a Hungarian's house, it is appropriate to bring good quality chocolates/sweets, flowers, or imported liquor.
• Never give chrysanthemums; it is considered a funeral flower. Always give an odd number of flowers, not an even number.

In the Classroom

• Most schools from elementary through university start at the beginning of September and end at the middle to end of May. Universities usually end the second week of December and resume the first week of February. During this time, students are studying and taking final exams from the previous semester. At the end of May to the beginning of July, students are again taking exams.
• There are no dress codes either written or implied, so anything goes. However, some professional university studies, such as engineering or law, students are expected to dress in business attire (shirt and tie). Other university women tend to dress racier than what would be acceptable in many cultures.
• Grades range from a 5 (highest) to a 1 (Failure). A 0 grade would allow a student to repeat the course if they have not dropped it in the time frame given.
• Elementary through high school, the most common form of teaching is lecture with the students memorizing facts that the teacher gives, without the opportunity to question them. At the university, it is a mix of lectures and seminars, but students are often ill prepared to participate in seminars since it is new to them.

• If you have a typical Hungarian instructor, do not expect to have much of his or her time outside of the classroom. Due to poor salaries, most instructors teach at multiple institutions and do not have the time for individual attention for students.

Other Observations

• Many of the larger businesses here are other European companies, so follow the cultural aspects of the company’s culture.