Practicing proper Dari business etiquette is essential when establishing a presence in Afghan markets. This includes not shaking hands or speaking directly with the opposite sex, keeping doors open if alone with them, starting high in negotiations and explaining compromises carefully. Business is personal in Afghanistan and establishing trust with colleagues is key before proceeding. Dress conservatively with suits for men and loose, knee-length clothes and headscarves for women.

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  Practicing proper Dari business etiquette
is essential when you are ready to
establish and grow a presence in new
Afghan markets.
 Being familiar with and mastering Dari
business etiquette will ensure successful
cooperation with your Afghan
colleagues.
 Honor and shame are important values in
Afghanistan, be sure to keep this in mind
while traveling abroad. W
 hen doing business, avoid any comments
that may come across as disrespectful of
an Afghan colleague.
 By exemplifying your knowledge in Dari
business etiquette, you will impress your
colleagues and demonstrate your ability
in the business world.

3.  Men and women do not
shake hands with each other
while in Afghanistan. They do
not speak to each other
directly either.
 If you happen to be alone with a person of the opposite sex, be sure
to keep the door open.
 Always be sure to discuss that you want to build a strong relationship
with your Afghan colleagues, and that indeed you do value fairness
and justice.

4.  In Afghanistan, culture dictates that one side must always be stronger
than the other.
 Afghans will try to get the best for
themselves at all costs in any situation.
In negotiations, always start high.
 When working toward a compromise,
explain in detail how this compromise
will, in fact, damage your business but
that you are willing to sacrifice to
establish the business relationship.

5.  Treat cards respectfully and never
place into your back pocket. When
translating your card, keep the
address in the original language.
 Go that extra mile and impress your
Afghan colleagues by getting a Dari
translation of all pertinent documents.

6.  Be punctual and show respect for
the cultural norms.

7.  Business is personal, and must be
respected.
 Establish confidence when you first
meet your Afghan colleagues as
they will only do business with a
trustworthy colleague.
 Proceed in your business matters
only after you have established that
essential trust.

8.  Always be sure to dress
conservatively... always!
 Formal suits for men are
appreciated. For women the body
must be appropriately covered with
knee-length loose skirts and pants
underneath.
 And in respecting the culture of
modesty, it is important that women
wear headscarves.