Gifts for Foreign Delegations: Protocol and Etiquette by Country
A gift for a delegation is more than a courtesy — it is part of protocol. A well-chosen gift shows respect for your guest’s culture, while the wrong one can cause awkwardness. Ahead of Expo 2027, we’ve gathered the rules most commonly observed.
General rules
- The gift should represent Serbia or your company — avoid generic items.
- Keep the value modest: many countries cap the value of gifts public officials may accept.
- Include a card with a short explanation in the guest’s language or in English.
- The head of delegation receives a more valuable gift; other members receive equal, more modest ones.
- Packaging is part of the gift: a neat box and a bag with your logo.
China
In Chinese culture a clock is never given as a gift, because the phrase “to give a clock” sounds like an expression associated with funerals. Also avoid sets of four, as the number four sounds like the word for “death”. Red and the number eight are considered lucky. Gifts are offered and received with both hands, and are often not opened in front of the giver.
Japan
In Japan the wrapping matters as much as the gift itself. Sets of four are avoided here too. A gift is presented with a little ceremony and a few modest words, and an expensive gift can embarrass the recipient, since it is expected to be reciprocated.
Middle Eastern countries and Muslim guests
Avoid alcohol and anything associated with it — save the čuturas and shot glasses for another occasion. Ceramics, relief plates, landmark figurines and homeware are all good choices.
Israel
Israeli guests appreciate items with a local story and a sense of the city’s history. Religious motifs of other faiths are not always appropriate — Belgrade, Tesla, maps and traditional motifs are a safer choice.
Europe and North America
In Western Europe and North America, modest, practical gifts and a personal touch are valued. Many companies and institutions have internal gift policies, so a moderate, symbolic gift is the safest option.
How we can help
For delegations we prepare gifts tailored to each country and budget, with a card in the guest’s language and packaging bearing your logo. Send us the list of countries and the size of each delegation, and we’ll suggest what to include.