Issues that came up within the first 24 hours of trips to Asia and the Pacific Rim were not addressed in the book, such as how I should work with the companies I was planning to visit to arrange for the details of my visit. Also, many social habits that were important in meetings were not addressed, like how one should respond in various situations during business meetings (such as if the other side brings up something that is a deal breaker).

On the other hand, the book clearly provides useful advice as far as it goes, and it attempts to cover the waterfront (13 areas and 24 subjects per geography). That's probably the reason why it is too basic in approach. You will get good help here on important basics like how many hours of time difference (so you don't call at the wrong time), how dates are written down so you can decipher the messages you get, when holidays are so you won't offend someone by suggesting a meeting on an important religious or national holiday, and gift-giving etiquette (an area where Americans often err).

I do suggest that you acquire this book to have these basics available near to your computer and telephone at work. Also, the bibliography seems to provide a list of longer books on each geographic area. Those books may give you more details. There's probably no substitute for speaking with a business person from the country before you go, and getting advice from the concierge at a good hotel once you're there. Naturally, if you are fortunate enough to have colleagues in your company who work there already, they can fill you in. So this book is primarily aimed at those without a local operation.

Some of the better sections included information about what are appropriate conversational topics, rude gestures and actions to avoid, punctuality, seating etiquette, the special issues for women in business, and the weather conditions you can expect.

A book like this is a good reminder of how much we are conditioned by our culture. If nothing else, it can help you understand the sources of stalled thinking that can harm our business relationships in other countries because of our typical American approaches.

I liked what was in the book. I graded it down two stars for what was not.