In short
Exhibiting abroad changes who builds, how goods travel and which rules apply. Most exhibitors do best with a local builder working from a clear drawing set, rather than shipping a stand across continents. Plan freight and customs early, check currency and tax treatment, translate the key messages properly and research local business habits. Use a smaller, simpler stand for a first show in a new market.
Key points
- Ship the product. Build the stand locally.
- Customs takes longer than you think.
- Quote in one currency and record the tax treatment.
- Check labour and contractor rules by city.
Build locally or ship?
| Option | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Local builder from your drawings | Most overseas shows | Quality control, language |
| Home builder with local partner | Brand-sensitive stands | Margin on margin |
| Ship your own kit | Light modular kits | Freight, customs and handling fees |
| Organiser's shell scheme | A first test of a market | Limited branding |
A clear drawing set is what makes a local build reliable. Read exhibition stand technical drawings. Our city pages cover the main exhibition cities and their venues.
Freight and customs
- Use a forwarder who specialises in exhibitions, preferably the show's official one.
- Check whether a temporary import document such as an ATA Carnet suits your goods.
- Product samples, food and medical items can have extra rules.
- Allow time for delays. Send goods early, and carry the essentials.
- Check how the goods get from the dock to the stand.
Local differences
| Topic | What changes |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Feet in the US; metres in most other countries |
| Power | Voltage, plug types and connection rules |
| Labour | Union rules in some US cities; official contractors elsewhere |
| Language | Translated graphics and local-speaking staff |
| Business habits | Meetings, hospitality and gifts vary widely |
| Working calendar | Religious holidays and weekends affect build-up |
Language and graphics
Get headlines translated by a person who knows your field, and have a native speaker check the artwork before printing. For Arabic, remember that text reads right to left, and layouts may need mirroring. Keep technical data in the language that your buyers use, which may be English at international shows.
Frequently asked questions
01Should I ship my exhibition stand overseas?
Usually not. Unless it's a light modular kit, build locally and ship only the products and special items.
02What is an ATA Carnet?
A customs document that allows temporary import of goods, such as exhibition items, into many countries. Your forwarder can tell you if it applies.
03Do I need local staff?
It helps. A local speaker makes a real difference to conversations and to problems on site.
04Can I pay VAT back on exhibition costs abroad?
Sometimes. Rules differ by country, so ask your finance team or a specialist before the show.
Put it into practice
Exhibition stand technical drawings, drawn from the 3D design
A3 plan and elevations at scale, set-out grid, object schedule and a layered AutoCAD DXF, generated from the 3D design.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
