When Clients Ask for Your Number, a Ride, or a Gift: How Interpreters Should Respond ?

Interpreters often work closely with clients in situations that are emotional, stressful, or deeply personal. Because of this, clients may sometimes feel a strong sense of trust or gratitude toward the interpreter. It’s not unusual for a client to ask for your phone number, request a lift home, or offer you a small gift as thanks. While these gestures may come from a good place, they create ethical challenges that every professional interpreter must handle carefully.

According to the Interpreting and Translating Code of Ethics, interpreters are required to maintain clear professional boundaries at all times. This means avoiding any private or personal relationships with clients, even if the intention is positive. Sharing your phone number, giving a client a ride, or accepting a gift can create a conflict of interest, or at least the appearance of one. It may also make the client believe they can contact you outside the assignment, ask for special treatment, or rely on you for support that falls outside your professional role.

When a client asks for your personal number, the correct response is to politely decline and explain that interpreters must keep communication within official channels. You might say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not allowed to share my personal contact details. If you need further assistance, please contact the agency or service provider.” This keeps the interaction respectful while maintaining your ethical responsibilities.

If a client requests a ride, the situation becomes more sensitive. Transporting a client can expose both parties to personal risk, blur professional boundaries, and place the interpreter in a role outside their duties. The Code of Ethics requires interpreters to avoid any activity that could compromise safety or impartiality. A simple explanation—“I’m not permitted to provide transport, but the staff here can help arrange something for you”—keeps the boundaries clear.

Gift-giving can be especially tricky, because declining a gift may feel rude. However, accepting gifts can be interpreted as favouritism or create an expectation of special treatment. The ethical approach is to decline gently and with gratitude. Many interpreters say something like, “Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you, but I’m not allowed to accept gifts. Your appreciation is more than enough.” This allows you to respect the client’s feelings without violating the Code.

Maintaining professional boundaries isn’t about being cold or distant. It’s about protecting the integrity of the interpreting role and ensuring fairness for all clients. By staying impartial, avoiding dual relationships, and keeping interactions within official channels, interpreters build trust—not just with clients, but with service providers and the broader community.

In the end, the best way to navigate these situations is with kindness, clarity, and confidence. Interpreters serve an essential communication role, but they are not social workers, friends, or private assistants. Following the Code of Ethics protects you, protects the client, and protects the quality and credibility of the interpreting profession.