It's Not the Gift that Counts,
But How You Present It

Giving a gift in another country requires careful attention if it is to be done properly.  Here are a few suggestions...
 

Japan

1)    Do not open a gift in front of a Japanese counterpart unless asked, and do not expect the Japanese to open your gift.
2)    Avoid ribbons and bows as part of the gift wrapping.  Bows as we know them are considered unattractive, and ribbon colors can have different meanings.
3)    Do not offer a gift depicting a fox or badger.  The fox is the symbol of fertility; the badger, cunning.

Europe

1)    Avoid red roses and white flowers, even numbers, and the number 13.  Do not wrap flowers in paper.
2)    Do not risk the impression of bribery by spending too much on a gift.

Arab World

1)    Do not give a gift when you first meet someone.  It may be interpreted as a bribe.
2)    Do not let it appear that you contrived to present the gift when the recipient is alone.  It looks bad unless you know the person well. Give the gift in front of others in less-personal relationships.

Latin America

1)    Do not give a gift until after a somewhat personal relationship has developed unless it is given to express appreciation for hospitality.
2)    Gifts should be given during social encounters, not in the course of business.
3)    Avoid the colors black and purple; both are associated with the Catholic Lenten season.

China

1)    Never make an issue of a gift presentation - publicly or privately.
2)    Gifts should be presented privately, with the exception of collective ceremonial gifts at banquets or after speeches.

Source:
"International Business Gift-Giving Customs," available from The Parker Pen Company, n.d.; James Day Hodgson, Yoshiro Sano, and John L. Graham, Doing Business with the New Japan (Boulder, CO: Rowman & Littlefield, 2000).