Rosario Traducciones continues its virtual trip around the world, highlighting features and characteristics of different international markets. This month, we crossed Río de la Plata to learn more about doing business with Uruguay, one of the region's smallest countries whose demographic and macroeconomic characteristics position it as a strategic destination for exporting goods.
1) POPULATION AND TERRITORY
Uruguay is the smallest country in the region, with 176.215 km².
Montevideo, the capital city, houses more than half of the population and the economic and production activities. Therefore, if you would like to do business in Uruguay, you will not need to visit too many cities.
Along with Chile, Uruguay has the highest gross domestic product per capita in the region, ideal for products and services with a relatively high purchasing power.
2) SPANISH, NATIONAL LANGUAGE
Spanish is the most spoken language in Uruguay, in its Rio de la Plata variant, spoken by most of the population. Uruguayan variants of Portuguese are spoken in the border with Brazil. The most known is “Portuñol."
Other indigenous languages have also been spoken in Uruguay: Charruan and Guarani, which currently have no native speakers.
Among the foreign languages, there are other immigrant communities like Mennonite Low German, Italian or Russian. English and Portuguese are taught as second languages in formal education.
3) BUSINESS PROTOCOL
The Uruguayan business sector assigns great importance to personal relationships. Everyone either knows each other directly or has common acquaintances. For this reason, it is suggested to approach someone you have a connection with, who has a good reputation in the business.
Businesspeople greet each other with a handshake. Social kissing is reserved for women and men who are already acquainted with each other. Hugs and clapping hands are reserved for friends.
During introductions, last names are usually preceded by “Mr. or Mrs.” Mentioning professional titles is less common than in other countries of Latin America.
4) SOCCER, FAV CONVERSATION TOPIC
Business conversations are always preceded by an informal chat. Not surprisingly, the number one conversation topic is soccer. Soccer culture is deeply rooted in this country. Soccer fans show off their pride in winning two world championships and being the country with more Copa America championships won.
Something to keep in mind, in this regard, is the great rivalry between the two most important soccer teams in Montevideo: Peñarol and Nacional.
5) HOSPITALITY, THE URUGUAYAN DNA
Uruguayans are well known for their simplicity and hospitality and are keen on extending invitations to foreign visitors to lunch or dinner. In fact, food can be a perfect excuse to gather and talk about business.
It is customary to have business lunches/dinners in private homes. If the invitation is extended on the spot, you can bet it is a sincere gesture to be accepted without any obligation.
As a country with a livestock tradition, one of the typical and favorite meals is grilled meat. When a personal bond has been formed, visitors tend to be honored with this traditional meal.
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