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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. travel.state.gov
• Bloomberg News lists the latest exchange rates for seven key currencies. bloomberg.com/markets
• The international department of your bank or The World Bank can give you a short lesson - or brochure - on your destination country's currency. worldbank.org
• 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. travel.state.gov/passport; cdc.gov
• Packing will be much easier if you know the country's usual climate and as-forecasted weather during your trip. wunderground.com
• Learn about key officers of foreign service posts whom American business executives are most likely to contact. All embassies, missions, consulates general, and consulates are listed on the web. Their commercial officers can arrange appointments with local business and government officers, and also identify potential importers, buyers, agents, distributors and cross-border partners for your business. foia.state.gov/Phonebook/KOH/keyoffcity.asp
• Worried about the time difference? worldtimeserver.com
• 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. kropla.com/electric.htm
Laurel Delaney runs GlobeTrade.com and LaurelDelaney.com, Chicago-based firms that specialize in international entrepreneurship.
