An understanding of local business etiquette is vital to getting the deal done.

Most frequent business travelers understand basic Asian politesse, such as presenting a business card with both hands and greeting others with a bow. But there’s more to protocol in Asia—so much, in fact, that if you don’t know about certain subtle behavioral differences, says Dean Foster, an international etiquette expert and author of Global Etiquette Guide to Asia, you will never close a deal.

Here are some fundamental etiquette expectations for China, India, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.

• China
• India
• Japan
• Korea
• Vietnam

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LEAH INGRAM is a freelance writer in Pennsylvania.