For local search.... Backlinks are not used in the local search matrix.

So i would believe no harm whatsoever but also no help whatsoever.

In fact, local reviews & citations from local websites help the most. Stuff further away helps the least.

"Backlinks are not used in the local search matrix."

Actually over 50% of the local algo is pure organic ranking signals, even moreso after Pigeon - so yes backlinks are a factor.

If you rank high organic, have everything set up right on G+ L and are in the radius, then you'll typically also rank high in the pack.

So backlinks are a factor in that respect. But I've never heard of a direct correlation in local for where the backlinks are coming from.

Having said that any backlink building could be a problem these days so proceed with caution and try to earn not place.

Linda Buquet

Well I could indeed be wrong but will research over the weekend and either correct myself or have a great rebuttal. :-)

I am by no means an expert in Local Search/Google Places but this 2014 survey by 40 contributors suggesting at best 18.3% of the potential value to rank is from links.

[moz.com...]

I still believe that is incorrect as there is no reason to have two independent systems using the same matrix but this is only my first rebuttal.

This is exclusive for Google Places [bizible.com...] and a bit more scientific than simply asking the talking SEO heads their opinions.

Google's own reference for Places in prominence suggests links but that does not imply better results come from links just that it is common trust factor to them.

[support.google.com...]

Prominence: This describes how well-known or prominent a business can be. This is based on information we have about a business from across the web (like links, articles, and directories). Some places are more prominent in the offline world, and we try to reflect this online as well. For example, famous museums, landmark hotels, or well-known store brands that are familiar to many people are also likely to be more prominent in search results.

That in itself does not mean links enhance results just that Google continues to have a link obsession.

The fact that Linda's own warning about links is something you don't really want to mess with.

If links play a part... Even a small part local ones not other country ones may have an impact.

Will still keep looking to resolve my own mind on this thought.

Another resource [searchenginejournal.com...]

As the OP's question seems to be about links from foreign countries, than links per se, I'll add that the principle of relevance is always present. One doesn't optimise a website for "local search" only. While that is very important for local businesses, they also need to do general SEO, which includes links. Certain local businesses, say, in the travel/entertainment/hospitality industry can get quality links from the major international travel forums, which could also have ratings. On the other hand, a random "high do-follow" website sounds like it might an unrelated industry, in which case I would not bother.