Copyright 1996

WRAP UP YOUR VISIT WITH THE PERFECT GIFT 
Section 1A 
Section IB
'It is better to give than to receive'; 'Never look
Hong Kong Chinese greatly appreciate simple
a gift horse in the mouth'; Beware of Greeks
greeting cards, though obviously they will not
(ancient, of course) bearing gifts'. Gifts are a
refuse small tokens of friendship in the form of
fundamental element of culture and our lives
gifts.
as social creatures. They are also an important
part of our business relationships.
Books with plenty of illustrations are most
There are occasions when giving a gift
appreciated in Indonesia. Inappropriate items:
surpasses spoken communication, since the
alcohol, products made from pigs, warm
message it offers can cut through barriers of
clothing. Ties and cuff links are not commonly
language and cultural diversity. Present a
worn.
simple gift to your host in a foreign country
and the chances are he or she will understand
In Iran, short-sleeved shirts and any visual
you perfectly, though you may not understand
representation of naked or partially dressed
a single word of each other's languages. It can
people, male or female are highly
convey a wealth of meaning about your
inappropriate. Don't bother with ties, videos
appreciation of their hospitality and the
or records. As in all Islamic countries, there is a
importance you place upon the relationship.
strict taboo on any pork products.
Combine the act of giving with some
knowledge of and sensitivity to the culture of
Respecting the Arab tradition, gifts should
the recipient and you have an invaluable
endeavour to praise the recipient in Iraq and
chance to earn respect and lay the foundations
should never be of an order that cannot
of a durable and mutually beneficial business
reasonably be reciprocated.
relationship.
For all countries, take account of climate,
Avoid certain colour combinations: red, white
especially in regard to clothing. Some gifts can
and black (colours of the Nazi flag); and red,
be ruined by extremely hot or humid climates,
green and black (the Palestinian flag) in Israel.
possibly causing their receiver considerable
anguish. Consider the kinds of products that
Gifts are normally exchanged at the beginning
are abundant in the country concerned and try
of meetings with Japanese and should be given
for something that is uncommon there. Think
and received with both hands. It is seen as
about the level of language skills: a book with
impolite to give an unwrapped gift. The
hundreds of pages of English text may be at 
best useless, at worst embarrassing, to a person 
with limited English. Inform yourself as much
emphasis should be on high quality, though not
necessarily expensive, items.
as possible about local customs, rules and
When in Jordan, it is preferable, but not vital,
etiquette, especially to do with wrapping.
to avoid green in packaging. Do not give books.
presenting, superstitions, taboos and
videos, etc that mention Israel. Normal Arab
importantly, customs and quarantine 
regulations. The following is a brief account of 
the etiquette of gift-giving in some countries 
of Asia and the Middle East. 
customs apply, so no alcohol, pork, women's
clothing etc. Arabs generally do not greatly
appreciate handcrafts in wood, fabric or
pottery. Gifts should ideally appear valuable.

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Again, the exchange should be made with both 
Do not open gifts in the presence of the giver 
hands in Korea. Also, similar to Japan, is the 
in the Philippines. Not recommended are items 
emphasis on presentation. Do not use red ink 
alluding to religion. Many people are Catholic 
to write the names of the recipients. It is worth 
and many others Moslems. This also means 
remembering that it is customary for a gift 
literature and art with any possible suggestions 
given to a company to be shared out around 
of lewdness or racism are to be strictly avoided. 
the office concerned, so items that lend 
For Thailand, gifts should not be wrapped or 
themselves to this practice — like a bottle of 
packaged in black. Modest gifts, like ties, 
good whisky — are very well received. 
scarves and key rings, are much appreciated. 
Laos has virtually no cultural taboo items. It 
Traditionally, sharp objects like knives or even 
letter openers are not given as gifts. 
would be difficult to offend with virtually any 
No special gift-giving customs in Vietnam, but 
gift'- 
the Vietnamese are enthusiastic gift givers and 
Business contacts in the People's Republic of 
like very much to receive them as well. Liquor 
China are keen recipients of good Scotch 
and wine can be problematic, for reasons 
whisky and American cigarettes, to the point 
pertaining to Vietnamese tastes rather than 
where it is almost obligatory to take some along 
morality or religion.
when you go there. Or, if not obligatory, it 
certainly helps to warm relations.