A casual gesture or word could offend your foreign business contact. Here's a little world tour of office etiquette.

On the dot in Germany

If you have a business meeting in Germany, be on time. Making the other participants wait is very impolite. The same goes for your talk or presentation: time it! Meeting sessions always end at the scheduled time.

The Russian sense of hospitality

When meeting your Russian business contacts, here are two simple rules to remember: don't shake their hand on the doorstep, as that is considered unlucky, and take off your shoes.

Later, they will probably suggest going to the "banya" (steam baths), a place where Russian businessmen like to meet up and talk.

Exchanging business cards

The Japanese and Chinese attach great importance to the ritual of exchanging business cards. When you are given one, bow slightly and take the card with both hands. Then examine it closely to show respect.