When you're doing business abroad it is a good idea to check what the protocol is before you visit the country. Francoise Joyce has a few ideas about some of the countries you could export to and what to do when you get there.

Doing business in Russia

Keep your windscreen wipers in the glove compartment when not in use. National shortages mean they are likely to get stolen. Small business gifts labelled "Made in the UK" are in demand. Avoid expensive gifts as these may be seen as bribes. Avoid going to a business dinner with an empty stomach. Your glass will be filled throughout dinner with vodka or cognac. All taxpayers in Russia are entitled to a tax-free exemption equal to the minimum monthly wage. Amounts received from the sale of private housing in excess of 5000 times the minimum monthly wage are taxable. It is unheard of to ask someone to stop smoking. If you smoke, you should share your cigarettes generously.

Doing business in Brazil

At night, especially after midnight, most Brazilian drivers do not stop for red lights.

Business cards printed in Portuguese and English should be presented at the beginning of a meeting. If invited to a Brazilian home, it is customary to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes late, giving your hostess time for last minute adjustments. A temporary visa holder is granted a 12 month period before being taxed on world-wide income. Relocation expenses reimbursed to employees are not taxable.

Doing business in Spain

The image of Spaniards going to a siesta is very misleading. Do not assume that you will get a big lunch as they tend to have it late and it is often frugal.

It is advisable, if you speak Spanish, to stick to English if you are dealing with customers in the Catalonia region.

Spanish is, there, considered as the most hated foreign language. Spain is no longer the land of paella and olive oil.

The Spaniards have developed a very sophisticated habit. They like good quality goods at reasonable prices.

Meetings are often conducted on a fairly informal basis and when finished, Spanish people have a very good understanding of relaxing. Expect to eat late at night and be bright in the morning.

Doing business in Japan

When you get given a business card, offer it with two hands and pay attention to the content.

Japanese attach a lot of importance to the emphasis you put to consider their position. Present your business card with two hands as well.

Note that if yours is embossed, it shows your position in the hierarchy. The thicker the emboss, the higher on the scale. Do not expect to ever relax in an evening.

Conversations, no matter how trivial, are reported the day after to high management,

When you eat noodles the Japanese fashion, the noisier the better as it shows your appreciation of the food. Japanese people are very organised. Make sure that you have a well- planned agenda before the meeting starts and that everybody knows it.

Francoise Joyce is an export development adviser at Business Link Bradford & District.

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