Author: Charlotte Gill

Finland

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Summer in Finland is a golden season full of optimism, when the towns are alive with good cheer and festivals and the gentle warmth of the sun makes the national parks and tranquil lakes most accessible. Yet much of Finland remains remote and the harsh, icy winters loom just as large in the national consciousness. The Sami reindeer herders in Lapland find peace in the wasteland and this spiritual affinity for the wild is shared by many Finns.

Finnish towns, however, remain compact, dynamic and modern. The contorted glacial coast makes for some spectacular natural harbours and cities such as Helsinki manage to be hip and stylish without feeling rushed. The towns are also notable for their saunas – the country has 1.6 million of them and they have become something of a cultural icon.

The Failed States index makes Finland the second most stable country in the world and its export-oriented economy is based on a strong and sustainable manufacturing base. The reliance on foreign trade however has made Finland vulnerable to global economic developments and the 2008 financial crisis hit the country worse than many other OECD nations.

Finns are an extremely efficient people to whom business is business and not much else. Extensive relationships are not required for deals and they are happy to communicate over distance, by phone, email or other. Blunt speaking is the norm and professional differences are not viewed as personal attacks.

Getting there

Most international flights go to Helsinki; some regional routes go to Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Vaasa and Rovaniemi. Baltic ferries from other Scandinavian countries and northern Europe are comfortable and frequent. The European bus and train network provides connections across the continent.

Getting around

Trains are best for long distance routes, though there is an extensive (but expensive) domestic air network. Buses are good for regional travel. To really explore, however, you’ll probably need a car. Car rental is expensive but driving is hassle-free.

Local information

Language(s): Finnish, Swedish

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Continental. Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 22°C (July), Min -10°C (February). Rainfall: Max 70mm (October), Min 35mm (March)

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Greet with a handshake and repeat your full name while doing so. Wear dark coloured suits. There is little small talk in meetings but you may be invited to a restaurant or sauna after hours. Send short biographies of your team before the first meeting. Verbal agreements should be honoured or you risk damaging your reputation.

Tipping: Tips are not expected.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l alcohol below 22 percent or 1l alcohol above 22 prcent; 2l sparkling wine; 16l beer; 50g perfume; 250ml eau de toilette; 100g tea; 500g coffee

Safety: Incidence of crime is low.

Laws: Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Possession of even small amounts of drugs may incur heavy fines or imprisonment.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.

Socket type: Type C

Ethiopia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

One of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, Ethiopia packs in spectacular waterfalls nestled amid lush green forests, Martian deserts strewn with jagged boulders, hot volcanic springs and some of the highest mountains on the continent. It’s sprinkled liberally with a healthy dose of the past, too; the rock-hewn churches at Lalibela are enchanting testaments to Medieval Christendom while the ruined Aksemite kingdom is a haunting graveyard of ancient palaces, underground tombs and faded racial memories.

Its rich history is one of the many things which sets Ethiopia apart from its African neighbours. Aside from a brief occupation my Mussolini, it is the only country on the continent never to have been fully colonised. While many African countries are still in their infancy, with almost arbitrary states imposed upon incongruous tribal loyalties, Ethiopia was once a great empire itself and may even be the oldest nation in the world.

The majority of Ethiopia’s foreign business is conducted in the capital Addis Ababa, a vibrant metropolis with a unique personality bursting with disparate strands of past and present. Yet while the city is a fascinating introduction to the country, make sure it isn’t your only taste of it; facing up to wild contrasts beyond the capital’s boundaries is one of the exhilarating experiences in travel.

Getting there

Ethiopia is landlocked and most travellers arrive by air into Addis Ababa. There are several buses crossing to neighbouring countries but many are unsafe; the border with Eritrea is completely closed.

Getting around

If travelling long distances then consider domestic air travel; there is a good bus network but it can take a long time to get anywhere. Driving is possible but you may need an Ethiopian licence if staying for more than a week.

Local information

Language(s): Amharic; there are also many regional languages.

Time: UTC+3

Climate: Tropical monsoon, though the high elevation of much of the country keeps temperatures in the twenties. Temperature: Max 25°C (April), Min 4°C (November). Rainfall: Max 295mm (August), Min: 2mm (December)

Currency: Birr (ETB)

Business etiquette: Greet with a light handshake and direct eye contact. Take time to inquire about family and health; do not rush straight to business. Ethiopia is relatively new to international business and many Ethiopians may be sensitive to change or difference. Generally, Ethiopians are eloquent and humble and respect those qualities in others.

Tipping: 10 percent is standard

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g tobacco; 1l alcoholic beverages; 2 bottles or 500ml perfume; gifts to Br500.

Safety: Border areas should be avoided due to conflict in neighbouring countries, particularly to the east.

Laws: Written authorisation is required to export cultural artefacts.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A, diphtheria, malaria, tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever. Several others may also be required, including hepatitis B and rabies. Water should be boiled/sterilised. Health insurance is essential and should include emergency repatriation; healthcare facilities are extremely limited.

Socket type: Type C

Estonia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Estonia is a small, sparsely populated country of wild forests and teeming wetlands. The convenient national parks are perfect for wild exploration during the summer months, while cross-country skiing is a popular sport during the winter. The capital Tallinn captivates with its blend of medieval and modern; cobbled back-streets and dizzy spires besides trendy bars, modern art galleries and some of the finest restaurants in the Baltic region.

An independent nation since 1991, it became one of the world’s fastest growing economies in it’s post-Soviet years, until the financial collapse in 2008 saw GDP shrink 17 percent in 18 months. Like neighbouring Latvia, the government has maintained its currency peg against the euro with the express intention of deepening the recession, forcing down wages and prices and thereby restoring the economy’s competitiveness.

Such policies have kept the country on track to join the euro as early as 2011, but has pushed unemployment to 19.8 percent in the first quarter of 2010. Droves of Estonians have left to seek work elsewhere and because of the migration many companies have had problems finding skilled employees despite the relatively large pool of workers without jobs.

Estonians themselves are uncomplicated people; they mean what they say, keep promises they make and expect their business partners to do likewise. They are reserved to the point of coldness during initial contact but will become more friendly as a business relationship progresses. Despite economic problems, Estonia retains a good business infrastructure and deals can often progress relatively quickly.

Getting there

International flights land at Tallinn; budget flights are available within Europe. High speed ferry links go to Finland and overnight ferries go to Sweden. The European bus and train network provides connections throughout Europe.

Getting around

There is a limited train service linking urban centres. Buses are a better option, as they are faster and more frequent. An international driving license and compulsory accident insurance are necessary to drive.

Local information

Language: Estonian

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Cool temperature. Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 20°C (July), Min -11°C (January). Rainfall: Max 70mm (September), Min 20mm (March)

Currency: Estonian kroon (EEK)

Business etiquette: Greet with firm handshake and eye contact. Men initiate greetings with women, younger person initiate greetings with older. Estonians are reserved and early communications can be quite stiff. Strong emphasis is placed on verbal promises.

Tipping: 10 percent tip is optional.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l alcohol above 22 percent or 2l alcohol below 22 percent; 2l wine; 1kg food products; 50g perfume; 250ml eau de toilette

Safety: General crime level is low. Petty crime is common during the summer months and after dark, particularly in Tallinn Old Town. Theft on and from vehicles is on the rise.

Laws: Zero tolerance for drink driving. Heavy fines and/or imprisonment for drug offences.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.

Socket type: Type C

Ecuador

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

According to Conservation International, Ecuador is officially ‘megadiverse’; there are 1,600 bird species, 16,000 types of plant, 106 genera of reptiles and 6,000 varieties of butterfly, for a start. Nowhere can more be seen than the famous Galapagos Islands, off the country’s Pacific coast, described as ‘a living museum and showcase of evolution’ which inspired Charles Darwin’s 1835 influential On the Origin of Species.

All this is packed into the second smallest country on the continent, thanks to Ecuador’s compact and varied geography, where Andean highlands are squeezed between Pacific coastline and the Amazonian basin. Tropical, temperate, oceanic and mountain climates exist side by side. Whether you’re climbing, diving or just beating your way through the thick jungle bush you’ll have ample opportunities to spot all manner of exotic species while simultaneously experiencing a sense of the intrepid.

When you’ve had enough of howler monkeys and tree snakes, there’s plenty of colonial heritage to explore at Cuenca and Quito. Vilcabamba, in the valley of longevity, is a great place for hiking or just enjoying a relaxing massage. Otavalo has been home to a fascinating market since pre-Inca times and today is one of the most famed spots for arts and crafts in South America. There are plenty of opportunities to try rafting, surfing, sailing, paragliding or a number of more active pursuits and the only guarantee is that no two days will be the same.

Getting there

Guayaquil and Quito both have international airports with connections across America and to Europe. There are bus connections from all the neighbouring countries and also infrequent ferries along the Rio Napo to Peru.

Getting around

The bus system is comprehensive and, given the country’s small size, very practical. Be warned however that the drivers tend to be maniacs. Domestic train and air routes are limited. Driving a car can be a challenging experience.

Local information

Language: Spanish

Time: UTC-5

Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot throughout year, heavy summer rainfall, varies with altitude. Temperature: Max 32°C (March), Min 19°C (August). Rainfall: Max 230mm (March), Min 0mm (July-September).

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

Business etiquette: Suits are the norm. Greet with a handshake and smile; friends may greet by kissing on each cheek. This is a relationship-driven culture and third party introductions are strongly advised.

Tipping: Service charges are rarely given to the waiter; tipping 5-10% is standard.

Duty free: 300 cigarettes; 1l alcohol; A reasonable amount of perfume; gifts and personal effects to US$200;

Safety: Avoid border areas with Colombia and Peru due to the threat of terrorist activity. Protests and demonstrations are frequent and should be avoided.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Jaywalking may incur a fine.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Good healthcare is available in cities and there are plenty of pharmacies in urban areas. For serious illnesses, patients may be evacuated to the US Health insurance is essential and should include emergency repatriation.

Socket type: Type A, Type B

Austria

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Landlocked Austria is a mountainous country, with 65 percent of its terrain above 500m altitude. It’s charms were most famously captured by the Sound of Music; but while that rustic idyll still lingers in some of the high alpine valleys , modern Austria is much more sophisticated place. It is one of the richest countries in the world, with a per capita GDP of over $40,000 a head, and maintains one of the highest standards of living.

Vienna attracts the most visitors; a cultural centre that inspired Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and which today married a grand Baroque old city with contemporary art, fine
dining and a thriving café culture. The postcard-perfect cobbled streets of Innsbruck and the sleepy mountain villages of Bregenzerwald are the perfect places to explore the older Austria. Further afield, winding hiking trails explore mountains, caves and glacial lakes, as well as Europe’s highest waterfall at Krimml Falls.

The people are conservative and family-oriented, but equally direct to the point of
bluntness. They respect achievements more than words and will be particularly interested in your academic credentials, while a sharp, analytical mind wins far more respect than gushing warmth or enthusiasm. They have little time for ostentation or pretentiousness and this translates into a formal, thorough approach to business. Deals can take time and pressure tactics are likely only to spoil a relationship.

Getting there

Vienna, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Innsbruck all have international airports
served by budget carriers. Boat trips are available from Hungary, Slovakia and Germany. The European bus and train network provides connections across the continent.

Getting around

The train network is fast and efficient; buses are slower but have greater coverage in mountainous regions. Driving is a practical alternative; roads are well-maintained and the
cost can be economical if shared between multiple people.

Local information

Language: German. Regional languages include Slovene, Hungarian and Croatian.

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Moderate continental. Hot summers and cold winters, rainfall all year round.
Temperature: Max 25°C (July), Min -4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (July), Min 40mm (January).

Currency:
Euro

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively. A quick, firm handshake is the customary greeting. First impressions are important. Experience and credentials are more important than personal relations for doing business. Use titles and surnames as forms of address.

Tipping:
Service is usually included in restaurant bills, however it is customary to round up the amount for payment.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l alcoholic beverage over 22 percent or 2l alcoholic beverage under 22 percent; 2l of sparkling wine; 2l of still wine; 500g of coffee; 100g of tea; 50g of perfume; 0.25l of eau de toilette.

Safety: Low incidences of crime.

Laws: Identification documentation should be carried at all times. Preaching is illegal unless you belong to a registered group.

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 C

Netherlands

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

One of the world’s earliest parliamentary democracies and once the hub of a great trade empire, the Netherlands today remains one of the most liberal countries on the planet. One fifth lies beneath sea level, reclaimed by the famous dykes, while the area around Amsterdam is the most densely populated in Europe. A country of superlatives, it is also the flattest and has the highest number of bikes per capita; there are more bicycles than people.

Amsterdam is world-renowned for its tolerant culture, yet the canals, cobbled back-streets and verdant greenery also make it a truly beautiful city. Groningen is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and comes complete with the rampant night-life that the student population demands. Hoge Veluwe National Park is not only a great place to escape but also hosts a remarkable art museum. Medieval Maastricht, situated among some of the Netherlands’ few hills, combines Roman ruins and encroaching French/Belgian culture to create a wholly different feel.

The Dutch are a conservative people, to whom privacy and appearances are both important, yet they remain exceptionally tolerant of cultural differences. The Netherlands has a long history of international trade – they are one of the biggest foreign investors in countries like the US – and business negotiations tend to be both thorough and efficient. They will want to know the credentials a company and its representatives and will take a long term view of any partnership. You should have a clear idea of where you see any business relationship going before you start negotiations.

Getting there

Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam handles most international air traffic; Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen and Maastricht take some smaller flights. There are ferry links between the UK and Netherlands. The European train and bus network provides links throughout Europe.

Getting around

Long distances are best travelled by train while buses offer an alternative for regional travel. You’re unlikely to need a car as the network is extensive. The Netherlands is also an ideal place to cycle.

Local information

Language: Dutch

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Temperate. Warm summers, cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 23°C (July), Min -1°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (August), Min 40mm (March)

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Greet with a brief handshake and repeat your name. Third party introductions help but are not mandatory. Communication style is direct and ideas will be discussed opening during meetings; the Dutch are highly egalitarian and everybody is entitled to input.

Tipping: Service is included in the bill by law.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l liquor or 2l sparkling wine; 2l non-sparkling wine; 50g perfume; 250ml eau de toilette; 500g coffee; 100g tea.

Safety: Drink spiking incidents and lottery scams have been reported.

Laws: Carry identification at all times.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.

Socket type: Type F

Russia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Spanning eleven time zones and twice the size of the USA, Russia is not a country that can be rushed. Many travellers go no further than Moscow, with its historic old city and lively nightlife, or follow the Volga boatmen along the waterways of the Czars to the baroque architecture of St Petersburg. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg and the best of Russia lies off the beaten track.

Mountain lovers can hike across the low-lying Urals or the more dramatic Caucasus, sandwiched between the Black and Caspian Seas. Intrepid explorers can lose themselves in Siberia, a vast country full of unique wooden villages, which defies its bleak reputation as a fierce and lonely wasteland. For some real alone time, try the Russian Far East; a sparsely populated mass the size of Europe where travellers seldom venture.

But perhaps the most rewarding Russian experience is to be found on the Trans-Siberian Railway. The longest unbroken rail line in the world, the full distance takes a week to cover, yet the joy is in the travel, not the destination. Nowhere is it easier to mix and mingle with Russians, Mongolians, Chinese, Eastern Europeans and people from places you’ve never heard of, as forests, lakes, cities and wilderness slip past your window. Hop off and explore as you wish or turn back home when you want; the journey sums up the vastness of Russia.

Getting there

The bulk of international flights go to Moscow, St Petersburg and Domodedovo. Trains link Moscow with many countries to the East and South. Buses are available but, considering the distances, not advised.

Getting around

The internal flight network is limited. Buses are cheap but impractical for long distance journeys given the size of the country. The rail network is extensive and comfortable; seats should be booked in advance.

Local information

Language: Russian; 27 regional languages.

Time: UTC +2 to UTC + 11.

Climate: Continental. Generally warm, wet summer and cold, drier winters. Temperature (Moscow): Max 24°C (July), Min -12°C (January). Rainfall: Max 77mm (July), Min 25mm (February).

Currency: Ruble (RUB)

Business etiquette: Wear business suits and make appointments as far in advance as possible. Established relationships are not essential for business but contacts with authority can help cut through red tape. The first meeting is often just to assess you or your company’s suitability.

Tipping: 10-15 percent

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic beverage; perfume for personal use; Gifts to the value of US$10,000.

Safety: Reports of extortion by police and other officials.

Laws: The alcohol limit for drink driving is zero. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Photography in public places is restricted.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus. Emergency treatment is free for travellers but ongoing care is not. Health insurance is recommended. A reciprocal health agreement entitles UK nationals to free care.

Socket type: Type C, Type F

Chile

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific, with over 6,000km of coastline riddled with fjords, inlets and islands, Chile is blessed with an unusual geography that encompasses desert, forest, vast glacier and rolling grassland. It is also a South American success story – it has, among other things, the highest level of development, economic freedom and quality of life on the continent. After emerging from the dictatorship of General Pinochet in 1990, it also has a high level of political stability.

Business requires patience, however, as Chileans are rarely in a hurry. That hardly matters though; enjoy the all-night parties and Sunday barbecues, world-class cuisine and sweet terremoto. Lurking beneath the smog of Santiago is a pulsing city every bit as cultured in its way as Buenos Aires.

When you’re bored of the capital head out into the mountains and catch some exhilarating ski action at El Colorado, or just trek through the snow-dusted peaks and into the back of beyond. Or head up the coast to the bohemian Valparaiso, with its vertiginous vistas and mindboggling labyrinth of streets, possessed of both a kicking nightlife and UNESCO world heritage status. Then head out into the country and tour the Chilean vineyards that are taking the world by storm.

From San Pedro de Atacama in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, Chile’s stunning landscapes offer an almost endless array of delights on offer.

Getting there

Intercontinental flights go to Santiago, but regional airports have routes to many other South American countries. There are numerous border crossings into Argentina, though only a few with public transport, and also bus connections to Peru and Bolivia.

Getting around

The rail system is rather neglected, except around Santiago. Long distance buses are comfortable, punctual and air conditioned. There are several domestic airports and given the distances involved flying can be a sensible choice.

Local information

Language: Spanish

Time: UTC-4

Climate: Greatly varied – ranges from desert in the north to polar in the south. Temperature (Santiago): Max 29°C (January), Min 3°C (June). Rainfall: Max 80mm (June), Min 2mm (January).

Currency: Peso (CLP)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake. Chileans are formal in business dealings, though they tend to stand close when conversing away from the table. Business culture is relationship-driven and initial meetings are to establish trust. Communication style is empathic and non-confrontational; avoid direct confrontation.

Tipping: 10 percent in restaurants. Small tips to porters and supermarket packers.

Duty free: Items bought duty-free to the value of US$500; 400 cigarettes and 500g of tobacco and 50 cigars; 2.5l of alcohol (only for visitors over 18 years of age); A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.

Safety: Chile is an active tectonic zone and violent earthquakes are possible.

Laws: Penalties for even minor drug offences are severe.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for tetanus. Medical insurance is essential. Emergency services are free but private clinics provide far superior medical facilities.

Socket type: Type C, Type L

Denmark

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A low-lying peninsula surrounded by the North and Baltic seas, Denmark is very much a maritime nation with a strong shipping industry. Yet with few natural resources to exploit it has been forced to invest highly in infrastructure and develop a highly skills-based economy. The result is a nation with the highest per-capita GDP in Europe and one that frequently tops international indexes of quality of life. Denmark is in many ways a paradise with one major downside – the expense for the visitor.

Danish people are efficient, informal and not fond of ceremony. Business dealings are straightforward and can often be concluded relatively quickly. They are often fairly relaxed but expect a minimum standard of professionalism; while being good-humoured will often help with negotiations, being overly humorous will often backfire and lose you respect. Punctuality and good manners are also important as these are seen as marks of good character. Small talk during meetings is brief but you may be entertained after hours; if so, you are in for a treat.

Copenhagen, already renowned for design, fashion and architecture, is undergoing a culinary revolution, and the city has more Michelin stars than any other in Scandinavia. Aarhus and Aalborg are similarly well-equipped with fine dining and a cultured night-life. Visiting the islands that scatter the coast can be relaxing experience and the gentle terrain makes cycling an ideal way of enjoying the pleasant scenery and sea air. Denmark’s Viking heritage, among others, also makes for interesting exploration of its historical legacy.

Getting there Most international flights land at Copenhagen. Flights from the UK and Scandinavia are available to Arhus, Aalborg, Esbjerg & Billund. Ferry connections go to Scandinavian countries, Germany, Poland and Iceland. The European train and bus network provides links across the continent.

Getting around There is a reliable train network with frequent services and good coverage. Buses are slower and less comfortable, though often cheaper. There is an intricate ferry network linking the smaller islands.

Local information

Language: Danish

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Temperature. Warm summers, cold winters, medium rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 22°C (July), Min -3°C (February). Rainfall: Max 65mm (July), Min 24mm (April)

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

Business etiquette: Short, firm handshakes when arriving and leaving, women before men. Punctuality at meetings is important and agendas are strictly adhered to. Communication style is direct and many Danes will verbally admonish those who do not adhere to what they see as the correct protocol.

Tipping: 10 percent is standard but not mandatory.

Duty free: 1l spirits or 2l sparkling fortified wine (maximum 22 percent); 2l table wine; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 500g coffee; 100g tea; 50g perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette

Safety: There is a low crime rate, though petty crime targeting tourists is common.

Laws: Drinking driving, possession of drugs and assault (even minor) are all dealt with severely and can result in considerable jail sentences.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.

Socket type: Type C, Type K

Iceland

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Iceland is often referred to as the island of ice and fire. One of the most volcanically active places on earth it is also one of the most unique landscapes. From the giant geysers at Geysir and Gullfoss to the hot springs of Landmannalaugar, it is packed with geological wonders unlike any you’ll see elsewhere. Visitors who take a drive around the 860 mile Ring Road will see lava fields, frosty tundras, crashing waves, bubbling mud pools and dramatic glacial lagoons.

Return to Reykjavik and you might feel that you’ve been to the moon. For in Reykjavik you find that the country is surprisingly sophisticated, despite being a remote island with a population of barely 300,000. A strong internal economy and an international banking industry have paved the way to one of the highest standards of living in Europe. Even with the collapse of the financial sector unemployment remains at a lowly one percent.

Over half the island’s population live in the capital, which has a reputation for artistic culture and vibrant nightlife. The Viking legacy is strong too – the Icelandic language is largely unchanged since the 12th century, preserved in the ancient sagas, while the practice of patronymy still lives on. Head to the Saga museum for a taste of Icelandic history or just ask one of the multitude of artists and dreamers to recount their favourite epic. They all speak excellent English and will be only too happy to welcome you to an island of which they are, quite rightly, very proud.

Getting there

International flights go to Akureyi airport, 48km west of Reykjavik. A car ferry is available from Bergen (Norway), Lerwick (Shetland Isles), Hanstholm (Denmark) and Torshavn (Faroe Isles).

Getting around

The extensive domestic air network is the fastest way of getting around; bus services can be limited on some routes and there is no train. Car hire is often best if you do a lot of travelling around the island and usually ends up cheaper than alternatives. Numerous ferries operate to the outlying islands and fjords.

Local information

Language: Icelandic

Time: UTC

Climate: Cold oceanic. Cool summers and cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 14°C (July), Min -4°C (February). Rainfall: Max 94mm (October), Min 42mm (May).

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Suits should be worn. A handshake is a standard formal greeting. Appointments should be made and punctuality is very important.

Tipping: Tipping is not widely practiced.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of beers, wines or cider; 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g of tea; medication for personal use.

Safety: Crime is low; petty theft is a risk around bars and nightclubs.

Laws: Handling even small quantities of drugs may lead to imprisonment. Smoking in public buildings/transport is prohibited.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Good 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 C, Type M.

Cuba

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A Caribbean archipelago comprised of two main islands and several smaller siblings, the Republic of Cuba looms large in the imagination despite its diminutive size. Known for its cigars and smooth-sipping rum, not to mention international political figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, it is perhaps most paradoxically seen as a symbol of freedom. Not only has it stood up to its colonial overlords but also the might of the U.S, and if you can understand the peculiar liberty fostered here you will be a long way to understanding much of grass roots Latin America.

The islands themselves are delightful, packed with luscious greenery and old school charms as classic Chevrolets and Buicks chug through dusty Iberian streets. The atmosphere in Habana has an intangible quality that many poets have failed to capture, intoxicating and invigorating like one of its famous cigars. The towering limestone cliffs of Vinales are riddled with caves and dusted with a generous icing of verdant greenery. Complete a pilgrimage to the dazzling Che murals at Santa Clara and then relax on one of Varadero’s many sun-soaked beaches.

For all this, the real experience is the people. Since Raul Castro took office in 2008 there has been a great deal of modernisation and it is easier than ever to mix with the locals. They’re exceptionally friendly and often extremely candid, and mingling a little will open your mind to an entirely different world.

Getting there

The main international airport is 25km south of Habana. There are no direct flights from the US, but there are regional connections within the Caribbean and a few beyond. There are no scheduled ferry services.

Getting around

Train services are limited but the buses have good coverage. You’ll have to hire a car or bicycle to get off the beaten track though.

Local information

Language: Spanish

Time: UTC-5

Climate: Subtropical. Hot summers, warm winters, heavy rainfall in summer. Temperature: Max 33°C (August), Min 18°C (January). Rainfall: Max 170mm (October), Min 45mm (January).

Currency: Cuban convertible peso (CUC)

Business etiquette: Business is conducted fairly informally and dress tends to reflect this. A light shirt is often appropriate. Expect to spend time fostering a relationship before doing business. Negotiations are likely to be subject to the limitations of Cuba’s communist economy.

Tipping: 10 percent is standard

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 3 bottles alcoholic beverages; gifts to US$50; 10kg medicine.

Safety: Do not pack valuables in checked luggage as thefts occur during baggage handling.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Serious crimes may attract the death penalty. Importing religious material or preaching is illegal in some cases. Suspects may be imprisoned for the duration of a criminal investigation.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Excellent facilities are available but drugs and medicines are in short supply. Health insurance is essential; visitors may have to prove their ability to pay before treatment.

Socket type: Type A, Type C

Ghana

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Ghana’s economic wealth lies in its rich gold deposits and cocoa farms, but for the traveller its real value is in its people. Once an integral part of the slave trade it is today home to six main tribal groups, including the prolific Ashanti, one of the world’s few matrilineal societies. Relics of the slave trade can still be seen today and the coast is dotted with medieval forts and UNESCO heritage sites.

Today, Ashanti crafts are famed throughout West Africa, while the villages act as social and religious hubs as well as economic centres; if you are lucky enough to be given the chance, witnessing village ceremonies can be an enchanting and awe-inspiring experience. Ghana has its far share of natural beauty, too; a gorgeous coastline to the south, rich rainforests to the west and rolling grassy plains to the east mean there is something for everybody.

Business can seem formal and even ceremonial at times, but Ghanaians are warm and friendly people who pride themselves on being excellent hosts. Ghanaian life is a public affair and the streets are alive with activity; don’t expect to get any real peace during your stay. Instead, to get the most out of this wonderful country, immerse yourself in the culture and maintain an open mind and a friendly smile.

Getting there

Kotaka in Accra is the only international airport. There are daily links to London and weekly flights to New York but routes elsewhere are limited. Cheap, regular buses run to Togo and Ivory Coast, while the longer journey to Burkina Faso will cost around $30 from Accra or $20 from Kumasi.

Getting around

The fastest and most reliable transport in Ghana is bus; however, late departures are still frequent. Trains are available but are slower and no cheaper. Accra and Kamasi are linked by twice daily flights at $80 and Lake Volta is serviced by a regular passenger boat.

Local information

Language: English

Time: UTC

Climate: Tropical. Hot all year, rainy season April-June and to a lesser extent September-November. Temperature: Max (32°C) February, Min 24° (August). Rainfall: Max 195mm June, Min 10mm (January, August).

Currency: Ghana Cedi (GHS)

Business etiquette: Greet with a handshake and a smile, maintaining eye contact. Titles are important, address hosts using title and surname. Present and receive business cards and gifts with the right hand, never the left. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is important.

Tipping: Tipping not required; 5-10 percent for excellent service only.

Duty free: 1.1l of spirits or wine; 284ml of perfume.

Safety: Areas of northern Ghana are considered dangerous. Avoid large public gatherings such as football matches or rallies.

Laws: Serious offences such as murder carry the death sentence. Homosexual acts are illegal; minimum seven years in prison. Possession of pornography and dressing in military clothing are also illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever. Emergency health services extremely limited, health care available in major towns but health insurance is essential.

Socket type: Type D