Going to another country for work is a unique opportunity to get to know new cultures from up close: practice the native language, increase your professional contacts, add experience to your CV and still have fun! As you can see, travelling to another country for work brings several possibilities, but it also requires preparation.
To enjoy all of this in the best way, without surprises or headaches, we have prepared a publication with several tips to have a safe and productive trip. See below:
How to prepare for a business trip abroad
The process for this new challenge begins long before the visa is released and the passport stamped. The earlier you anticipate your trip, the better prepared you'll be. Want to know how? Check it out!
Choose your clothes carefully
Check the weather forecast for the place you are going to weeks in advance and read the forecasts for the day you will disembark.
But choosing the clothes for your trip is more than just a question of the weather: remember that you will be in a different culture, and many countries have more restrictive cultures regarding certain pieces or accessories.
If you don't have a piece suitable for the social culture of your business destination, buy an ensemble as soon as you land in the country.
Know the language
Although it may seem like an obvious tip, it's not easy to get to know a new language in such a short time. And to be successful on your trip, it's important to know a few survival phrases, from asking permission, to asking directions and interjections that help the conversation flow with customers and everyday people.
The mobile phone is your great friend on this journey: download simultaneous translation applications, so that you can communicate in very specific situations and study in advance using applications.
You can create so-called flashcards with important phrases to use on your trip and study them over and over again: every night, before going to sleep, go over the main phrases you will use in the target language.
With doubt or urgency, English is a global language - especially in the corporate world - that everyone can pick up a little. Don't hesitate to ask for a "Help!
Bring a small pharmacy
There are certain medicines that are produced differently in other countries, or even if they are not easily regulated or are weaker (or stronger).
Preparing also involves taking care of occasional headaches and insomnia caused by jetlag - a sleep disorder that affects individuals who have travelled quickly across several time zones - as well as stomach discomforts caused by different foods.
If you are taking controlled medication, take it unopened and with your doctor's prescription. Always take unopened, non-exaggerated packaging.
Take out insurance
Different countries have different climates, different types of food and common diseases, a lot of things that our body is not used to and can cause a big reaction in the body. And you definitely don't want to be hospitalised for eating a traditional local dish.
The vast majority of travel agencies already include health insurance in their costs, and it is your duty to review all items and question possible inconsistencies, as well as add other specific items related to your activity on location.
But insurance is not just about physical health: it is very likely that you will be renting a car abroad, where traffic rules and driver behaviour is different, and also where roads and weather may be new to your driving experience.
Not having good car insurance abroad can cause a lot of problems. That's why it's important to apply for a driving licence and make sure you're well informed before you set foot on the road.
Depending on the destination, it is important to be especially careful about driving in the snow and on special motorways, such as the bahns and highways.
Rent a car in advance
To have more comfort and autonomy to not run risks of delay, many business trips require renting a car abroad. And as simplified as the process is in most companies, it is very important to anticipate where you will pick up the vehicle, what the costs and terms are.
A Happy Tours rents cars safely in America and Europe, is partner of several car rental companies and won't give you any surprises when it comes to payment: our mileage is free and we don't charge a cancellation fee, making all your plans easier and avoiding headaches.
Keep an eye on currency conversion
Currencies fluctuate a lot in short periods of time, so it is worth starting to follow the target currency exchange rate and buying little by little, so you can take advantage of the best possible conditions for the season.
Beware of customs
Shopping is great, but it is important to consider that there is a limit to carrying goods on international flights, and if you exceed the customs limit, you will have to pay import taxes on the goods.
Taxes and maximum amounts vary according to the country. Many airports have tax-free areas so you can buy electronics and various other products at a lower cost.
We at Happy Tours have a post about customs in our blog, and there you understand, also, which products are prohibited when entering the country and also follow tips for declaring your purchases, just check it out!
Prepare a mobile phone plan
In most countries the concept of prepaid phone is different, and you will not be able to simply buy a new chip and go out and use the country's services. Registration is usually more rigorous.
To avoid being disconnected, you need to contract a roaming plan with your operator, so you preserve your number and can use your data anywhere.
Always carry your documents with you
If even here in Brazil we don't leave without documents, abroad we reinforce this tip. To avoid problems and misunderstandings, it is essential to carry your documents with you, especially your visa card and passport.
More than carrying your documents, you should have many copies of each one: kept at home, in the hotel, in the car glove compartment, in your backpack.
Believe me: losing your documents abroad will cause you a lot of headaches. The ideal is to keep copies authenticated by institutions and keep all your numerical data on your mobile phone. Have a print screen of them and also an online registration in those that provide authentication applications. All care is little in this regard.
Did you like our tips and are you ready to advance in your professional life? Check out more technical and tourist information on the Happy Tours blog and get to know our car rental service, with exclusive conditions and much more safety and practicality!
