Miami Business Tips

(Miami, Florida - FL, USA)

Miami's financial Brickwell Banking and Commercial district is full of many skyscrapers and large office blocks, with fine examples of early Miami skyscraper architecture.

These impressive high-rise steel and glass Miami business structures line Brickwell Avenue in Miami's Financial District by Biscayne Bay. With over 150 commerical banks, Miami is an international financial capital and in often referred to as the 'Capital of the Caribbean' and also the 'Gateway to the Americas'.

Business Hours and General Etiquette

In both dress and manners, Americans can be less formal than Europeans, although normal business courtesies should still be observed.


The degree of formality necessary depends upon the actual nature of the business, with financial and legal professions being more formal than computer and media organizations. Although both men and women may still wear suits, short sleeve shirts are acceptable in the summer.

Business hours in the Miami bay area are usually from Monday to Friday, between 09:00 to 17:00, although some Miami offices may close slightly later. Many shops are open longer and often throughout the weekends, and some supermarkets are open 24 hours. Banks in Miami generally open from 08:00 to 16:00 and on one day of the week until late in the evening. On Saturdays, banks in Miami are often open until midday.

Working lunches are a popular way to do business in Miami and Americans are quick to use first-name terms. Some exclusive restaurants have a strict dress code, although a more informal, yet presentable dress code is acceptable. Drinks or dinner is a popular way to end the hard working week.

Greeting Someone

A brief and friendly handshake is usually the customary greeting in this business community. New acquaintances are often addressed on first name terms.

Smoking

Many restaurants now have a strict 'no smoking' policy, although some tend to cater for smokers in different areas. Most offices are now nonsmoking and as this is currently a sensitive subjective in America, it is best to only smoke when in the company of like-minded people.