Author: Charlotte Gill

Poland

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Poland is a country of vast forests, moving sand dues and unique wetlands, with 21 national parks and six UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. The coast is blessed with some gorgeous beaches while the Great Malsurian Lakes in the north-east lure hikers and sailing enthusiasts alike. Then there are the stunning Carpathian Mountains to the south and the Krakow-Wielun Upland, riddled with caves and castles.

Perhaps the most important thing about Poland, though, is its history. A battleground for the Soviets and Nazis during the second world war, what survives of its 14th century Gothic architecture is bleakly offset by the countless Jewish cemeteries and derelict concentration camps that litter the vast landscape.

Since emerging from Soviet rule, however, Poland has fixedly looked to the future with a series of economic reforms, privatising many of the state-owned coal, agricultural and industrial companies and achieving steady and impressive economic growth. It was the only country in Europe to avoid recession after the 2008 financial crisis and where high unemployment once drove Poles abroad for jobs in droves, many are now returning to a booming and prosperous nation.

Because of its rapid liberalisation and shift in outlook from east to west, business protocol can be quite varied. Many Poles are extremely formal but those accustomed to international business may be far more relaxed. It is best to enter any situation with a firm grip of propriety and wait for your host to move to a more informal basis. In either case, go to any meeting possessed of hard facts; Poles are impressed by substance far more than hyperbole.

Getting there

The majority of flights go to Warsaw, though some are also available to Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow and Wroclaw. There are regular car ferries to Denmark and Sweden. The European bus and train network provides links across the continent.

Getting around

Trains are fast, efficient and relatively inexpensive. There is also an extensive domestic flight network. Buses are a slower but usually cheaper alternative; however the timetables can be difficult to decipher. Car hire is not cheap.

Local information

Language: Polish

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Continental. Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 24°C (July), Min 6°C (February). Rainfall: Max 70mm (July), Min 20mm (January)

Currency: Złoty (PLN)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake. Business proceedings will begin formal but will often become more informal as a relationship develops. Academic or honorific titles are used; include any academic qualifications on your business card.

Tipping: 10-15 percent

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine and 1l of spirits; Goods up to the value of Ä175.

Safety: Thieves operate at major train stations and on train routes.

Laws: Drug offences incur mandatory prison sentences. It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings. Zero tolerance for drink-driving.

Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. 24-hour chemists can be found in cities. Hotels often have a nurse or doctor on call. Health insurance is advisable.

Socket type: Type C

Philippines

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A former colony of both Spain and the US, the Philippines today is an
eclectic mix of east and west. It is the second largest archipelago in
the world, with over 7,000 islands and a richly diversified marine
fauna, making it ideal for exploration both above and below the surface.
Its ancient heritage is comprised of countless civilisations,
influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Animism and many other
indigenous religions, and many of their monuments are still evident
today.

The magnificent burnt ochre pyramids of the Chocolate
Hills is second only to the inspirational rice terraces of Banaue, a
strong candidate for the eighth wonder of the world. Siquifor is home to
enchanted waterfalls and famed for its witches and magical healers,
while the Spanish called it Isla del Fuego after the red glow generated
by its firefly population. Many of the islands, such as Malapascua, have
world class diving spots, where you can swim among sharks and manta
rays and thousands of other marine species.

After cultural
invasions from all sides of the Pacific the people are warm and
cosmopolitan despite widespread poverty. The city markets are the best
places to meet Filipinos, who are always prepared for a friendly
conversation even if you don’t buy their wares. Friendship and
hospitality are important in this country; values that translate into
business, where your host will be eager to keep you entertained. It is
all but impossible to visit these enchanting isles without coming to
love the people who inhabit them.

Getting there
International airports at Manila and Cebu
City are the main entry points, though there is also an airport at
Davao. Sea travel is possible from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Getting
around
The domestic air network has reasonable coverage, but
bus and boat are the mainstays of public transport and cover most
populated regions of the Philippines. Buses in some areas are targeted
for armed assault and robbery, however, so be careful where you travel.
Driving is not recommended.

Local
information
Language(s): Filipino,
English. Spanish and Arabic are also spoken.
Time: UTC+8
Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all
year, monsoon from May-November. Temperature: Max 34°C (April), Min
21°C (January). Rainfall: Max 440mm (August), Min 10mm (February)
Currency: Peso (PHP)
Business etiquette: Business suits are
required. Business relationships are personal; third party introduction
is beneficial and relationships can take time to establish. Try to get
agreements in writing to avoid misinterpretation. It is important to
remain for social conversation at the end of a meeting.
Tipping: Tip according to preference.
Duty free: 400 cigarettes or 50
cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic beverage.
Safety: Avoid travel on public buses
and use taxis sourced from hotels.
Laws:
Mandatory jail sentences for drug offences. It is illegal to
take photographs of official buildings.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria,
hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid and tuberculosis. Most
hospitals are private; health insurance is essential.
Socket type: Type A, Type C.

New Zealand

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

While the Table Mountains near Cape Town may have been the inspiration for Tolkein’s epic Lord of the Rings, it is the Matamata of New Zealand which provided the stunning backdrop for the 21st century films. Dramatic, snow-dusted peaks cast mirror images in crystal lakes, tapering to green, rolling foothills in the distance; gushing rivers cut through sharp, rocky gorges as wildflowers cling to their banks. Many of the species are unique, too, as millennia of geographic isolation has bred a distinctive flora and fauna, while the sea life off Kaikura is just as spectacular; whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and abundant species of birds, to name a few.

Because of its sparse population and proliferation of sheep farms, the country is often stereotyped as an agrarian backwater. Yet, while agriculture accounts for a large portion of New Zealand’s exports, the economy is mostly service-based and the standard of living is among the highest in the world. Their business people are directly spoken and efficient and the highly liberalised economy makes it easy to find opportunities and close deals quickly and hassle-free.

There’s much to enjoy in the cities, particularly Auckland and Wellington, which seem locked in a perpetual game of cultural one-upmanship; the ‘Wellywood’ film industry and international appeal have spawned an impossible concentration of hip bars and restaurants, yet the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Auckland remain home to the most multicultural population on either island. There’s also a rich live music scene and a strong Maori influence, most visible in the national obsession with rugby.

Getting there

There are seven international airports, with Auckland the busiest, and high competition keeps fares reasonably priced. There are no regular ferries though it is possible to get from Australia aboard a private boat.

Getting around

The domestic air network is a fast and efficient way of getting around. Bus travel is well organised but journeys can take a while; trains are great for the scenery but aren’t the most efficient way of getting anywhere.

Local information

Language: English, Maori.

Time: UTC+12

Climate: Temperate oceanic. Warm summers, cool winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 21°C (January), Min 6°C (July). Rainfall: Max 135mm (August), Min 75mm (January)

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Business etiquette: Business proceedings follow western standards. Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is expected. You should start negotiations with a reasonable price as this is not a haggling culture; avoid high pressure tactics and concentrate on the detailed benefits of your product or service. Kiwis are suspicious of hyperbole so avoid overselling or making impossible promises.

Tipping: Tip only for good service; 10 percent is a reasonable amount.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes ; 4.5l wine or beer; 1.125l or 40oz spirits or liqueurs; goods to NZ$700. It is illegal to import foodstuffs, or anything made from ivory or fur.

Safety: Crime levels are very low. Petty crime is a problem in tourist areas.

Laws: Penalties for even small amounts of soft drugs include imprisonment.

Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. A reciprocal health agreement exists with the UK. Medical insurance is recommended for other foreign nationals.

Socket type: Type I

Nepal

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, is a hiker’s paradise that attracts mountaineers and thrill-seekers from all over the globe. The Kathmandu valley is home to some of the most striking sculpture and architecture you are ever likely to see. Yet beneath this veneer, Nepal is a troubled country; one of the poorest nations in the world, half the population earn less than $1.25 a day, and Maoist rebels continue to cause major disruptions away from the capital.

The combination of stunning beauty and civil unrest make Nepal a potentially explosive destination and for the careful traveller there is a great deal to enjoy. Trek the popular Annapurna circuit, visit Everest base camp or try something off the beaten track – wherever you go you’ll be greeted by towering, snow-dusted peaks and hanging Himalayan valleys littered with isolated monasteries and Buddhist prayer flags.

If mountains aren’t your thing you can always try bungee jumping, white water rafting or mountain biking down some of the most exciting slopes you can find. Alternatively, relax and take in some ancient temples at Tansen, meditate at the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini or gaze out across the tranquil waters of the Phewa Tal. Or just explore the delights of Kathmandu and fall in love with this simple yet splendid city. Nepal isn’t just about the Himalayas – though they’re a very good reason to go.

Getting there

Because of continuing civil unrest, international air connections to Nepal are limited. All flights go to Kathmandu. Bus connections are available to India and Tibet, though travellers must change buses at the border.

Getting around

Getting around is difficult due to the mountainous terrain. Jeeps and cars (with drivers) can be hired to hop between valleys while cheap (but uncomfortable) buses are standard for longer journeys. There is a reasonable internal air network but very limited train service.

Local information

Language: Nepali; 12 recognised regional languages and over 100 other indigenous languages.

Time: UTC + 5.45.

Climate: Subtropical mountain climate. Hot, wet summers and cool dry winters. Temperature: Max 30°C (May), Min 2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 370mm (June), Min 2mm (December).

Currency: Rupee (NPR)

Business etiquette: Lightweight suits or shirts should be worn. Try and avoid the monsoon between May and October.

Tipping: Tipping is a relatively new custom in Nepal – tip what you are comfortable with for good service only.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or tobacco equivalent; 1l alcoholic beverage; Perfume for personal use.

Safety: There is a high amount of civil unrest due to Maoist protestors. National strikes may be called at short notice and last indefinitely. Violent demonstration and deterioration in law and order may occur. Violent crimes, robbery, extortion and fraud have all been reported, targeting tourists, as the law and order situation deteriorates. Check government media for updates on the present situation.

Laws: Exporting goods over 100 years old is illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Medical facilities are available but limited. Western medicine is available in pharmacies. Full health insurance is essential.

Socket type: Type C, Type D, Type M

Latvia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

After tempestuous political conflict during the 1980s, Latvia gained independence from Soviet rule in the early nineties. Since then it has experienced rapid economic growth and even more rapid economic decline – the recession that hit in 2008 set a new world record as the economy shrank 25 percent in two years. Civil unrest and protest against right-wing government misrule have failed to halt the decline, yet despite its problems Latvia remains one of the undiscovered gems of Europe.

The cobbled streets of Riga, once dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’, combine medieval architecture replete with spires and turrets with a funky, vibrant chic that is unparalleled elsewhere in the Baltic region. Beyond the city, visitors can go hiking or mountain biking in the Gauja National Park, through enchanting pine forests atop ochre cliffs of Devonian sandstone, or explore the untouched coastline of Cape Kolka and the upmarket seaside resort of Jūrmala for a taste of the blue Baltic Sea.

The real pleasure of Latvia, though, is its lack of pretention. Despite its rapid modernisation it remains relatively untouched by many of the excesses of the west. Mushroom hunters foray at the sides of highways each fall, hippies and punksters chill together in eye-catching postmodern tea houses, while homemade delights and prime butcher cuts can be purchased in unmarked jars from the many street markets. Old and new, west and east, rich and poor – Latvia can be a schizophrenic experience that is warmly remembered by almost all who visit.

Getting there

International flights go to Riga from most European countries, with budget fares available on most routes. Trains provide direct links to Moscow, St Petersburg, Kyiv, Lviv and Vilnius, with connections to further destinations. Eurolines and Ecolines provide a number of bus routes out of Riga.

Getting around

Latvia is a compact country with good train and bus links between cities. To delve deeper into the countryside you are likely to need a car, though hitching is popular.

Local information

Language: Latvian

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Continental. Warm summers, cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 22°C (July), -10°C (January). Rainfall: Max 75mm (July), Min 25mm (March).

Currency: Lat (LVL)

Business etiquette: Suits should be worn. It is important to shake hands with everybody at a meeting. Business cards are then exchanged between individuals not acquainted. Professional or academic titles are used. Business proceedings are formal.

Tipping: 10 percent in high class restaurants; otherwise according to discretion.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l alcoholic beverages over 22 percent, 2l alcoholic beverages under 22 percent; 50g of perfume;250ml of eau de toilette; Medication for personal use (requires documentary confirmation).

Safety: Check drink prices before ordering; some bars have been known to charge extortionate prices. Car theft is common.

Laws: Long jail sentences and heavy fines for even small drug offences. Driving offences also have harsh penalties.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus.

Socket type: Type C

Jordan

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A stone’s throw from the holy city of Jerusalem, Jordan is a land steeped in history, religious or otherwise. Periods of Greek and Roman conquest preceded the Byzantine period and Crusades; castles and carvings from all eras litter this wondrous Arabian landscape.

Perhaps the most famous is Petra, a rock-carved metropolis described as “rose-red city half as old as time”; the artistic detail of the well-preserved facades are as impressive as the scale and engineering of the winding caverns that tunnel deep into the canyon wall. The Mabada Mosaic shows a sixth century map of the holy land and there are sacred sites everywhere, from the mountain where Moses first viewed the promised land to ruins of Umm Qais, from which Jesus cast out the demons and sent them running into the sea.

Beyond biblical historicism, there’s plenty to do in the surprisingly diverse Amman, possessed of a strangely split personality as eastern and western halves that seem to draw culturally from opposite ends of Eurasia. Or try a few nights on the Bedouin trail and explore the spectacular desert moonscape of Wadi Rum or the other-worldly beauty of the Dead Sea.

Like the city of Amman itself, the business culture is in a state of flux. Many younger associates will try to strive to appear European in their outlook while older personnel are likely to foster traditional Arab values. They are a complex people and time invested mutual trust and understanding to begin with will pay great dividends in the long run.

Getting there

International flights go to Amman, but there are few long distance flights and none to Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Overland crossings from Syria or Israel and trouble free and straightforward. There is also a regular ferry to Egypt.

Getting around

Buses and minibuses are the staple form of transport. There is no train service and the small size of the country makes domestic air travel unnecessary.

Local information

Language: Arabic

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Semi-arid. Hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Temperature: Max 33°C (August), Min 4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 65mm (February), Min 0mm (June-August).

Currency: Jordanian dollar (JOD)

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively; suits are the norm. This is a relationship-driven culture so expect initial deals to take time. Jordanians will rarely say no directly; polite stalling during negotiations often indicates a lack of interest.

Tipping: 10 percent in hotels and restaurants.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes; 1l alcohol ; 2 opened bottles of perfume; gifts to US$150.

Safety: Be particularly vigilant when using ATMS.

Laws: Adultery is punishable by three years imprisonment. It is illegal to photograph military installations.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus. There are hospitals in large cities and clinic in many villages, but health insurance is essential.

Socket type: Type C, Type G, Type J

Japan

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With an economy worth $4.4trn, Japan is the third richest nation in the world. Filled with high-tech bullet trains, peaceful rock gardens, dazzling neon signs and ancient pagodas, it is a colourful clash of old and new, west and east, which can seem daunting at first to the uninitiated. The Japanese, however, are a remarkably hospitable people and the country is a delight through which to travel.

The contradictions of modern Japan are most visible in Tokyo. With towering skyscrapers and quirky pop culture, the Japanese capital is also possesses some priceless ancient architecture and countless Shint? shrines. To the west, Kyoto is home to over 1600 Buddhist temples and remains one of the most unique and delightful cities in the world, while Nara hogs eight world heritage sites on its own.

Out of the major urban centres, the samurai village of Usuki plays host to the annual fire festival while the Pilgrimage of the 88 temples is well worth the walk. Everywhere you go you’ll find fine food, whether succulent oysters, fresh spring rolls or spicy noodle soups.

Don’t worry about making mistakes during your business affairs – the Japanese are very forgiving of foreigners. If you’re lucky, you’ll be invited to one of the highly sought-after geisha bars; if not, there are plenty of other delights to keep you entertained. Music, dance, theatre or other, any diversion you can imagine can be pursued somewhere in these incredible cities – as well as many that you can’t.

Getting there
The majority of international flights go direct to Tokyo but a good percentage serve other cities, including Osaka. Ferry links take around 36 hours from Russia or 48 hours from China.

Getting around
Japanese public transport is famous both for its expensiveness and efficiency. Air, bus and rail services are all fast, frequent and comfortable, while there is also an extensive ferry network. Driving is feasible and there are many signposts in English.

Local information
Language: Japanese
Time: UTC+9
Climate: Warm oceanic. Hot summers, cool winters, plenty of rainfall. Temperature: Max 30°C (August), Min 4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 220mm (October), Min 50mm (January).
Currency: Yen (JPY)
Business etiquette: Greetings are formal and ritualised. It is important to show the correct amount of deference; mistakes are forgiven as long as genuine respect is shown. Negotiations are non-confrontational; facial expressions often say more than words.
Tipping: No tips required. If you feel compelled to tip, place the money in an envelope first and hand it directly to the intended recipient.
Duty free: 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; three bottles (0.76l each) of spirits; 56ml of perfume.
Safety: Japan has a very low crime rate. However, drink spiking incidents involving tourists, followed by robbery or assault, have been reported.
Laws: Minimum age for alcohol is 20. Criminal suspects can be held for 23 days without formal charge. It is an offence to knowingly allow a companion to drink-drive. Serious crimes incur the death penalty.
Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. Medical facilities are excellent but costs are high; medical insurance is essential.
Socket type: Type A, Type B

Israel

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Israel is a long-contested land that was born of political compromise
after the end of World War II, but its roots go back as far as the
biblical state of Zion. Jerusalem at its heart attracts millions in
pilgrimage every year, yet Israel is far from a backwater theocracy but a
pulsing modern nation with a highly developed economy, which remains a
world leader in the fields of water conservation and geothermal energy.

There’s
more here for visitors than biblical voyeurism, too – though the lively
cultural chaos of the holy city is well worth the trouble. There’s a
dense microcosm of natural delights, from green, forested mountains in
the north to the eerie dust-desert of the south, and the sandy
Mediterranean beaches to the great river flowing through the Jordan Rift
Valley. The diverse city culture borrows from across the globe and
there are urban highlights for history buffs, theatre lovers and wild
party animals alike. The music scene is a lively infusion of
contemporary and traditional, world and folk, while the Red Sea Jazz
Festival has international renown.

Business itself is a
pleasurable experience; meetings are often held at home or in
restaurants and a great deal of time is given over to socialising. A
casual, friendly atmosphere prevails for most dealings. There are a
number of topics that should be avoided – the political situation, for
example – but watch your manners and keep your conversation
light-hearted and you’ll find there are few friendlier places on earth.

Getting there
Ben-Gurion, 20km
southeast of Tel Aviv, is the main international gateway, with a handful
of flights going to Ovda Airport outside Eilat. Land crossings are to
Egypt and Jordan are straightforward, but other borders are closed to
civilians.

Getting around
Trains
connect the main cities and buses fill in the gaps; both are efficient
and inexpensive. Tel Aviv, Eilat and Haifa are connected by domestic
flights.

Local information
Language: Hebrew, Arabic
Time: UTC+2
Climate: Mediterranean. Hot, dry
summers and cool, wet winters. Temperature: Max 31°C (July), Min 5°C
(January). Rainfall: Max 130mm (January), Min 0mm (July-August).
Currency: Shekel (ILS)
Business etiquette: Wear a suit to
initial meeting, though subsequent dress may be casual. Business
meetings are often quite informal and may take place out of the office.
Relationships are not necessary to do business, though much time is
often given to socialising.
Tipping:
10-15 percent if no service is added.
Duty free: 250 cigarettes; 1l spirits; 2l wine; 250ml eau
de cologne or perfume; gifts up to the value of US$200.
Safety: The political situation is
unstable, with risk of military action, and areas around the Gaza Strip
and West bank should be avoided. Check government advice before
travelling.
Laws:
Identification must be carried at all times. The death penalty may be
imposed for serious offences. It is illegal to photograph military
buildings or personnel. One week mandatory jail sentences for public
drunkenness in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Healthcare: Vaccinations required for
hepatitis A and tetanus. There are excellent medical facilities
throughout Israel but treatment can be expensive. Health insurance is
recommended.
Socket type: Type
H, Type C

Ireland

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Ireland is one of the best kept secrets in Europe. With dramatic
coastland, misty mountains and lush, green valleys, you can lose
yourself in its inspiring wilderness. Cormorants skim the surface of the
glacial lakes of Kilarney National Park, while lonely fishing villages
cling to the coastal downs of the Connemara hinterland. Stand on the
Dingle Peninsula as the mighty Atlantic crashes on the rocks below and
look out over thousands of miles of untamed ocean to the far off coast
of America.

For all its natural beauty, the heart and soul of
Ireland lies in its pubs. The uninhibited enthusiasm and warmth of the
Irish hosts – helped by the lively music and the steady flow of cider
and Guinness – are the memories that live longest with most visitors to
the island. Whether you opt for the city nightlife of Dublin or Belfast,
the sophisticated pleasures of Cork or the charming, historical pubs of
Derry or medieval Kilkenny, you’ll soon feel right at home.

This
attitude translates easily into business, with meetings generally
relaxed and friendly affairs. Relationships are important but don’t take
so long to build – you’re trustworthy until proven otherwise.

Once
your affairs have been concluded, get out beyond the cities and explore
the country’s heritage. The Neolithic passages at Brú na Bóinne, an
ancient complex of burial tombs, are a thousand years older than
Stonehenge, while the Dun Aengus hill fort is worthy of a visit for the
desolate beauty of wildflowers blooming atop jagged coastal cliffs.

Getting there
Cork, Dublin and
Shannon are the main international airports and cheap tickets are
generally available on budget carriers. Irish Ferries and Brittany
Ferries operate sea routes between France and the British mainland
respectively.

Getting around
Distances
are short but public transport is infrequent and expensive. Car rental
is a considerable advantage in getting around. The train and bus
networks are comfortable but limited, while regular ferries service some
of the smaller islands off the coast.

Local information
Language: English, Irish Gaelic
Time: UTC
Climate: Temperate. Warm summers, cool
winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 20°C (July),
Min 2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 75mm (August), Min 40mm (April)
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Suits are
generally worn. Appointments are usually required but business meetings
are generally relaxed. Shake hands with everybody at a meeting and be
sure to smile. Avoid direct confrontation; humour is used to avoid
potentially difficult situations.
Tipping:
Tipping is not widely practiced.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco;
1l alcoholic beverage above 22 percent or 2l alcoholic beverage below
22 percent; 2l of table wine; 60ml of perfume; 250ml of eau de
toilette.
Safety: Crime in
Ireland is generally low, though incidents of petty theft, fraud and car
crime are rising in Dublin and some other urban areas.
Laws: It is illegal to smoke in
places of employment including pubs and restaurants.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus
required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get
free healthcare with an EHIC card. Travellers from beyond the EU may be
charged and are advised to take out health insurance.
Socket type: Type G

Indonesia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

This vast archipelago sprawls across 5,000km of the equator, with 17,500
islands and 300 distinct ethnic groups descended from Chinese,
European, Indian, Malay and indigenous stock. There are 742 known
languages, yet the common Bahasa tongue and shared education have built a
strong common national identity. Parts of Indonesia remain unexplored
and new species are still routinely discovered there, making it a
tropical paradise for the intrepid.

Stroll on perfect, peaceful
beaches at Paula Weh and go diving amid a diverse and rugged underwater
landscape. Trek to the Buddhist monument of Borobudur on its spectacular
pinnacle, with a 360 degree panorama of four volcanoes. Immerse
yourself in tribal Papua in the Baliem Valley, reminiscent of a lost
world. Enjoy yourself in the refreshing night-life and cultural
pleasures of Bali or go surfing in the blue seas of Lombok.

The
archipelago is constantly evolving; the 2004 tsunami and subsequent
reconstruction have instigated change in many areas, while the constant
clash of old and new, east and west stir things elsewhere. Indonesia is a
G20 economy with a GDP of nearly $1trn, but in places it can appear
like thousands of years of history have simply never happened.

Getting
there
There are numerous international airports; the main
gateways are Jakarta and Bali. Land journeys are possible from Malaysia,
Papua New Guinea and East Timor, but visas are required before reaching
the border. There are limited ferry links from Malaysia and the
Philippines.

Getting around
There
is an extensive domestic air network, though boat and bus travel remain
the mainstays of the public transport system. Trains are restricted to
Java and Sumatra. Renting a boat is straightforward and a good way to
island-hop.

Local information
Language: Bahasa Indonesia
Time: UTC+7 to UTC+9
Climate: Tropical. Hot and rainy all
year round. Temperature: Max: 32°C (September)-23°C Min (August).
Rainfall: Max 300mm (January-February), Min: 40mm (August)
Currency: Rupiah (IDR)
Business etiquette: Dress in light but
conservative clothing. Business dealings should be conducted through an
agent. Business cards are important and should be treated with respect;
give or accept using two hands and give them due attention.
Tipping: Tip according to preference.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50
cigars or 100g tobacco; 1l liquor; A reasonable quantity of perfume;
gifts to $250.
Safety: Beware
of local spirits that may contain harmful substances.
Laws: Carry identification at all
times. Serious crimes, including some drug offences, attract the death
penalty. Gambling is illegal. Some aspects of Sharia Law have been
implemented in Aceh. Indonesian or international licenses are required
to drive.
Healthcare: Vaccinations
required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, malaria,
tuberculosis and typhoid. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash
payment. Services outside cities are poor. Health insurance is essential
and should include emergency repatriation.
Socket type: Type C

Hong Kong

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the first Opium War of the 19th century, before being return to the Chinese in 1997. Today it is a special autonomous region of the Republic of China and one of the leading financial centres in the world. Famous for its impressive collection of skyscrapers it also has one of the best quality of life indicators in the world.

First impressions of Hong Kong can be disorientating; narrow streets and alleys packed tightly below towering buildings, neon rainbows flickering in every direction. Victoria Harbour, teeming with activity, leaves you breathless, while the view from The Peak is just as stunning as the postcards. The action doesn’t stop after lights out; stroll through Temple Street Night Market or sample the buzzing night-life on Hong Kong Island, this is a true 24-hour city.

There is some peace to be found on the mountain trails of the New Territories, or the sleeping Buddhist temples of the outlying islands. There are even a few oases in the city; secluded chapels and quiet museums, or green picnic spots with resplendent views at Tai Long Wan, Dragon’s Back or the Bride’s Pool.

You’re likely to spend most of your time in the city’s excellent restaurants and bars, even when you are on the job. Hong Kong’s business folk take the business of entertainment very seriously and the only problem you’re likely to face is how to fit everything in.

Getting there

Hong Kong is a major international air hub for China and takes a wide range of international flights. Numerous bus and coach services link it with the neighbouring Chinese province of Guangdong.

Getting around

Hong Kong has a comprehensive public transport system, utilising road, rail and also ferries for crossing the harbour. Driving is not advised; the traffic is abysmal and parking is extremely difficult.

Local information

Language: Chinese, English

Time: UTC+8

Climate: Sub-tropical. Hot wet summers and warm dry winters. Temperature: Max 31°C (August), Min 14°C (January). Rainfall: Max 445mm (August), Min 25mm (January).

Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Business etiquette: Dress smartly. Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is important. Business cards should have a Chinese translation on the reverse. Entertaining is an important part of business dealings; remember however that a meal may be considered a gift and should be reciprocated.

Tipping: 10-15 percent service charge is standard. Round up to nearest dollar in taxis.

Duty free: 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 75g of tobacco; 1l of alcoholic liquor above 30 percent; Personal use of other items.

Safety: Little violent crime. Be aware of drink spiking and pickpockets. In Shenzhen attacks on and theft from tourists have increased in recent years.

Laws: Strict regulation on import of weapons or items resembling weapons; infringements could result in up to 14 years in prison or fine of $100,000.Unlawful protest can lead to arrest and jail.

Healthcare: Vaccination required for rabies, tetanus and typhoid. First class medical facilities and dentistry are available. Charges are made for all healthcare, so health insurance is strongly advised.

Socket type: Type G

Fiji

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Few places on earth can be as picture perfect as this tropical paradise; ivory beaches and azure seas that fold peacefully into still, shallow lagoons, with clear blue skies undisturbed but for the perfect halo that gathers over a snow-capped, conical volcano. Kick back with a cocktail and soak up the sun, go diving amid soft coral and radiant tropical fish, or explore the remote out islands to find your own little Lost World. Whichever you choose, Fiji is a paradise in waiting.

You’ll get a warm welcome on arrival, too. The traditional ceremony is a long-standing feature of the culture, once used to talk to gods. The kava drink you share with you host puts you in a state of tranquillity unlikely to wear off until you’ve left the island for good. There’ll be singing, and plenty of it – Fijians are an extremely musical people and it seems they were all born to the accompaniment of a slowly lilting guitar and ukulele.

Explore the beaches and you’ll encounter straw-roofed huts nestled amid lazy palm copses, with stunning views of Mount Fiji in the interior. The Fiji Museum at Suva is well worth a visit and the town is the perfect place to learn more of this fascinating culture. Hikes in the interior reveal babbling mountain streams and hidden glades that wouldn’t look out of place in Peter Pan’s Neverland.

Getting there

Most visitors land on Nadi, though there are a few international flights to Tuvalu from nearby countries such as New Zealand. There are no scheduled sea routes.

Getting around

The larger islands have extensive bus networks, though getting around on the smaller ones can be a challenge. A combination of regular ferries and small local boats link the islands themselves; note that it is illegal to show up uninvited at some of the more remote locations.

Local information

Language: English, Bau Fijian and Hindi

Time: UTC+12

Climate: Tropical. Hot and wet throughout year. Temperature: Max 30°C (January), Min 20°C (August). Rainfall: Max 320mm (January), Min 50mm (May).

Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)

Business etiquette: Business dress is casual except on very formal occasions. Time should be invested in relationship development from the beginning. Some social occasions are ceremonial and it is offensive not to attend. Deadlines and schedules are less important than many other countries and you should expect meetings to start late and overrun.

Tipping: Tipping is not encouraged.

Duty free: 250 cigarettes or 250g cigars or 250g tobacco; 2.25l of spirits or 4.5l of wine or beer; gifts to F$400.

Safety: Avoid military stations and concentrations of military personnel.

Laws: The protection normally afforded by law has been undermined by military activity. It is illegal to be intoxicated at an airport.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. There are a number of good quality medical facilities but doctors and hospitals both expect immediate cash payment.

Socket type: Type I