Travel Tips

In some recent research conducted by AirPlus International, business travellers were asked what advice they would give fellow business travellers on cultural etiquette when going abroad. The following tips were suggested:

•  When visiting Chinese countries present and accept a business card with both hands.
  
  
• In Thailand, refrain from placing documents on the floor as books and other written material are given special status over other objects.
  
  
• Be aware that putting an x in the box means "exclude it" in Switzerland and Korea but "include it" in the US and UK.
  
  
• When in South Korea never write on someone’s business card as it is seen as a sign of disrespect.
  
  
• It may be useful to note that in Paraguay it is customary to arrive up to 30 minutes late for social events.
  
  
• Be aware that Indians often respond positively to a question by shaking their head in a way that Westerners maybe interpret as no!
  
  
• When in Saudi Arabia it is seen as discourteous to ask about a man’s wife or daughters, ask instead about his family. 
  
  
• In Russia when running a business meeting ensure that you have a plentiful supply of soft drinks, tea, coffee and danishes, cookies and similar snacks. Moreover do not seve drinks in plastic cups
  
  
• If a Filipino gives you a business card with his or her home phone number hand written on it, consider this an invitation to telephone. Business in the Philippines develops through socialising, largely out of the office.