Andorra may be a small country surrounded by the behemoths that are France and Spain. But that fact alone should not be the reason you put off doing business in Andorra! Here are the things you might want to know!
10. Don’t insult France or Spain
Andorra is a tiny principality in between both of these nations. Thanks to how the Andorran constitution is set out, the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell are both the crown princes of Andorra.
As such, Andorra has strong ties with both nation’s main spiritual heads and leaders.
These strong ties have also led to a huge amount of trade being done between Andorra and France and Spain. As such, Andorra’s biggest trading partners are both France and Spain, which has led to an Andorran dependency on both France and Spain.
Indeed, many Andorrans have Spanish or French (or both!) heritage, and take an insult of the French or Spanish as a personal insult.
9. Try some Catalan
Andorra is the only independent country (for the moment) who’s national language is Catalan. Whilst many in the country also speak French and/or Spanish, using even a few Catalan words (hello, goodbye, thank you etc.) will go a long way.
Most Andorrans will be happy to practice some English with you, take the first step.
Greet them in Catalan, at least attempt to hold a conversation in Catalan and then, if all else fails, the Andorrans are generally more than happy to continue speaking in English with you!
8. Use the local media
Whilst you shouldn’t flaunt it, the occasional reference to one of the daily newspapers Diari d’Andorra or El Periodic will certainly go a long way.
Whilst you probably don’t want to turn up to the office or meeting venue with one of these slung under your arm, using it as a reference over one of your own country’s media is certainly going to go a long way!
In fact, many Andorrans believe that their national media is one of the best tools for foreigners doing business in Andorra to use!
7. Lunch is 1300
If you’re planning on doing business in Andorra, it’s probably best that you know when they eat. Whilst breakfast is often around the same time as it is in other countries, lunch and dinner are much later.
Often, lunch is at 13:00 rather than 12:00, with many companies employing a 13:30 or 14:00 lunch! And lunch is typically much longer in Andorra compared to other countries. Andorrans often take an hour and a half or even two hours, compared to the hour most anglophonic nations employ!
6. Formality
Andorrans are a very formal group of people. If you are speaking in Catalan to them, you should always address them as vostès or vosaltres. Never referring to them as tu unless they insinuate that you can.
The say can be said for speaking to them in French or Spanish as well!
As far as attire goes, business suits are a must. Andorrans expect that your shirts should be nearly ironed, shoes polished and hair cut or tied back (for women).
A wedding ring and a watch is suitable for men. A wedding ring, necklace and watch/bracelet is acceptable for women.
5. Punctuality
If you’re doing business in Andorra, it’s expected that you have a watch, and a daily plan.
As such, Andorrans expect that you will never be late to any of your meetings with them. In most cases, they expect you to be early, rather than late.
Earliness is acceptable. Tardiness is unforgettable
As my old French teacher used to say, and it seems the Andorrans agree!
If you’re late to a meeting with Andorrans, no excuse will cut it as a general rule. And Andorrans won’t forget this, and will bring it up if you are late twice, or other issues arise with you or your company…
4. Don’t be arrogant
Nobody likes arrogance, and the Andorrans certainly do not. If you come in with the aura that you are better than your business associates, no matter how powerful or wealthy you may be, the Andorrans will not abide it.
The Andorrans admire confidence, yes. But over confidence or arrogance is completely unacceptable. Often, arrogance is not just seen as social inferiority by the Andorrans, but also a lack of manners.
And rudeness in Andorra will not be tolerated!
3. Less is more
Andorra, despite being one of the wealthiest countries on Earth, they are relatively modest. They don’t all live in 50 bedroom mansions in the mountains, nor drive around in Ferraris, nor have $4,000 suits. Some do, yes. But not everyone.
If you decide that you want to impress your Andorran business associates, it is certainly possible! It’s just that trying to be flashy isn’t the way to do it…
Just wear what you would to a business meeting in your own country. Rent a modest car that makes you look humble. Stay in a 3/4* hotel or a modest villa. Don’t try to flash your wealth. Even if you are the richest guy in the room!
2. Food & meetings
Whilst doing business in Andorra, especially with a long term client, you may find that the business meeting is set up at a restaurant. This is not because the Andorrans are a particularly hungry nation.
No, it’s because food is a large factor in Andorran life. Just as their lunches are later, and much longer than in traditional anglophonic nations. Their food is also a large factor in everyday for most Andorrans!
Which is quite similar to other countries in the Mediterranean, such as Italian culture!
1. Phone calls
If you are doing business in Andorra, and you are in Andorra, having a face-to-face conversation is preferred to one via Skype or a phone call.
If you are not in Andorra however, Skype will do just fine, however, remember that all final paperwork is expected to be signed in person with your Andorran acquaintances!
Andorrans generally don’t like someone who wishes to do something all via the internet as they want to get a good view of who you are. Whilst this may be done over the phone, it is much harder over Skype or phone, which is why it’s generally frowned upon.
What else should you know about doing business in Andorra? Remember, if you are looking to do business in Andorra, our translation services are world class!