Hold Your Breath and the Door! Quiz

Answer: Join the end/back of the line and wait your turn

Australians will expect you to find the back of the line and wait your turn. If you 'push in' expect to get lots of angry stares and possibly some verbal abuse. The thought running through the head of an Australian waiting in line before you will be "everyone else in the bank has had to wait in line as well, what makes you think you are so special to jump the queue?" Jumping the queue in Australia will definitely not be a good start to your round-the-world business trip.

Answer: Talk business before your host has broached the subject

In Brazil, business meetings generally start with an informal 'chat' before moving into business discussions. The host should always broach the subject of business, it's rude if you do it first. I hope you also remembered to make an appointment for the meeting? It's considered rude to 'drop in' at business and government offices without making prior arrangements.

Answer: If she decides to bring a gift for the host, make sure it's a nice quality pen

The Chinese will expect a business gift (but it's illegal for government officials) but there are certain things that are more appropriate to give, such as pens or taking your business associates out for a banquet. Clocks, handkerchiefs and things that are blue, black or white are associated with death - as are a few other items, so please refrain from giving them as gifts in China.

Being late is a big no-no and touching between males and females is highly inappropriate - even shaking hands, which is common in many other countries. Wearing jeans and revealing clothing are not considered appropriate for a business meeting, with the revealing clothing being considered offensive.

Hopefully you gave your business partner the correct advice?

Answer: False

Unlike Asian or Middle Eastern cultures, in the Dominican Republic avoiding eye contact will be taken as a sign that you have lost interest in the business deal. It is also advisable to avoid using too many gestures while talking as this is refrained from in formal business contexts.

Answer: Books or music

Books and music indicate intellectual pursuits and will make a good impression on your host - although it's not expected that you bring a gift at all. Knives and other sharp objects can be considered to symbolise the end of a friendship or relationship so probably not a good idea to give a cutlery set.

The wine is a big no-no as well. Countries that are well-known for producing their own alcoholic drinks can find it insulting to receive a similar gift. And how rude of you to presume to know the size of your associate and their taste in picking clothing - best stay well away from that option!

Answer: Your host should enter first

Age takes precedence over youth when in a business meeting in Germany, so let your older host enter the room first. Any other people in the meeting will expect to be greeted with a handshake, and to shake hands at the end of the meeting as well. Be careful when meeting with women though; wait until she offers her hand before presuming to shake it in greeting.

Answer: Hindu Indians don't eat beef and Muslim Indians don't eat pork

Before hosting your own dinner party, make sure you check religious conventions when it comes to food. Muslim and Hindus make up most of the population in India, and their religion bans them from pork or beef (Hindu - beef, Muslim - pork). Either do your research first to find out the accepted foods, or take your associates to an appropriate restaurant - probably much less stressful in the end!

Answer: Shove the card inside your coat pocket

Shoving the visiting card inside your pocket or briefcase without even a glance would definitely not be considered acceptable behaviour. All the other three options are expected to be done when a person is offered a visiting card by their host. It is impolite to accept the card with just one hand, it should be respectfully taken with both hands.

The receiver should then spend a moment reading the information on the card and may even compliment the quality or any other aspect of the card. Finally the card should be kept somewhere neatly ensuring it doesn't get creased/dirty and then the visitor should offer his own visiting card to the host.

Answer: Inquiring about your host's wife and daughters

Pakistanis are generally hesitant to do business with strangers and it is always helpful to have some common associates which can help you gain the trust of prospective business partners. Like with the Brazilians, it is considered rude to start discussing business immediately and you are expected to talk about general, non-controversial topics in the beginning.

At times, it may take more than one meeting before the actual business discussion takes place. Given the conservative society though, it is best to avoid any inquiries about the host's wife or daughters, though you may ask general questions about the family.

Answer: You didn't put a Spanish translation on the back of the card, it's one-sided and in English

In Spain, it is expected that you have a double-sided business card with English on one side and a Spanish translation on the other. Although most business people speak English, all business documentation should be provided in Spanish as well as English. When presenting your business card, make sure you present the Spanish side facing your associate.