United States

In the US, business card exchange is not as ritualized as in Korea or Japan. It usually happens at the beginning of a meeting, and handing or receiving a card with one hand is not considered rude. It's fine to put the card directly into your wallet or cardholder. Taking notes on a business card is also common. The focus is more on the conversation with the person rather than the card itself.

The typical business greeting is a handshake. Both men and women prefer a firm, confident handshake, and it's important to make eye contact. Among friends or close colleagues, a light pat on the back or a hug might occur, but a handshake is standard in formal business settings. Questions like "How are you?" are polite formalities; a brief reply like "I'm good, thank you. And you?" is usually sufficient.

US business attire can be slightly more casual than in Korea. 'Business casual' is common, with men often wearing shirts and trousers without a jacket, and women wearing blouses with skirts/trousers. However, for a first meeting or important conference, wearing a suit is safer. In tech or startup sectors, a more relaxed dress code might be acceptable.

US meetings are typically an environment for freely expressing opinions and engaging in discussion. It's important to present your views clearly and logically, and questions or counter-arguments are welcomed. They value efficient use of time and usually proceed according to a set agenda. In negotiations, a direct and data-driven approach is preferred, and rational arguments are important when seeking common ground.

Business meals primarily serve as a continuation of networking. Tipping culture is very important, so don't forget to tip 15-20% of the meal cost. Business conversations flow naturally during meals, and personal phone use should be avoided. It's common for each person to pay their own bill, but the business host may also cover the cost.

Appropriate topics: Weather, sports (especially popular US sports), travel, light hobbies, positive experiences, etc.
Topics to avoid: Politics, religion, income, health issues, personal family matters (unless the other person initiates).

While not strictly necessary in US business, a small gesture of appreciation is fine. Practical gifts or items that represent your home culture are more appropriate than overly expensive ones. However, it's good to check if their company has any policies regarding gift reception.

Light humor can help lighten the mood, but avoid jokes during important discussions or if they are inappropriate for the situation. American humor tends to be direct, so consider cultural differences.