"Dinner Deals & Culture Clues: Etiquette Hacks You Didn't Know You Needed"

When traveling for business, entrepreneurs frequently find themselves decoding unfamiliar dining customs, some more aware than others. It's easy to overlook dinner etiquette while focusing on pitches and presentations, but grasping this aspect can enormously impact your relationships.

Whether you’re meeting business partners in Panama or attending events in London, understanding appropriate etiquette makes every interaction smoother, more respectful, and ultimately more successful.

Even here in the United States, the etiquette on the East Coast differs from the West Coast. Many in the South see trust building with mutual small talk differently than many in the North see it in comparison to the weight of time management. Most importantly, the wisdom of understanding beyond our own comforts and the discernment of care that some think has no place in business… far from the truth.

Here’s beneficial advice from seasoned business travelers to help you navigate your next business dinner seamlessly, globally.

Keep Your Phone on "Do Not Disturb"

We’ve all been tempted by our phones for no reason at all, let alone during meals. Yet, resisting this urge speaks volumes about your discipline, ability to focus, professionalism, and respect for those around you. It may sound outdated, but think about it… what comes to your mind when observing someone who is challenged with active listening? Does it make you feel like sharing more than you planned or less? Does it make you think the person won’t remember the discussion thoroughly, let alone enough to grasp the significance of what is being said?

Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO of Canada Hustle, emphasizes the importance of this simple act:

"Don't pick up your phone during dinner. Keep it in DND mode. I do this all the time. It shows respect to everyone at the table and helps me stay fully present in the conversation, especially in new cultural environments.

During business dinners in new cities, I've noticed that local customs value undivided attention during meals. For example, when I was in Tokyo, I saw colleagues and local partners not having their phones out. This created an atmosphere of mutual respect and allowed conversations to flow more naturally. It was clear that being present was just as important as discussing business.

Keeping my phone on DND means I don't have to resist the temptation to check notifications and distractions. This habit helps me pick up on subtle cultural cues and engage more thoughtfully with my dinner companions. I once had a dinner where a partner was distracted by his phone, and there was an awkward silence. After that, I made it a point to always disconnect, which, in turn, helped build better relationships over time."

— Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Canada Hustle

Prioritize Cultural Awareness

Being culturally aware is more than just a nice gesture—it's a necessity. Every successful international entrepreneur knows that cultural understanding can make or break a business relationship. This doesn’t mean to pretend to be someone else, it means to grow beyond yourself.

Michael Kazula highlights the strategic importance of this awareness:

"It's essential to prioritize cultural awareness during business dinners and social events, especially in unfamiliar settings. Understanding local customs and etiquette enhances rapport and fosters trust, which is crucial for successful partnerships. Researching dining and social norms specific to the region helps navigate these interactions effectively, ultimately supporting your affiliate marketing objectives."

-Michael Kazula, Director of Marketing, Olavivo

Follow Your Host’s Lead

Feeling uncertain about etiquette is completely natural, especially when facing an array of unfamiliar utensils or complex dining rituals. Understandably, nobody wants to cross the line of cultural appropriation.

Travel advisor and experienced editor Ingeborg Von Aulock shares valuable insights on letting your host guide you:

"Take your cues from your host or the highest-ranking person at the event. Especially when you're not sure about local customs or expectations, letting your host 'lead the dance' is a sign of respect that will rarely steer you wrong. Pay attention to how they order, which utensils they use, the topics they discuss or avoid, and even how they signal the end of the meal.

I remember attending a formal dinner in Tokyo where I was initially a bit daunted by the array of utensils and unsure about the protocol for the multicourse kaiseki menu. But by appreciating the artistry of each dish as it was presented, following my Japanese colleagues' lead, and engaging in lively conversation, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this immersive business dining experience."

— Ingeborg Von Aulock, Travel Advisor & Editor in Chief, Outdoorsy

Observe Before Participating

Finally, don’t rush to participate immediately or appear pridefully confident, which often translates quite the opposite. Observing first allows you to avoid unintentional mistakes and shows that you value and respect your hosts' culture. It shows your ability to observe the things said when words are not in use. Mike Khorev offers practical advice on how to gracefully navigate unfamiliar dining situations:

"One of the best pieces of advice I can give for business dinners or social events in unfamiliar cultural settings is to prioritize active observation before participation. Pay close attention to how others interact, how they order food, or even how they exchange business cards—it can reveal a lot about unspoken etiquette. A simple but powerful tip: when in doubt, mirror the level of formality and respect shown by your host or key attendees."

-Mike Khorev, Managing Director, Nine Peaks Media

Maturing in business etiquette isn’t merely about avoiding faux pas; it’s about creating lasting impressions and fostering strong global business relationships. By following the advice of these seasoned travelers—keeping your phone away, prioritizing cultural understanding, taking cues from your host, and carefully observing before jumping in—you'll confidently handle your next business dinner, turning these meals into meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

Most importantly, you are building yourself for the marathon and not a “one-hit wonder” with no substance. The goal is not to be the perfect etiquette robot, it is the grace to be an authentic person with the gift of connecting with others beyond cultural lines with mutual cultural understanding.