Austrian etiquette

Meeting and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone (incl. children) present at a business or social meeting; shake hands with women before men. Women should offer their hand first. Shake hands again when leaving.
• Don't be surprised however some Viennese men may kiss the hand of a woman. Accept this tradition graciously. A foreign man should not kiss the hand of an Austrian woman, since it is not expected and may come as a shock.
• Austrians are more reserved and formal. Kissing, hugging, touching and physical closeness in public are not common.
• Eye contact is very important to Austrians.

Names and Titles

• Titles are very important. Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Austrian host or colleagues to use their first names.
• Herr/Frau + professional title + surname are used when initially addressing someone. Example: Herr Doctor Bauer. Frau + professional title + surname are also used when addressing the wife of a professional. Example: Frau Doctor Bauer. All women over 18 are Frau, even if they are not married.
• After you initially meet someone, you can drop his/her lastname and address the person using Herr/Frau + professional title alone. Example: Herr Doctor or Frau Doctor.

Dining and Entertainment

• Austrians insist on punctuality for social occasions.
• The host gives the first toast, then the honored guest returns the toast later in the meal. Maintaining eye contact during a toast is very important.
• Never cut a dumpling. Instead, hold the dumpling with your knife and break it apart with your fork.
• When finished eating, place your knife and fork side by side on your plate at the 5:25 position. An open knife and fork on your plate means you would like more food or that you are not yet finished eating. Do not leave any food on your plate at a dinner party.
• Do not discuss business during a meal unless your host initiates the conversation.

Dress

• Austrians take pride in dressing well, regardless of where they are going or what position they hold. Avoid wearing shorts in the city, especially when shopping.
• Dress well when attending a concert or opera.

Gifts

• Gifts are opened immediately upon receipt.
• When invited to someone's home, always bring a gift for the hostess. Give: flowers (in odd numbers only, except for the dozen--an even number means bad luck—and unwrap before giving to hostess), wine, pastries, chocolates, brandy, whisky. Do not give: red roses, unless romance is intended, red carnations (official flower of the Social Democratic Party), perfume.
• Gifts are generally not expected in business, but come prepared in case a gift is presented. Give: desk attire, books, music, a regional or country gift. Do not give: personal gifts, gifts with sharp edges, gifts with company logo (unless very subtle) or a very expensive gift.

Corporate Culture

• Austrians take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise; call with an explanation if you are delayed. Never cancel an appointment at the last minute.
• Light conversation usually precedes business.
• Rank and title are very important in business. Power is held by a small number of people at the top.
• The business community is very political. Everyone is careful about what they say to or about anyone else.
• Business is conducted at a slow pace. Be patient.