Business in Peru
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It is more polite to go beyond simply saying “Hola” to greet someone. Instead, use Buenos Dias (good morning), Buenas Tardes (good afternoon), and Buenas Noches (good evening).
Greetings
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For both men and women, greeting each other with a handshake is expected and considered appropriate in a business setting.
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Once a strong business friendship has been established, it is normal for men to greet each other with hugs, and women to kiss cheeks. A greeting beyond a handshake is a sign that you have been accepted as a friend.In more informal settings, men will shake hands, women kiss cheeks, and men kiss women’s cheeks.
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Always greet people properly, even the shopkeepers and taxi drivers, no matter how long you have know them.
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Eye contact is very important in Peruvian business, and can often look like staring; however, it is seen as a sign of trust and respect.
Gestures
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Personal space is not observed in Peru. Peruvians will often stand nearby and it is considered rude to back away.
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It is normal for men to walk arm in arm with other men and women to walk arm in arm with other women.
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It is appropriate to use demonstrative and expressive body language and gestures with speech.
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Quick and short gestures are considered rude in Peru.
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It is considered rude to use your index finger to call someone over, instead turn your palm downwards and use all fingers in a sweeping motion towards yourself.
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Crossing your legs by resting your ankle on your knee is considered inappropriate. Legs should be crossed at the knee or ankles.
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It is considered a nice gesture to print your business cards in both Spanish and English (double sided).
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Peruvians often point with their lips rather than their fingers
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Making a “hang-ten” sign with your thumb and pinky extended means “lets go grab a beer.”
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Slapping the bottom of your elbow with the other hand in an open palm means that someone is cheap.
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Lifting the arm up, pointing the index finger down, and waiting it in a circle means, “I’ll be right back.”
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The American “O.K.” sign is considered inappropriate in Peru, but a thumbs up sign is a sign of approval or congratulations.