Iran: Appointment Alert!
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Making appointments
Appointments should be made in advance both via telephone and in writing. Prior to arriving in Iran, telephone again just to confirm time and place.
Business hours are Saturday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is usually an hour at around 1 p.m.
Friday is a holiday. No business will take place, so either try and avoid making an appointment on this day or ensure you can use this extra time to see some of Iran.
There are a few key times to avoid in Iran. No-Rooz is the major holiday for Iranians. Although its roots are in Zoroastrianism, this New Year celebration is an integral part of Iranian culture. All offices, businesses, shops, etc will close for 2-3 weeks.
Other times to avoid are Ramazan [the month of fasting], Eid-e Fetr [festival celebrating the end of Ramazan], Eid-e Ghurban [celebrating the end of the pilgrimage] and Ashura [the tenth day of Muharram].
All of the above with the exception of No-Rooz are calculated upon lunar movement so will differ in time each year. No-Rooz takes place between March 21st-25th.
Punctuality in Iran is rare. However, it will be expected of you. If you are dealing with government officials, be prepared to be kept waiting. The administration and bureaucracy in Iran can be chaotic, meaning that officials may need to address an important issue before seeing you. Be patient and courteous. If you like tea, do not be afraid to ask for lots of it!
The traffic in Tehran is notoriously heavy. If travelling to a meeting by road, leave plenty of time.
Although many Iranians in business and in the higher levels of government will have a good understanding of English, it is best to arrange for your own interpreter to accompany you.
At the beginning of any meeting, engage in niceties and ask after people's health, families, work, etc. Wait for your counterpart to initiate the transition in conversation to business matters.
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