Be on Time Here, be Late There…

• It is imperative to be on time for meetings in the United States, but it may be different when dealing with others from foreign countries.  Assume the punctuality is important unless otherwise noted in the following commentary.
• United States: Be on time for meetings.  However, one may arrive later than the starting time at social functions where you are allowed to come and go.  Be no later than twenty minutes, though.
• Canada:  Be punctual as if you were in the United States but don’t expect French-Canadian employees and clientele to uphold the same standards since they are more relaxed regarding being on time for functions, even business meetings.
• Mexico:  Being on time is not as important as it is in the States, so don’t stress if you’re late.
• Germany:  Be punctual or early, as being late is considered rude.
• England:  Being a few minutes early won’t come off as odd, 
• France:  Being on time is casual, so don’t worry if you are up to fifteen minutes late.
• Italy: Lower level employees must be punctual, but it is not rude for an executive to run late.
• Spain:  Time is also relaxed in Spain, but it won’t be considered odd for a foreigner to be running behind.
• Russia:  Be punctual for business affairs, but it is okay to be up to fifteen minutes late to social functions.
• China:  Be on time or a few minutes early so that the Chinese you are with do not think you are being rude.
• Japan:  For social events, it is considered being “fashionably late” if you do not show up on time.
• Australia:  Be very punctual, as being on time is stressed.
• Information obtained from http://www.cyborlink.com and http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/business_etiquette/recruiting_event_etiquette.html