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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Always address acquaintances by their last name and title until invited to do otherwise.
2. Do not expect lively dinner conversation. In general, during dinners people may refrain from talking until after everyone has eaten.
3. Should you be invited to dinner, it is fine to bring a gift for the host or hostess. The best gifts for a dinner occasion would be chocolate, a bottle of wine or liquor, as well as flowers (odd number).
4. Some families will have you remove your shoe before entering their home.
5. Punctuality is very important both for business and social functions.
6. Guests should never refuse an offer of drink or food completely. If a person does not drink alcohol, do ask for a substitution such as a coke or tea. If one visits a Slovak house and takes nothing that is offered, the host may become upset. Graciousness in all cross-cultural settings goes without saying.
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