PERU

History

Language Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua (an Ameridian languages). Besides Quechua, another Indian Language, Aymara, is widely spoken in the southern highlands.

Religion The spanish brought Roman Catholiscm to Peru., and over 90 percent of the population is considered Catholic. About 5 percent belong to various protestant faiths. Demographics Nearly one-third of Peru´s twenty- three (1993 estimates) people live in the Lima area. Aproximately 40 percent of the population is under fifteen years old.

Business Practices Peru like many southamericans write the day first, then the month, then the year (e.g., December 3, 1999, is written ). Appointments should be schedules in the morning, and they might invite you to lunch. Business are open six days a week, business hours generally run from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 or 6:00 P.M.

Negotiating Include variety of material in your presentations. (attractive graphics, computer demonstrations, etc). Be prepared to discuss all aspects of the contract currently rather than discussing individual aspects, be preparef for seemingly extraneous data to be reviewed, and re-viewed. Ask questions, avoid confrontations.

Peruvians may be more comfortable discussing their Spanish heritage than their indian background. Have your business card and all company materials printed in both Spanish and English.

Businness Entertaining Discuss business over dinner is not common. Discuss business over dinner is not common. Most dinners invitations will be for 9:00 P.M., which means dinner will probably be served around 10:30 P.M. Arrive 30 minutes late and stay 30 minutes after dinner ends. Most dinners invitations will be for 9:00 P.M., which means dinner will probably be served around 10:30 P.M. Arrive 30 minutes late and stay 30 minutes after dinner ends. Stay at first-class hotel. Fell free to use it to host a meeting. (Be careful not to touch anything metal when taking a shower, since shower heads are connected to electrical units. Stay at first-class hotel. Fell free to use it to host a meeting. (Be careful not to touch anything metal when taking a shower, since shower heads are connected to electrical units.

Time Peru is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.-5), or the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Peru is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.-5), or the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Protocol Protocol

Greetings Men and women shake hands both in greeting and parting. Once a friendship has been established, men greet each other with a hug, and women may kiss one another on the cheek.

Gestures Peruvians communicate in close proximity, when they stand nearby do not back away. Crossing your legs by resting the ankle of one leg ont he knee of the other is inaproppiate, however you may cross your legs at knee. When eating out, be sure to rest both hands on the table, rather than leaving one in your lap.

“I´m thinking” is represented by tapping your head. “I´m thinking” is represented by tapping your head. “Go away” is shown by holding your hand flat and flicking the fingers toward the irritation. “Go away” is shown by holding your hand flat and flicking the fingers toward the irritation. “Pay me” is signified by an eyebrow raise, or by sweeping your hand toward your body. “Pay me” is signified by an eyebrow raise, or by sweeping your hand toward your body.

Gifts A gift with a significant connection to your home state will be remembered. A gift with a significant connection to your home state will be remembered. Giving a gift in the first meeting is not required, instead buy lunch for your prospect to cement the relationship. Giving a gift in the first meeting is not required, instead buy lunch for your prospect to cement the relationship.

When invited to home, bring wine, whiskey or other liquors, chocolates. Bring gifts for children: U.S. university T-shirts, caps,etc. When invited to home, bring wine, whiskey or other liquors, chocolates. Bring gifts for children: U.S. university T-shirts, caps,etc. Avoid sending thirteen of anything, any purple or black objects (which have connotations of religious ceremonies), knieves or handkerchiefs. Avoid sending thirteen of anything, any purple or black objects (which have connotations of religious ceremonies), knieves or handkerchiefs.

Dress For business meetings always dress in formal, well-tailored suits. For business meetings always dress in formal, well-tailored suits. Invitations to official parties normally require tuxedos and cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Invitations to official parties normally require tuxedos and cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Foreigners should not wear native indian clothing, even if they intend to honor the local culture. Foreigners should not wear native indian clothing, even if they intend to honor the local culture.