Business Meetings

First rule of business meetings in Santiago: they never start on time, but this is no excuse for being late. Meetings always start out with coffee (or other beverage of your choice.) People usually go to meeting after meeting, so as Dave says, you need to be watch your fluid intake or you'll really need to use the bathroom! Meetings are extremely social and friendly, but highly efficient, probably because everyone drinks so much coffee.

Here's something that came as a surprise to Dave during a business function: when you receive a cellphone all during a business meeting, it's considered polite and expected to answer the phone and take the call. This proves to your fellow business meeting associates that you are polite and respectful of others' time.

Briefcases aren't a common sight. I ride the metro every day, and I rarely see a business person that isn't hand-carrying a notebook, calendar or folder. I don't know what I'd do without my backpack or messenger bag, but most people here seem very content just holding their paperwork - and their cellphones in their other hand.