This is one time the modern business gent should breathe a sigh of relief that he doesn't have to negotiate the sartorial minefield presented to his female colleagues, where an inappropriate display of too much flesh in the wrong country can cause outrage among the locals.

But still, you need to be mindful of not appearing too casual or disrespectful of your hosts' culture. If you're in any doubt what's appropriate business dress in the country you're due to visit a good tip is to email the concierge of your hotel and just ask what the typical business attire there is.

In certain countries - say Japan and Switzerland - the more formal the better, so you won't go wrong with a conservative dark suit and a couple of different ties and cufflinks in your luggage. Whereas in Italy a looser, more informal approach can work - but we wouldn't recommend anything less formal than a smart shirt and well pressed chinos. Think smart and luxurious accessories - it's one of the fashion capitals of the world after all - and dump the Michael Jackson white sock look, it's beyond naff. In Germany and especially Spain, meanwhile, your best bet is to avoid anything flashy - dark business suits and solid ties rather than striped ones.

You need to be particularly self-aware in strict Muslim countries such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai). Always opt for an ultra-conservative approach - short-sleeved shirts, open-toed sandals and visible flashy jewellery, especially around the neck, are big no-nos. Keep your shirt buttoned-up to the collar and your tie and jacket on (but make sure it's a linen jacket - it's damn hot out there). And if you happen to be on business in Hong Kong, make sure you pack a red tie - it means luck and will win you brownie points with your hosts. (And avoid white - it means death. Not the best first impression you could make.)

1. Business card protocol
In many Asian countries, including Japan, it's insulting to pocket a business card in front of the person who gave it to you, and even more insulting to write on it. So hold the card in both hands and give it your full attention.

2. Personal space
You could easily kill your meeting if you overlook this one. In Vietnam, any physical contact between men and women is taboo in public, and even if you're thinking of shaking hands with someone of the same sex you should wait until they initiate it. And in most parts of South-East Asia, avoid going anywhere near your hosts' heads - they're sacred.

3. Gift giving
Bringing a little token from your home country seems like a nice gesture (unless you were thinking a cuddly Paddington bear and a packet of Hob Nobs) but be careful. In India and many Hindu countries, anything leather is a big no-no, while in Singapore make sure you present the gift to the whole company - a present for an individual will be construed as a bribe.

4. Minding your language
If you're using an interpreter, hopefully they'll have the sense to correct your faux pas, but if you're trying to speak your hosts' language be very careful. In 1963 President John F Kennedy famously told Germans "Ich bin ein Berliner", which could be translated as "I am a jelly doughnut."

5. Don't get too personal
Sometimes the overly-familiar approach that could help seal a deal in, for example, the States needs to be toned down. In Argentina avoid asking what someone does for a living unless they prompt it and in France you should avoid personal questions altogether.

6. Eating rituals
In Asian countries keep your chopsticks under strict control - no waving, pointing, tapping on the bowl or worse, sticking them straight up in the rice. As you might work out, it's kind of rude. As a general rule, if someone offers you a local delicacy, it's best to accept and eat it. Monkey brains anyone?

7. Drinking rituals
If in doubt always accept anything you're offered and copy your hosts. In Bahrain for instance you should always accept an offer of tea. And in a serious wine-drinking country like France never switch from red to white half way through the meal. It's crass.

8. Get your names right
A big personal insult if you mess up on this one. Latin American countries tend to be tricky as the father's surname comes before the mother's, which ends someone's full title, but it's only the father's you use in polite address (so Ricardo Antonio Suarez Garcia is Senor Suarez).

9. Gestures
Another potential minefield, so get out your note pad. Everyday gestures you think nothing of can be considered rude - crossing your legs when sitting (Egypt), holding up five fingers with your palm out to hail a cab (Greece) - or worse, sexually provocative. And that could be anything from winking (India) to a thumbs-up (Egypt).

10. Initiating business discussions
Quite crucial, as it can make or break a deal. In many countries, including Thailand, you should always wait until your hosts bring up business. Likewise in Mexico you should never bring it up in your host's home unless they do so first.