International Business Travel Tips

 

Global small business owners know face-to-face meetings with international customers help cement quality business relationships - and the practical aspects of international business travel can make or break a trip.

 

By Laurel Delaney

 

You can start planning your overseas trip from home on the Internet - and the sooner the better. Check out these sites:

 

  • The U.S. State Department offers practical tips and advisories both to protect American travelers from potential harm and to help make your trip more enjoyable and profitable.
  • Bloomberg News lists the latest exchange rates for seven key currencies.
  • The international department of your bank or The World Bank can give you a short lesson - or brochure - on your destination country's currency.
  • Passports, visas and immunization requirements can take up to eight weeks to process, especially if you are traveling during a peak tourist season. Immunizations can cause lingering pain and discomfort, so if several immunizations are required, you may want to allow time for them to be administered in stages. ;
  • Packing will be much easier if you know the country's usual climate and as-forecasted weather during your trip.
  • Worried about the time difference?
  • Don't blow a fuse - or ruin your blow-dryer. You can find out in advance about electrical voltage in the country and the types of plugs and outlets used there.

 

Laurel Delaney runs and , Chicago-based firms that specialize in international entrepreneurship.

Learn about key officers of foreign service posts whom American business executives are most likely to contact.