Corporate travel can provide a number of fascinating benefits such as traveling to foreign countries and experiencing other cultures firsthand. To make sure that you get started off on your corporate travel experience; however, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when visiting foreign countries so that you don’t create a bad impression that would reflect poorly on you and your corporation as well as negatively impact your business dealings.
Every culture has their own standards and personal beliefs that set it apart from others around the world. If you have not had an opportunity to be exposed to other cultures previously, this aspect of corporate travel can be a bit of a shock. To help you better understand the culture of the country you will be visiting and reduce the chance of making a social faux pas, it’s important to find out as much as possible about your corporate travel destination.
Also, keep the following tips in mind when engaging in corporate travel around the world.
In some parts of the world, women are not as easily accepted in business dealings as they are in Western society. While this may not seem fair or even socially acceptable given your own Western philosophies, it is a fact of life in many regions of the world. Better to know this and understand it than be in for a rude awakening when you arrive.
Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to research the standard work days and business hours of your destination before you leave. Not every country in
the world works Monday through Friday; 8 to 5. For example, in some countries it’s perfectly acceptable for the weekend to fall on Friday and Saturday. In other countries, lunch hours are longer and scheduled differently than the standard noon lunch hours. Also be aware that you may run into foreign holidays that you are not accustomed to; which could impact your corporate travel.
If you’re planning to bring product samples with you, be sure to find out whether you will be required to pay import duties. You may be able to avoid these fees with a special international customs document that will allow you to bring in certain business related items on a temporary admission; but it’s always a good idea to check first.
Before you make plans for corporate travel to any foreign country, always check to find out whether you will need any particular vaccinations. This can vary from one country to the next, so be sure to research your particular destination. It’s also a good idea to photocopy any official documents you will be bringing with you before you leave so that you have proof of your identify, in case your originals are lost or stolen.
Finally, before you depart on your corporate travel trip always make sure you have checked for any last minute travel warnings from the Department of State regarding your foreign destination. Due to dangerous conditions or terrorist activities you may be advised to cancel or delay your trip. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
