Chapters/Etiquette & Business Pleasure
Who's Paying for Dinner?
Why picking up the tab might make Norwegians uncomfortable—and what to do instead.
I made a serious gaffe in one of my early visits to Norway. I had asked a colleague to assemble a dinner with influential players in my industry. My goal was nothing more than a casual setting to get to know each other.
Even though I specifically said ahead of time the dinner would "be my treat", panic ensued when the bill came and I swiftly swiped my credit card covering the entire bill. I turned around to see looks of shock and uncomfortableness upon their faces. I had made a huge mistake.
No Such Thing as a Free Meal
In Norway, there really is no such thing as a free meal. To buy someone a meal, even in a business setting, is often construed as you trying to win favor. This is a culture that does not want debts or the feeling that something is owed to anyone.
Tax Implications
Additionally, there are even further tax repercussions in these scenarios. In a country where they love their taxes, there is little affordance for gifting, free meals or other questionable business expenses. One could easily get in trouble for accepting too many gifts and meals.
A Broad Definition of Corruption
Norwegians have a very broad definition of corruption. This is for several reasons but primarily comes down to Norwegians not wanting to feel indebted to anyone. When they do, they'll be eager to pay off any debts quickly.
You can literally lose potential business partners through your generosity, even if your intentions are not to win influence.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Don't insist on paying for others—it creates discomfort
- ✓Norwegians don't want to feel indebted to anyone
- ✓When the waiter asks to split the bill, read the room first
- ✓Excessive gifting can be seen as corruption
About the Author
Sean Percival is an American venture capitalist and author living in Norway. After failing spectacularly to expand a Silicon Valley venture fund into the Norwegian market, he collected his lessons learned into this guide to help others succeed where he initially stumbled.
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