6. Travel



1.

Order an extra supply of business cards.



2.

Set up your appointments weeks and months in advance and have them confirmed in writing. Unlike Americans, business people overseas do not check into a hotel and start making telephone calls for appointments.



3.

Get a list of national and religious holidays around the world. You won't be able to conduct business on a day, or during a period, when a country is celebrating a holiday.



4.

Arm yourself with the U.S. State Department's Background Notes for each country you plan to visit. These are chock full of information on the history, form of government, economics, demographics, and other helpful information.

5.

If at all possible, fly business class to any destination that requires more than four hours' flying time. The need to arrive as fresh and rested as possible is especially important in business.

6.

Investigate the ATA Garnet system if you are planning to carry along commercial samples, advertising material, audiovisual material, medical or scientific equipment, or other tools of your trade. The United States is a member of this system, which permits business travelers to carry these materials into a country for temporary periods without paying duties, taxes, or posting a bond.



7.

Dress conservatively.



8.

Consider stowing away a few general purpose gifts.



9.

Have any sales literature and price lists you plan to carry and distribute translated into the local language before you leave home.



10.

Write two types of letters upon your return home to contacts you have made overseas.

a.

Thank-you notes for people who assisted or hosted you.

b.

Letters of confirmation to cover any agreements or general understandings you made.