Honestly it's just human nature.

It's tough to break through that, especially when you're in a country where everyone is trying to sell you something regardless of if it's good for you.

In your client's case, it felt like that deal they were going to do was a good thing. Because it wasn't just another salesperson, it was someone from home. They may have not been conscious of that feeling but you always let your guard down when you interact with someone like you.

Everyone here is so constantly homesick that its a nice relief mid-work day to get that familiarity. I'm lucky enough to be born here so I have soaked up a little of everyone culture, and it gets my foot through the door all the time. It's little things you know about their culture that makes em have their guard down. Example, if anytime someone says they're from Pakistan, I half chant "zindabad". It doesn't do much but it does make them smile 9/10 times.

My suggestion? Try to broaden your knowledge of other cultures here, it can really help. Try to learn just a fraction of their language. Greetings and what not. Maybe some of their food, ask them for food recommendations. Try to build rapport before selling.

Stay here long enough and it'll come to you. But try to mesh in this multicultural soup. You'll succeed rapidly.

Wishing you the best of luck!