Be careful to always use the 'vous' form of address until the person you are talking to tells you to drop it – or starts using the 'tu' form for you. It is better to veer on the side of caution.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Be careful at Mumbai airport because porters will load your bags on to trolleys the minute you have your back turned and then charge you for the privilege. If you do want a porter it is always best to negotiate the price beforehand.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

In Hong Kong, like elsewhere in Asia, business cards are treated with unusual respect. Always present and receive a business card with two hands. When presenting your card, ensure your name reads 'right way up' to the receiver. Upon receiving a business card, look at it first rather than immediately stashing it away - and it is always helpful to show some kind of excitement at seeing whatever is written thereon. After this, the business card may be put away, but never in your back trouser pocket!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Bear in mind that if you are entertaining a mixed group including locals, they will always be reluctant to be seen in public having too much of a good time anywhere where alcohol is obviously served, whatever their private feelings about it. A good solution to this problem is horse racing at Nad Al Sheba which happens on most Thursdays in the winter.

Patronised by the ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, horse racing is widely regarded as a good thing. It is enjoyed by all and there are a variety of corporate options provided by Dubai Racing Club which are cheaper than you would expect. Food and alcoholic drink is available to whoever wants it and the privacy of a box will be appreciated by locals.

Nad Al Sheba
www.dubairacingclub.com/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you are doing business in Dubai, particularly anything legal, patience is the key. Tea will be served regardless of deadlines and fairly lengthy requests after the health of family members and mutual acquaintances will follow thereafter. My tip is follow the maxim 'less haste, more speed.' Observe your hosts' order of proceedings and the goodwill engendered will ultimately be to your benefit.

Hospitality is taken very seriously and if at all possible accept invitations to dinner if given. Most of all, enjoy the different way of doing business, engage in the sometimes convoluted process and the subtle verbal games and learn that there is another way of doing things.

My tip for a hotel is the Marriot in Deira. Away from the glitz so that you can concentrate but close enough to everything that you want, first class business facilities and a rooftop pool. The best restaurants are the Sphinx at the Pyramids and Shabestani Iranian restaurant at the Hyatt.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The dress code in Fes is far stricter than Marrakech. In a week we saw one person in shorts, regrettably an Englishman.

In Marrakech we saw topless bathers at a hotel pool: an affront to Muslims we thought.

Photography is difficult. Buy something trivial in Fes and, and josh in French and you'll be allowed: in Marrakech it's money, money all the time.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This should always be shown to Thai royalty and monks. Never do anything stupid like lighting a cigarette with a Thai banknote. The King's head is on the note. You have just insulted the King. I once dropped my wallet, and playfully put my foot on it; I thought my Thai girlfriend was about to grab it. Without knowing it, I had caused offence. I had just placed my foot on the king's image. They will not get nasty with you. They know that you don’t know. It was very diplomatically explained to me.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I am not sure if it's actually illegal but it's certainly frowned upon. You can wear what you like, as small as you like, as long as there is something there preserving your modesty, even if very little is left to the imagination. As I understood, from good carioca (people from Rio) friends, it's very 'low class' to be topless and have a 100% tan. That's something for the ladies of the night...

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Thais, like anyone else can take offence. If you see a row of shoes outside a room/office etc, it means people are taking off their shoes before going in. Don’t wait to be asked, if you want to go in, take yours off. If you visit a temple you must remove you shoes. Do as the Thais do. If you must get down on the floor, fold your legs beneath you so that your feet point away from the Buddha. Wear appropriate clothing. Don’t wear shorts mini skirts or short-sleeved shirts. Cover yourself.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends