Gestures aren't the only area in which the unwary traveler can get tripped up. Foreign cultures adhere to different business customs and behavior. For example, Caffeine junkies should restrain themselves in the Middle East. "Three cups of tea or coffee is usually the polite limit in offices and during social calls," counsels "Travel Pak," a free publication of Alia, the Royal Jordanian Airline. "Butif your host keeps going, you also may continue sipping. If you're had your fill, give your empty cup a quick twist a sort of wiggle--as you hand it back.That means "No more, thank you."
    Middle East visitors also should not be surprised "if others barge right into the office in the middle of your conversation with the person you are seeing," notes "Travel Pak." An old Arab custom calls for keeping an "open office." The British, however,consider it impolite to interrupt a visitor, even after all business has been transacted. The commercial caller is expected to be sensitive to this point,know when to stop, and initiate his or her own departure. In Japan certain guests at evening business gatherings will leave early. They should be allowed to leave without effusive goodbyes. The Japanese consider formal departures to be disruptive in such cases and disturbing to remaining guests. In Scandinavia and Finland business guests may be asked to shed their clothes and join their hosts in a sauna.
    The invitation is a sign that a good working relationship has been established. In the Arab world, the word"no" must be mentioned three times before it is accepted. In contrast, it is considered good business manners to make many and long efforts to pick up the check. In the People' s Republic of China, gift giving is considered an insult, says Patrick J. Lewis, President of Club Universe, a Los Angeles tour operator. "If you want to give someone a gift, make sure it's modest in value. This will not be considered offensive. but it may be declined," The Chinese manner of expressing friendship and welcome is to clap. Lewis adds. "You may be greeted with clapping when entering a factory,hospital, commune, or school. Politeness dictates that you respond with applause, even though it may seem like you're clapping for yourself."