Vietnam

Greetings

Man greeting Man – Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. They are usually gentle and not to prolonged. Many people use a two handed handshake when greeting and departing.

Woman greeting Woman- While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod of acknowledgment will do.

Man greeting Woman - While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod or slight bow will do. Wait for the woman to initiate.

Communication Style

• An indirect style of communication is preferred over a direct style. It’s best to imply what you are saying then actually saying it.

Personal Space & Touch

• Vietnamese prefer standing at least arms lengths from one another. Two and half to three and a half feet is normal. When conversing with friends and close acquaintances this distance is a bit shorter.
• Amongst friends and close acquaintances of the same sex, there is some touching during conversation. There is almost no touching between men and women while conversing.

Eye Contact

• Vietnamese tend to favor indirect eye contact over indirect. They may view overtly direct eye contact as suspicious and threatening.

Gestures

• Take your shoes off when entering a Vietnamese home, place of worship and some hotel rooms. Be sure to step over any and all thresholds.
• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.
• Beckoning or pointing with a finger is considered rude. Using your whole hand, palm flat, is the way to go.
• Always use two hands to pass or receive an object.

Views of Time

• Vietnamese people view time in a more relaxed sense for the most part. They put more emphasis on people, relationship, rather than set schedules and deadlines.

Gender Roles

• Even though constitutionally women are equal to men, is a male- dominated society with more opportunity and respect given to men over women
• It is best for women to avoid revealing clothing and lots of make-up.

Taboos

• Avoid touching or passing object over the top of anyone’s head as it is viewed as the most sacred body part.
• Avoid standing with hands on hips or arms crossed on chest as it may be interpreted as anger or a threat.
• Crossing the index and middle fingers is a rude gesture.

Law & Order

• There is no legal drinking age in Vietnam.
• The legal smoking age is 18 and is becoming increasingly enforced as well.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include mandatory life imprisonment in local jails and death.

Dress

• For men: conservative colored suits with white shirts and ties. Jackets are not a must but good to have just in case. Being well groomed is appreciated.
• For women: conservative skirts, pants, suits, and blouses are appropriate. Avoid short, tight fitting, and sleeveless attire.
• Jeans and business casual attire are not recommended but may be appropriate in more rural areas.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are somewhat important and to be safe it is best to address people by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Vietnamese and be sure to present and receive business cards with both hands.
• It’s best to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though they may not begin exactly on time.
• Hierarchy is very important in Vietnamese culture, so it is always best to defer to the most senior person in the room when it comes to beginning and guiding conversations.
• Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected. Avoid interrupting, showing displeasure through facial or eye movements and talking over someone. Be patient.

Negotiations

• Vietnamese value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
• Decisions are usually made by committee or group consensus, although final say tends to come from the top down and can take awhile, so patience is a must.
• Vietnamese will avoid using no in answering questions. They tend to say, “maybe”, or “that would be difficult” or even “yes” or “no problem” even if the answer is really no.

Gift Giving

• Very simple gifts are sometimes exchanged after a first meeting.
• If invited to a Vietnamese person’s house, it is appropriate to bring soaps, picture frames, and something for the children if there are any. Avoid flowers if possible.
• Gifts are not to be opened when they are received.

In the Classroom

• Dress is upscale casual as students usually wear slacks, shirts, pants, and blouses. Shorts and tank-tops are not usually appropriate.
• Classes at most universities run from early August to mid- June.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-10 scale with 10 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 5.