Mind Your Manners When Traveling Abroad Part 3: References for Business and Cultural Information

In the first part of this three-part series we looked at some advice on how to foster a better, more intelligent, educated and respectful image when you travel abroad. In part 2 of this series, we looked at what to say and how to say it when traveling abroad. In this final part of the series, we’ll go to some sites to see just how to get preview information on speech and conduct before traveling abroad.

References for Business and Cultural Information
An excellent starting reference site for business and cultural information is the Doing Business Guide website with business and cultural information online for 36 Countries at:

http://www.executiveplanet.com/

Topics included at this site address such areas as:

Let's Make a Deal!
What you should know before negotiating

Prosperous Entertaining
Entertaining for business success

Appointment Alert!
Making appointments

Gift Giving
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift

First Name or Title?
Respectfully addressing others

Public Behavior
Acceptable public conduct

Business Dress
Guidelines for business dress

Conversation
Welcome topics of conversation

At this site extensive business and cultural information are available for Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, England France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United States, and Venezuela.

If the country you’re interested in does not appear here try the country’s Embassy site online or go to the CIA’s information site for in-depth country information and profiles at:

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/index.html


So when traveling, whether for business, pleasure or vacation, it truly pays to mind your manners. Don’t contribute to an ugly American stereotype or add fuel to increasing anti-American sentiments. You have the opportunity to promote yourself, your business or company and provide a positive influence while abroad if you keep these aspects in mind before, during and after your business or vacation travel abroad.

Please feel free to contact me with comments or questions at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com