Business Meetings

• Business people in Trinidad follow an American or English standard for business meetings. They exchange pleasantries for a short period of time, but prefer to ‘get down to business’ right away.
• Show up on time for business meetings in Trinidad; when running late or experiencing a scheduling conflict, proper etiquette suggests you notify the coordinator of the meeting immediately to reschedule.
• Trinidadians tend to be very direct and to the point but often soften the impact of any criticism with a self-deprecating joke.

Business Cards and Professional Titles

• Similar to U.S. professionals, businesspeople in Trinidad do not have a specific method for handing out business cards in a meeting. However, treat the card from a Trinidadian with respect; refrain from turning the card, shoving it in your pocket, or writing on the printed side of the card.
• As far as professional titles go, Trinidadian professionals prefer that you refer to them as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. Once a business relationship is established, Trinidadians may invite you to use first names.

Negotiations

• What you see is what you get and there is no usually no provision for bargaining or long delays for decisions. However it is not considered rude or unacceptable to ask about further negotiations or the possibility of bargaining.
• Be courteous and professional at all times but maintain your right to shop around in a discreet manner if possible.
• The final decision for negotiations usually does not take long in Trinidad. In most cases, there is no time in the meeting for bargaining, and negotiation terms will be determined based on the information presented in the meeting.
• However, it is not considered rude to request time for additional bargaining. International colleagues may continue ‘shopping around’ for an acceptable offer, but this should be done with discretion.

Giving Gifts

• While it is not a requirement to give gifts to Trinidadian professionals, presents are welcomed–as long as they are not too personal. Gifts that contain company emblems are appropriate, and in some cases, it is acceptable to give items such as a quality bottle of wine if attending a business dinner.
• Gifts are opened in private–international professionals should adhere to this custom if given a present in Trinidad.

Business Attire

• For Men- Business suit or long sleeved shirt and tie with tailored pant. For more casual meetings, or in warmer weather, wearing a shirt and tie with tailored pants is acceptable.
• For Women - Conservative yet stylish corporate wear is the way to go. Women can also wear business suits, but should make sure that the outfit is especially conservative, i.e. skirts that are just at the knee or below, or suits that are not form-fitting.