Chile: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 2
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
Chileans emphasize good table manners and will observe how you measure up. The "continental" style of dining is a must: the knife stays in the right hand and the fork remains positioned in the left. These utensils are never switched.
"Finger food" is not a part of formal meals, so it is necessary to use the utensils provided.
Always keep your hands visible when dining, with your wrists resting on the edge of the table. It is considered bad form to keep the hands concealed.
Take small bites and chew slowly. Chewing loudly, clanging silverware, scraping the plate, lip-smacking, and finger-licking are considered vulgar.
Accept everything that you are served. If you come across something that you don't like, just take a sample bite or two for the sake of politeness.
Wine should be poured with the right hand.
Before smoking, it's considered polite to offer cigarettes to your companions first.
Thank-you gifts or notes are not part of Chilean custom. After a dinner party or similar occasion, the best policy is to make a phone call expressing your thanks.
The gratuity is usually included in the bill. For exceptional service, it is polite to leave an additional 5% tip on the table. If a gratuity is not included in your bill, then a 10-15 % tip is in order.
Porters should receive a 1$ tip for each piece of luggage.
It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.
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