Foreign trade gift guide (above): cross-country gift? These minefields should not be stepped on!

Publish Date:2025-12-03
Eyingbao
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International Gift-Giving Guide (Part 1): Cross-Border Gifts? These Landmines Must Be Avoided!

Old Wang: Hmm, Xiao Zhang, why the long face staring at the gift catalog? Preparing gifts for a new client?

Xiao Zhang: Yes, Brother Wang! That big Indian client is visiting next week and wants to show appreciation. I thought this leather notebook looked high-end... but colleagues just said it might be inappropriate?

Old Wang: Whoa! Stop right there! You almost torpedoed that deal! Giving cowhide products to Indian clients? That's blasphemy! In their culture, cows are sacred mounts of deities!

Xiao Zhang: What?! That serious? I thought it was just cultural differences...

Old Wang: Cultural differences? Step on these landmines in cross-border gifting, and at best it's awkward - at worst, you lose the deal! Gift-giving is an art! For Japanese clients, would you dare give combs?

Xiao Zhang: Combs? They seem practical...

Old Wang: In Japanese, "comb" (kushi) sounds like "suffering" (ku). Giving this equals wishing them hardship! Also, never give alcohol to Muslim clients!

Xiao Zhang: I know that - Islam prohibits alcohol. What other countries need special attention?

Old Wang: Plenty! Handkerchiefs for Brazilian clients? Might start a fight! Saudi clients? Never gift their wives directly - that's privacy invasion! Russian clients hate cash gifts - feels like charity. British clients detest white lilies - expensive yet offensive! German clients reserve roses for lovers - never exceed 10 stems. French clients avoid walnuts, chrysanthemums, dahlias, and perfume for ladies. Australians fear the number 13. Americans loathe black wrapping paper... Got it? These landmines must be avoided!

Xiao Zhang: Good grief! Feels like walking through a minefield! If we avoid these pitfalls, can we gift safely?

Old Wang: Hmph, dodging landmines is just step one! Next time I'll explain how your "patriotic treasures" might leave foreigners baffled or even disgusted! Prepare to have your mind blown! Everyone, share your wildest cross-border gifting fails in comments! See you next episode!

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