International gift etiquette: what to know before you give

Customs differ a great deal between countries, regions and families, so treat these as questions to check rather than fixed rules.

Ask before you assume

The best source is someone from the culture: a colleague, a friend or the recipient's assistant. A short question avoids most mistakes.

Things that often carry meaning

• Colors. A color that means luck in one place can be linked to mourning in another, including in wrapping paper.
• Numbers. Some numbers are considered lucky or unlucky, which can matter for sets of items.
• Items. Some objects, such as knives or clocks, carry negative meanings in certain cultures.
• Food and drink. Religious and dietary rules matter. Alcohol may be inappropriate, and some meats may be unwelcome.

Presentation and timing

• In some places gifts are given with both hands, or opened later rather than in front of the giver.
• Holidays and festivals vary. A gift timed for one holiday may arrive outside the recipient's own celebrations.

Business gifts

Many companies and governments limit what employees may accept, and anti-bribery laws apply to gifts in many countries. Keep business gifts modest, give them openly and check the recipient's policy. When in doubt, a thank-you note or a small branded item is safer than something valuable.

A short checklist

1. Is the item allowed in the destination and by the carrier?
2. Does it carry any meaning I should avoid?
3. Is the value appropriate for the relationship?
4. Will it arrive in time for the right occasion?