Different cultures have different views on hat it mean to be late. Being on time is very important for people in countries like Germany, Switzerland,the United States and Japan. In these and other countries, punctuality is seen as a form of respect, and being late is Regarded as disrespectful and bad manners though arriving five minutes late for a meeting is usually acceptable. You should also not get to an appointment too early, because you might arrive before the others are prepared to meet you; five minutes early is usually acceptable. If you are in doubt about what is correct -then be on time!