Cultural Resume of Peru

Cultural Resume of Peru

Customs and Courtesies

Greetings: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are officially recognized. Many speak Spanish and an indigenous language; those with higher education often also speak English (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2). It is polite to greet all people you meet. Greetings such as "Buenos Dias" ("Good Day") and smiling are important. The address of "Gringo/Gringa" ("Foreigner") is meant politely. The most common man/woman and man/man greeting is the handshake (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2); women friends may give/receive a kiss on the right cheek but because it's slightly less formal, only the Peruvian should initiate (Debenham, 2011); men may also pat each other on the shoulder and children may be greeted with an arm around the shoulder or a pat on the shoulder (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2).

Visiting: Passports are required for all international visitors except some citizens of Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador who are visiting some areas of Peru. Citizens of Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador, and most citizens of the Americas and Western Europe do not need a visa. Tourists may stay in Peru up to 90 days but a tourist can request an extension from immigration authorities. Upon arrival, you will receive an International Embarkation/Disembarkation Card on the plane or at the immigration post and you must fill it out and give it to immigration authorities when arriving and leaving. Also when arriving, you must declare any plants or animals you carry, and present sanitary permits from your country. Without the sanitary permits, the Peruvian sanitary authority may burn the plants and/or kill the animals. When leaving, you must also fill out a form declaring taxable items you have acquired during your stay. Personal clothing and belongings, portable computers and adventure sports gear are nontaxable (Peru Tourism Bureau, 2011);

3. Eating: Main staples are potatoes, rice, beans, fish, and tropical fruits and soups. Corn is also a staple for indigenous people. Guinea pigs are eaten and raised in most rural and some urban homes. "Ceviche" (raw fish marinated with lemon and vinegar) is a popular coastal dish. Fresh vegetables are eaten seasonably. Peruvians hold their forks in their left hands and their knives in their right hands, which is the "continental" style. Both hands are kept above the table but elbows are not. Manners are important. In restaurants, waving summons the waiter. If no tip is included in the bill, tip; if tip is included in the bill, still leave a small tip (International YMCA, n.d., pp. 2-3). Peruvian cuisine includes dishes from 3 regions: the coast, Highlands and Jungle. The Visitor's Bureau advises visitors to always ask if the dishes are spiced. Alcoholic beverages include: the "Pisco Sour Cocktail," made with a grape brandy called "Pisco," which is the national drink; the "Chicha de Jora," a fermented drink made from yellow corn; "Masato," a yucca beer typical in the Amazon region. Non-alcoholic drinks include "Chicha Morada," which is made with purple corn (Peru Tourism Bureau, 2011);

4. Gestures: Gestures can be lively, especially when used to emphasize whatever is being said. Expect frequent physical contact between people of the same gender. The OK sign, a circle formed by the thumb and index finger, can be interpreted as obscene. Tapping your head means, "I'm thinking." Once you know a Peruvian, maintain eye contact, which signals sincerity and help them trust you (Katz, 2008, p. 2);

5. Personal Appearance: In urban areas: western-style clothing is worn; people dress up when going out in public, and it is bad taste to leave home wearing old/dirty clothes. In rural areas, traditional outfits, usually made of hand-woven fabrics and connected with ethnic backgrounds are often worn. In jungle areas: "informality is the rule" (International YMCA, n.d., p. 2).

6. Group Meetings: Schedule meetings at least two weeks beforehand, if possible, and give details on titles, positions and responsibilities of all attending. Prepare business cards with your advance degrees and title, especially if you have seniority, one side in English and the other in Spanish. Bring more business cards than you need. The meeting might start considerably late but do not be more than 10 -- 15 minutes late or call ahead if you will arrive even later. On the other hand, if the meeting starts very late, sometimes more than an hour late, do not act impatient, as that will reflect badly on you. At the meeting, Peruvians' titles and ages give clues about their standings in the company hierarchy; however, if that is not provided, look for deferential gestures among the attendees, which clue you on hierarchy. At the meeting, Peruvians introduce themselves with their first names, then father's family name, then mother's family name. When addressing someone, if he/she has an academic title like Doctor or Professor, use that plus the father's family name; if not, use Mr. / Mrs./Miss or Senor/Senora/Senorita, plus the father's family name. Only close friends use first names. Introductions include handshakes. When handing your business card, make sure it has the Spanish side facing the recipient. When the other person hands you his/her business card, smile and keep eye contact; then examine the card and put it on the table in front of you. Meetings start with small talk and it is important to be patient. You can use a sense of humor but keep it light and friendly. Peruvians take business seriously, so the meeting may be formal but chaotic, with many interruptions and conversations. The first meeting is designed to become acquainted and build relationships, probably not to make important decisions. Use good, clear, attractive presentation materials, with diagrams and pictures when possible, and preferably translated to Spanish. Use few words and keep them simple (Katz, 2008, pp. 2-3).