With cultural interaction ever increasing, there is a high possibility that you will someday have an opportunity to present a gift to a new friend or business contact. You may agree to host a foreign exchange student, or your child may take advantage of the opportunity to take classes abroad while staying with a host family. You may be the one selected to represent your company on the next trip to Japan; what gift would be appropriate to present to your foreign host? You have been corresponding with a pen pal for several years and you finally get to actually meet him on his native soil; what gift should you take?

Before selecting a gift to present in a foreign culture, there are some tips that you should be aware of. In order not to insult your host, be sure to verify the gift is suitable. You could discuss options with others who are from the host country or who have traveled there, or you can research information online or at the library. Your goal is to present a gift that will engender the relationship by showing appreciation and respect for the recipient.

Being sensitive to cultural differences can eliminate a nasty faux pas. In some countries, a business gift may even be construed as a bribe, so do your homework on a business’s gift-receiving policies. Also be aware of the gift’s value. Giving a very expensive gift can create uneasiness if the receiver is unable to reciprocate; on the other hand, you don’t want to give an inexpensive gift that would be considered an insult. If you happen to be traveling during the Christmas holiday, be considerate as to whether Christmas is even celebrated in that country. Giving a Christmas gift could be insensitive and even insulting to those of a non-Christian faith. You could still present a gift of friendship; just be sure the wrapping is neutral. Again…do your homework before you select.

There are definite no-nos in some countries: In a Muslim culture, no alcohol (including perfume), no product (including items made from pigskin) from pork, birds, shellfish or scavengers, no personal clothing items, no dog items (even a dog in a picture) since dogs are considered unclean. No leather items in Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay since they’re produced there quite inexpensively. No scissors or knives in several cultures since they represent severing a relationship. No handkerchiefs, or red, yellow or white flowers in Latin cultures since they’re associated with funerals. No sets of four items in Japan or China, since four is considered an unlucky number and is associated with death or funerals.

There are some items considered relatively safe for all cultures. Dining at a quality restaurant is usually a safe gesture of friendship or appreciation and doesn’t involve the risk of wrapping a gift in the wrong color or quality of paper. Other universally accepted gifts include quality ink pens (no red ink in China, please), flowers (check with a local florist for an appropriate selection and keep in odd numbers in Europe-except 13), quality chocolate (well, maybe not in Switzerland or Belgium and be sure to get kosher chocolate for Jewish friends) or a simple but sophisticated business card holder.

Having selected a gift, it is also important to know how and when to offer it. In several countries including China, it is important to present a beautifully wrapped gift with both hands or with the right hand (never the left hand). The gift will probably be refused three times but then received on your fourth gesture, then set aside for unwrapping at a later time. Be sure to express gratitude that the gift was accepted. If you then are offered a gift, you should also refuse it three times (you don’t want to appear greedy) before receiving it with both hands and setting it aside. In other cultures, it is important to not present a gift until you’re ready to depart, thus eliminating an expectation for a reciprocal gesture.

If given appropriately and with sincere consideration of the recipient, a gift can be a long-remembered symbol of friendship and genuine appreciation. Given carelessly or thoughtlessly, of course, a gift can be nothing more than an expression of expected protocol. If you desire to truly honor the recipient by selecting an appropriate gift, you will receive a sincere arigato, xiexie, merci, gracie, danke, takk…,making all your efforts worthwhile.