A handshake is the standard form of greeting in Hungary and in mixed company it is usually women who initiate. Conservative suits and ties are standard business dress and business people should be addressed by their title and surname. Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when doing business in Hungary who can set up meetings and act as an interpreter. It is important to invest time on building relationships; socialising is a key element of this and face-to-face meetings are vital. Punctuality is vital to all
occasions, and cancelling a meeting at the last minute may be detrimental to a business relationship. Due to the communist legacy there is an aversion to risk and plenty of red tape and therefore negotiations can be slow-moving and patience is required. Although Hungary remains male-orientated, being female is not a disadvantage to doing business. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, though summer hours tend to be shorter.
