Country borders are opening around the globe, and the U.S. borders opened just a couple of days ago (hooray!). As you may have seen in the news, travelers from all over the world are heading to the U.S. This is great news for the relocation industry and for international business travel. There has also been a considerable uptick in domestic business travel recently, and all signs point to increased global business travel into 2022 and beyond.
We are all familiar with common business practices in our home countries. But as we travel abroad again, it’s worth remembering that we are less accustomed to the way things are done abroad. Your globally mobile employees should keep in mind that when they travel for business they are representing your department, your company, and your country. With so much on the line, every international business trip benefits from preparation.
Knowing even just a little about the cultures and customs in a destination goes a long way. Strategic scheduling of travel, meetings, and rest time can also make a substantial difference.
Before going abroad, every global business traveler should know the answers to these questions:
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Is my passport up to date, with at least six months before expiry?
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Do I need a visa?
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What vaccinations are required?
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What is the currency exchange rate?
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What is the time difference?
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How can I travel from place to place locally?
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What is the dress code?
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What are some of the important customs in my destination?
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How should I greet colleagues?
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What can I expect in restaurants and at meals?
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What electronic equipment and adapters are necessary?
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How should I tip for services?
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Will I need to take security precautions?
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Do I need insurance?
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Who are my contacts in case of an emergency?
Why ask your employees to do destination research when their time is better spent preparing to maximize new opportunities? A subscription to Living Abroad’s Global Business Travel Center covers over 150 countries — and gives your globally mobile employees the headstart they need, when they need it the most!
If you’d like to learn more about the depth of our content and resources, request a demo!
Written by Cathy Heyne, GMS-T, President
