International business travel – It’s not the same as organizing a work trip inside one’s own country for foreign travel. While you’re generally stressing over things like your flight schedule, what to bring, and organizing meetings for your business trip, overseas travel may also necessitate studying to immerse yourself in the host country’s culture with correct etiquette and regulations.
In some countries, you need to finish your plate of food, while in others you need to leave some.
The more you know, the better an experience you will have.
Photo by Alexey Shikov on Unsplash
Goals and Planning
Head of arriving in a country that you will be doing business in, it is a good idea to have a well-planned itinerary. Think about all of the goals you need to achieve while there, and add a few things that you would like to do.
Quite often, when you travel for business, most of your time will be taken up with the meetings and clients. Try to have a day on either side of this to do something enjoyable.
Make sure that you have left a copy of your itinerary with any of your stuff, the hotel concierge, if applicable, and any friends and family. This is more important if you are traveling in a very unfamiliar country, with a language barrier.
Travel-ready
You are planning your itinerary and booking in those critical business meetings. It is essential to make sure that you are up to date with all of your travel vaccinations, or if you are not, make sure you have booked them with your local urgent care center.
This means that you will travel safely to these foreign destinations.
It is also pertinent to digitally make a digital copy of your passport and a hard copy. Leave a hard copy with your office, and friends, and family. It is also a good idea to take a copy of your passport with you just in case you happen to lose yours.
Etiquette
Each country is likely to have protocols inside and outside of business that will have a list of etiquette. Depending on the country you are visiting you might find that the average working days and business hours are moved to Saturday to Thursday.
Or that the country you are visiting has a lunch that lasts up to 4 hours.
It is essential when dealing with clients from this country; you take into account everything that is going to matter to them.
Keep in mind any religious customs, humor, acceptable dress, dietary practices and requirements, and business manners.
Language
Before you arrive, try to learn at least a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. Simple things like please and thank you can go a long way. You can use any number of language apps to help you learn.
If you know that you are heading to a coffee shop, try to understand the simple phrase for asking for the coffee of your choice. This can impress potential clients, but it will also mean that the establishment you are in a more than happy to help you.
Perhaps you are earlier in your business journey and need tips on succeeding; read more 5 Ways To Lead Your Business Into the Right Direction.
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