Japan

China

Taiwan

Thailand

Korea

Malaysia

Middle East

Latin America

North America

Europe

Australia

• When meeting a Japanese colleague or business associate be prepared with a gift. The gift giving ritual is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture.

• When meeting a group of Japanese professionals, the quality and value of the gifts should be indicative of the rank of the person within the company with higher ranking professionals should receive higher quality gifts.

• When meeting a group of Japanese colleagues, either present a group gift or a gift to each individual. It is considered extremely rude to present a gift to one individual in a group, without giving gifts to the rest of the group.

• Avoid giving gifts in sets of four. The word "four" in Japanese is "shi", which is also associates with the word death.

• Always wrap the gift you are going to present. Avoid white wrapping paper as white represents death.

• Avoid giving monetary gifts or gifts displaying company logos.

• Business gifts should be given at midyear and at year-end.

• Always present gifts with two hands.

• Avoid giving watches or clocks as gifts. The word for "clock" in Chinese is similar to the word for "death.

• Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black as these colours are associated with funerals. Red, yellow and pink are regarded as joyful colours.

• Red lettering and sharp objects such as knives, letter openers or scissors are also gifts giving no-no's as these items imply the severance of a relationship.

• Display your company logo on the gift, this ensures that the gift is not seen as a bribe but more as a form of advertising.

• It is customary in the Chinese culture to refuse a gift repeatedly, but it is expected that the giver will persist and the recipient's acceptance will soon follow.

• Do not give gifts that were originally manufactured in Taiwan.

• Wrap gifts in bright colours.

• "Three" is considered a lucky number.

• Generosity is viewed as a valued personal trait. Expensive gifts are very well received.

• Gifts between business associates are viewed as symbols of appreciation.

• Four of anything is considered unlucky.

• It is extremely important to consider the Muslim culture. Avoid pork, knives, alcohol, and highly personal gifts.

• Present gifts with right hand only.

• In the Indian sectors of Malaysia, avoid black and white colours. Instead opt for, yellow, red or green which symbolizes happiness.

• Gift giving is extremely important in the Arab culture. When receiving a gift, reciprocate with a gift a equal value and quality.

• Avoid giving alcohol and leather products made of pigskin, which are offensive to Muslims.

• Do not give gifts to the wife of an Arab colleague or inquire about her.

• Ideal gifts for a the middle east are: highest quality leather (not pigskin), silver, precious stones, cashmere, crystal or porcelain.

• Gift giving reinforces business relations.

• Choose gifts carefully by taking into consideration the tastes and interest of your Latin American business colleagues.

• Avoid leather gifts, as fine leather is common in South America.

• Avoid gifts that will be perceived as a bribe.

• Avoid highly personal gifts such as clothing.

• Gifts unique to a particular region are well appreciated.