Sometimes foreign visitors come to our company and we need to socialize and make some small talk. However, cultural differences have to be taken into account before we start socializing.

Here are some topics you can find out about your partner’s country:

• regional and cultural differences
• the economy
• the role of women in society and in business
• how your company’s industry fits in
• exporting and importing
• the current political situation

You should also learn about which topics are sensitive and which ones you can talk about in small talk.

Here are some useful sentences you can use when receiving foreign visitors.

Nice to meet you. / Pleased to meet you.
How was your trip?
How was your flight?
Did you have a good trip?
How are things in Paris?
How long are you staying in town?
I’m sure you’re going to like it here.
Have you ever been to New York before?
Is this your first visit to the United States?

You can also offer assistance by saying:

Do you need anything?
Can I get you anything to drink?
Do you want me to call you a cab?
If you need to use the conference room, just let me know.