Author: Charlotte Gill

Singapore

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

An Asian island city-state located off the coast of Malaysia, Singapore is the fourth largest financial centre in the world and is often regarded as the most open, business-friendly economy. With a 50 percent expatriate workforce it also has the highest percentage of foreign worker of any country and can legitimately claim to be the most globalised, multinational state there is.

The city itself is wondrously clean, efficient and friendly considering that the population density is second only to Monaco. Chinese, Malay, Indian and European influences have all gone into creating some mouth-watering cuisines while the Asian Civilisations Museum is an icon every bit as important as the British Museum or the Louvre. There are ample opportunities for both water and land sports to keep more active visitors entertained, plus hundreds of watering holes in which to chill out at the end of the day.

A former British colony, the mix of east and west lingers in the country’s social structure; though it claims to be egalitarian, informal hierarchies exist in many arenas, including the work place. Many such relationships are linked directly to ‘face’ and most Singaporeans will go well out of their way to avoid the loss of dignity and respect.

As such, direct confrontations are to be avoided; communication styles are subtle and include a great deal of non-verbal exchange. Moreover, etiquette will vary by ethnic group, creating a complex cultural landscape that takes time to fully explore. Pay attention and show respect, and Singapore will be an excellent place to do business.

Getting there

Changi International Airport is around 20km east of the city centre. There are frequent buses and ferries to Malaysia, with a few buses that continue on to Thailand.

Getting around

The public transport system is superb and you can get virtually anywhere by bus and MRT (train). There are regular ferry services linking the southern islands. Car rental is fairly expensive but traffic is orderly.

Local information

Language: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil.

Time: UTC+8

Climate: Humid tropical. Hot and wet all year round. Temperature: 24°C to 32°C. Rainfall: 170mm to 240mm. Little seasonal variance.

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Business etiquette: Greetings, titles and gift giving protocol vary with ethnicity, gender and age – you are advised to familiarise yourself with Chinese, Indian and Malay customs before travelling. Business is formal with strict protocol and business relationships take time to develop. Rank is important and is always respected.

Tipping: Service included in bill.

Duty free: 1l of spirits; 1l of wine; 1l of beer

Safety: Petty theft occurs in airports, hotels and on public transport.

Laws: Murder, abduction and drug offences are among those that can incur the death penalty. Racial insults, smoking in public, chewing or importing gum are all illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for tetanus, tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Healthcare facilities are excellent with an extensive private sector. Health insurance is recommended though not essential.

Socket type: Type G.

Egypt

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Think of Egypt and most people immediately picture the Great Pyramids. Yet while these are reason enough to visit the country themselves, there is so much more to this vast and enchanting land. The Egyptians have inhabited it since the rest of the world’s civilisations were still in metaphorical diapers and over five thousand years of history is inscribed in its ancient tombs and monuments. Contemporary Egypt is no less fascinating, as beneath the apparent chaos of the streets of Cairo and Alexandria lie a very modern and forward looking nation.

For business, Egypt requires patience. Relationships can take time to build and deals are rarely wrapped up in a day. Relax and take the time to sight-see; wander through historic Cairo and pay a visit to Khan el-Khalili, one of the world’s great bazaars; visit Tutankhamen’s tomb and marvel at the treasures of Egyptian antiquity; take a side trip to Sinai and go diving in the Red Sea; or take a cruise on the Nile and see the sun set over the delta.

Take the time to get to know the people, too. Egyptians are a fascinating and often surprising people who take great pride in their country and love few things more than a good argument. Sharp and emotive they will do their very best to challenge your established views and when you leave Egypt you can find that it has left an indelible mark upon your soul.

Getting there

Most international flights go to Cairo, though there are six other international airports. Port Said is served by ferries from Cyprus, the Middle East and the European mainland, which generally run weekly or biweekly to each destination. Buses and trains to neighbouring countries are limited; it is not possible to get to Sudan by land.

Getting around

Public transport is cheap and comprehensive. Avoid the train network which is slow and in need of modernisation; buses are faster, cheaper and more comfortable.

Local information

Language: Arabic. French is widely understood.

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Arid. Hot all year round, little rainfall. Temperature Max: 34°C (June), Min 6°C (January). Rainfall: Max 10mm (January), Min 0mm (June-September)

Currency: Egyptian pounds (EGP)

Business etiquette: Be well presented, dress conservatively and show deference to business leaders – hierarchy and respect are important. Handshakes can be prolonged; smile and make good eye contact. The social side of business is extremely important and it can take time to build a relationship.

Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected – tip if you receive good service.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverage; perfume for personal use; 1 litre of eau de cologne.

Safety: Egypt is generally a safe country. Watch out for scams and pickpockets. Some tourists have been targeted by terrorists in the past, particularly in Sinai.

Laws: Possession of drugs can lead to the death penalty. Homosexuality and sexual relations outside marriage can lead to imprisonment.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Public hospitals are open to public, with a good standard in Cairo and Alexandria. Health insurance is recommended.

Socket type: Type C

Sydney

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

You don’t visit Sydney. You experience it. Passing through its slick layout and perfect weather without eyes glazing green is an impossibility; envy being the overriding emotion when you realise that all these people actually get to live there.

As smooth as the sails of its Opera House, you’ll glide just as easily through its clean streets and pristine pedestrian precincts as you do to the chiselled sandstone headlands and hot sweeping beaches. A true Australian city, you can find yourself sipping a cocktail with a view of the Harbour Bridge, nursing a flat white in the cool Inner East area or knocking back a bottle of the cold stuff on Bondi Beach.

Attractions like the Sydney Aquarium and the Olympic Park may draw the crowds; and the outdoor features of the Centennial Parklands, Japanese Gardens and Coast Track provide ample opportunities to experience the great outdoors. But, in Sydney, few things beat just being there.

Where to stay
Located in the luxury marina on Woolloomooloo wharf, the bold BLUE hotel is pure chic whilst the Hilton on George Street and InterContinental on Macquarie Street are both excellently located.

What to eat
Take a spin and some pictures of the city in Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurant; sample modern Australian cuisine at Aria or have a go at crocodile or emu pizza at the Australian Hotel on Cumberland Street.

What to see
You can’t go to Sydney and not see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge; try a tour of the former and an organised climb on the latter. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are both well worth visiting and shark spotting on the aquarium’s glass-bottomed boat is a rare and exciting opportunity. Boutique wine tours are gastronomic treats and a great way to learn more about Australia’s up-and-coming wines.

Perth

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Perth is one of the most isolated metropolitan areas on the planet – geographically, it’s closer to Singapore than Sydney and the nearest big city is over 2,000km away. It’s the capital of Western Australia and despite the state covering a third of the landmass, 85 percent of its population is crammed into this oasis of civilisation.

It all comes back to geology; the rock is some of the oldest on earth and extreme erosion and a lack of mountain-building has created a fascinating moonscape, rich in mineral wealth but light on agricultural fertility. So while much of Western Australia is relatively uninhabitable, Perth’s rapid growth continues to be fuelled by exploitation of the natural resources in its hinterland.

There’s no doubt there’s money here, and plenty of breathing space too. This is a sophisticated city with a dry, sunny climate, some gorgeous beaches and plenty of parkland and other places to play. It doesn’t matter that the city is both remote and improbable; the locals are actually rather proud of that.

Where to stay
The Medina Executive Barrack Plaza has a great range of facilities providing for both business and pleasure. The Outram’s rooms are slightly on the small side but have plenty of style and cater for a wide range of needs.

Where to eat
Star Anise is the place to be seen with the ‘it’ crowd; the creative menu is changed daily and sets the standard for the rest of Perth. Lamont’s East Perth is less glamorous but no less gorgeous; the great seasonal flavours are a delight.

What to see
The Aquarium of Western Australia houses a fantastic cross-section of marine life and visitors can dive with sharks or dolphins. Kings Park & Botanical Garden is a remarkable creation that attracts nearly six million visitors each year.

Canberra

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Good-looking, refined and spectacular in spring, Canberra was little more than an aboriginal meeting point at the turn of the century. It wasn’t the obvious choice for Australia’s federal capital; rather, it was born out of compromise between Melbourne and Sydney. An opportunity to start anew, the city came to embody the hopes and aspirations of a newly independent nation.
An international design competition yielded an open, garden city centred on Lake Burley Griffin. Yet war and depression interrupted its development and it is perhaps only now truly coming into its own. Where Canberra once felt like a collection of loosely-knit suburbs, it is now a thriving city and cultural centre.

With a host of national institutions, museums and art collections, this has always been a paradise for the intellectual, and the nearby bush and rolling mountains are great for the outdoor lover; yet Canberra now also bosts a thriving music scene, with everything from Romance-era classical to electro-funk, and the downtown bars are rapidly becoming fashionable places to be.

Where to stay
The Park Hyatt is a popular choice, well-equipped for business travellers, but which receives a number of mixed reviews. The Crowne Plaza Hotel has a central location and a better reputation for service, while Hotel Realm is a modern and spacious alternative.

Where to eat
Sage restaurant is a great venue for contemporary Aussie food in a relaxing environment. The historical setting and fine wine list at the Ginger Room make for a memorable evening even before you get to the superb, contemporary menu.

What to see
The Australian War Memorial is a poignant museum that commemorates Australians who died for their country and explores the meaning of war. The National Gallery contains around 100,000 pieces of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, among other international works.

Brisbane

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With a welcoming subtropical climate and a long strip of stunning, sandy and surprisingly clean beaches a stone’s throw from the city centre, its not hard to see why a thousand Australians a year are migrating to Brisbane. Yet as you stroll through the city’s sun-soaked streets you’ll find it harder to reconcile the small town atmosphere and friendly locals with the fact that this is the third largest settlement in Australia.

The winding Brisbane River, centrepiece to the spectacular citywide annual ‘RiverFestival’ celebration, is lined with gorgeous parks and prime entertainment venues. There are botanical gardens, rock climbing opportunities, and several modern commercial districts for shopping and fine dining. Under the covers, the council’s ‘Smart State’ initiative promoting high-tech industry and science has created a highly-skilled and diverse economy.

Where to stay
For a central location and great all round facilities go to the Hotel Brisbane. Alternatively, the Emporium Hotel oozes style from the moment you enter the lobby to the time you check out. Quay West Suites come equipped with self-contained kitchens and are great for long stays.

Where to eat
The centrally located Spring Hill is home to many of Brisbane’s best restaurants, though venues like Jellyfish serve stunning seafood by the water. The Royal Thai Orchid is also popular and Brents, while a little out of town, has a great Australian-French menu with a lot of delicate, original flavours.

What to see
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens feature 52 hectares of fauna and flora from all over Australia. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is another great place for animal lovers, who can get close to cute and cuddly creatures. Visit the XXXX brewery for a tour of this 130-year old Australian institution. Take a river cruise up the Brisbane to take in the waterside attractions.

Aruba

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Nestled in warm Caribbean waters off the north coast of Venezuela, Aruba can sometimes feel like a smaller state of the USA. It remains, however, a Dutch protectorate with its own distinctive local flavour beyond the package resorts. With a warm, dry climate the sheltered coastline of the south-west is the ultimate hedonistic paradise; exposed to the full might of the ocean’s wrath, the northern coast is a bruised, untamed hinterland that makes a great escape if you fancy a day wandering in the wilderness.

There are plenty of other diversions to get your pulse racing, too; a diverse selection of watersport facilities that include everything from scuba-diving to ski-jumping, an array of bars, clubs and 24 hour casinos, not to mention a lively salsa scene and a host of colourful carnivals. Most prefer simply to relax on endless white beaches, sipping cocktails and soaking up the tropical sun.

The island was originally settled as an aloe plantation; the plant thrived in the semi-arid climate and has been prized for its cosmetic and medicinal benefits since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Yet increasing development has seen the significance of this industry diminish and today the economy is largely tourist-based, while limited oil reserves and a growing international banking presence have also begun to play a major part.

Today, government incentives offer subsidies for overseas investment, particularly in capital-intensive projects, free zone activities, telecommunication, finance sector and tourism related services. The workforce is becoming increasingly internationalised and work practices have come to a reflect a mixture of European, North American and local Caribbean ideas.

Getting there

Reina Beatrix International Airport is the island’s main international airport.

Getting around

Buses serve Oranjestad but don’t go to the outlying parts of the island. For exploring further afield, taxis are available, or car rental may be more cost effective if staying for a few days. Distances are small and it is possible to walk from one end of the island to the other within a day.

Local information

Language(s): Dutch, Papiamento

Time: UTC-4

Climate: Tropical. Hot with moderate rainfall all year round. Temperature: Max 33°C (September), Min 23°C (March). Rainfall: Max 100mm (November), Min 10mm (April).

Currency: Aruban florin (AWG)

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively for initial meeting; a lightweight suit is often sufficient. Etiquette tends to similar to the USA, though communication style is less direct. The Aruban people value peace and harmony and direct confrontation or criticism should be avoided.

Tipping: 15 percent service charge is usually included in the bill.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1l of spirits or 2.25l of wine or 3l of beer; Gifts to a value of Afl100.

Safety: The crime rate is generally low but the island is used to smuggle drugs from South to North America; be vigilant and do not leave bags unattended.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Bags are screened on entry and exit due to drug trafficking problems.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Medical facilities are excellent and many hotels have on call doctors. Health insurance is advisable but not essential.

Socket type: Type A, Type F

Antarctica

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Like the heights of the Himalayas or the depths of the Pacific, Antarctica is one of the earth’s most challenging and inhospitable frontiers. Yet just as Mallory was drawn to Everest so thousands of scientists and adventurers are drawn to this haunting desert every year.

Giant icebergs, contorting glaciers, labyrinthine caves and sparkling formations of white and blue; penguins, sharks, whales, terns, seals and hundreds of other species that struggle for survival; unparalleled views of the milky way in the clearest night skies you will ever witness. There are hundreds of reasons for the draw; yet perhaps none so much as the feelings of sheer exhilaration and clarity felt by all who visit the land of the midnight sun.

Antarctica itself is not really a country. It supports no permanent population and there is no real human administration. It is divided into eight sovereign claims – Australia, Argentina, Chile, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the UK – by the Antarctic Treaty of 1961 and is currently home to research bases for around 30 countries.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, to drift in comfort amid the calm serenity of the icy waters or watch the adorable antics of the unique wildlife population. A few venture further inland, braving the harsh interior in the name of scientific endeavour, personal conquest or pure sport. Whatever your preference, it is a country that leaves its own mark and is never quickly forgotten.

Getting there

The vast majority of visitors arrive via cruise ships from Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. Routes from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are available but are considerably longer and more expensive. Charter flights and tours are also available from the aforementioned nations.

Getting around

Transport should be provided for you by your host/tour guide. If travelling over land, high-tech snow buggies or sleighs are likely to be used.

Local information

Language: English, Spanish, French, Norwegian. In practice, there are research stations for over 30 countries and languages vary between each one.

Time: Installations usually go by the time of their home country.

Climate: Ice cold all year round. Temperatures reach as low as -70°C in some areas. Rainfall is rare but high winds and snow storms may occur.

Currency: N/A

Business etiquette: This will depend on who you are visiting. Many nations have research stations in Antarctica and there will be strict regulations regarding visits. Protocol will be explained and should be followed at all times.

Tipping: Meals will be provided by your hosts.

Duty free: N/A

Safety: Antarctica has a treacherous climate and dangerous waters; only experienced sea captains or pilots should think of sailing or flying there. Follow the advice of your hosts at all times.

Laws: Laws are governed by Antarctic Treaty. Military activities are prohibited. Scientific research is carried out in cooperation with international community and with free sharing of information. Any nation in the treaty may inspect any station or installation on the continent.

Healthcare: Passenger ships and research installations have doctors but medical facilities are limited. Health insurance is essential and should include emergency evacuation.

Socket type: Vary from base to base.

Bahrain

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

The freshwater springs that extend beneath the Persian Gulf have attracted settlers to Bahrain for four thousand years – not just for the drinking water, but for the pearls that they encouraged. Today the economy is based not so much on an international pearl trade but on rich oil deposits and a booming banking sector. In 2008 it was named the fastest growing financial centre in the world.

It is also one of the most liberal countries in the Arab region and the people greet you with such warmth that you might feel you are a long lost brother. The social side of business is extremely important and it’s considered bad manners to rush things, so there’s often little you can do but sit back and enjoy the hospitality.

With a hot climate and some stunning beaches there are few better places to do so, too. Walk the battlements of 16h century Qala’at al-Bahrain or take a more modern tour of the county’s 21st century Formula One grand prix track. There’s a large wildlife reserve full of exotic desert species and a fascinating national museum. Some of the modern engineering projects are a site to behold – the new islands to the south and the financial harbour at Manama have both been reclaimed from the ocean.

Getting there

Bahrain International Airport is 12km from Manama and handles many intercontinental flights. There is a single border crossing to Saudi Arabia on the King Fahd Causeway and a fortnightly ferry to Iran.

Getting around

Local buses link the main towns and are fairly frequent. Driving is the only other option and is relatively straightforward; some roads are off limits and speed restrictions are rigidly enforced.

Local information

Language: Arabic

Time: UTC+3

Climate: Desert. Warm winters, hot summers, little rainfall. Temperature: Max 38°C (August), Min 14°C (January). Rainfall: Max 15mm (December), Min 0mm (June-October).

Currency: Bahraini Dollar

Business etiquette: Greet by shaking hands and kissing on each cheek. Maintain eye contact and smile. Lightweight suits are worn for initial meeting. A letter of introduction helps; Bahrainis prefer to do business with those they know. Avoid high pressure tactics or trying to rush deals; this will harm your reputation and business relationship.

Tipping: 10-15 percent. Service charges added to the bill rarely go to the waiters.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250g of tobacco in opened packets; 1l of alcoholic; six cans beer; 8oz of perfume; gifts to BHD250 (approximately US$600).

Safety: There is little crime in Bahrain, though petty theft and pickpocketing occur in old market areas.

Laws: It is illegal to attempt to convert a Muslim to another religion.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for Hepatitis A and tetanus. There is an excellent health care service and emergency treatment is provided free of charge. Pharmacies are well-stocked.

Socket type: Type G

Venezuela

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

The Paradise Falls in Disney’s 2009 smash Up may not have been real, but it was inspired by the stunning geology and ‘Lost World’ feel of Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. Angel Falls, an incredible cascade that tumbles from the cliffs of Auyantepui mountain, is the world’s highest, while the breathtaking table top tepui and giant Jenga rock stacks are feasts for your eyes on the grandest possible scale.

And that’s before we even get to the long stretches of sandy beach along the longest coastline in the Caribbean, the tranquil offshore islands just waiting to be explored, or the abundant exotic species in the misty inland rainforests. Mérida State is one the top destinations in South America for every outdoor activity from hiking to mountain biking to white water rafting; Amazonas in the south provides ample opportunities to explore the famous jungle along some of the less well-trodden paths.

It’s a shame that Venezuela is known better for its oil politics and the antics of present Hugo Chavez, when it truly has so much else to offer. The economy is hugely dependent on petroleum exports and almost all food, clothing, cars and electronics are imported. When negotiating, remember that business people are risk averse and will want a bond of trust before signing anything away. This is starting to change, particularly among the younger generation, but in the meantime take the time to explore what you can of this beautiful, untamed country.

Getting there

International flights go to Caracas; flights to other regions are available but schedules are erratic. There are road connections with Brazil and Colombia; however buses are rare and guerilla activity makes the crossing to Colombia dangerous.

Getting around

Buses are fast and cheap though occasionally uncomfortable. There are no trains but the domestic air network is extensive. Driving is a good alternative; fuel prices are among the cheapest in the world.

Local information

Language: Spanish

Time: UTC-4:30

Climate: Tropical. Hot with moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: 23-35°C (January-December), Rainfall: Max 130mm (October), Min 0mm (February)

Currency: Bolivar fuerte (VEF)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake and verbal salutation (e.g. ‘buenas dias’). Dress conservatively, dark coloured suits are the norm. Decisions are not reached in meetings, which are simply for discussion and exchange of ideas. The first meeting will be a formal introduction only.

Tipping: 5-15 percent, even where service is already added.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars; 2l of alcoholic beverages; Four small bottles of perfume; Gifts up to a value of US$1000

Safety: Border areas with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana are unsafe for travel due to criminal gangs.

Laws: It is illegal to photograph military buildings or sites of strategic importance such as airports.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid & yellow fever. State hospital treatment is free, though private clinics have better standard of care.

Socket type: Type A

USA

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

From Hollywood to Starbucks to the ‘American Dream’, the USA has so relentlessly exported its culture around the globe that many of us feel that we know it already. The country is far from a monoculture though and there remains plenty to explore.

LA, Las Vegas, Miami and New York all have their own international folklore and need little introduction. Lesser known are the boisterously multicultural New Orleans, where a feisty carnival atmosphere overlays a hardened, stoic optimism, or the chic sophistication of Seattle, where wet weather is compensated by one of the most liberal, artistic and forward thinking communities in the world. There are over 30 cities with a population of half a million or more, each with their own unique character.

There are also over 100 national parks. Visit Yosemite for tall waterfalls, dramatic valleys and over 2,000 species of plants and animals, or head to Glacier for the solitude of the wilderness, amid alpine meadows and crystal lakes. Gaze out over the jaw-dropping expanse of the Grand Canyon or wonder at the sandstone rock formations at Arches National Park.

If you still have time after that then find a car and take a road trip to explore the vast expanse of the interior. Because that, above all other things, is what America was made for; getting a set of wheels and driving off into the sunset.

Getting there

There are over 400 airports offering a wide variety of routes and connections. Train connects the USA to Canada while bus services run to Canada and Mexico.

Getting around

The domestic air network is extensive and good for interstate trips. Buses are a cheap and practical alternative. Driving can be a great way to see the country and get around but distances can be long.

Local information

Language: English

Time: UTC – 5 to UTC – 10

Climate: Hugely varied, ranging from Alpine to tropical to desert climate types. Check the climate for the state you are planning to visit.

Currency: Dollar (USD)

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively for initial meeting; business dress requirements vary between states and companies. Punctuality is important as good use of time is deemed a measure of good character. Communication style is direct and to the point.

Tipping: Big tipping culture; tipping is expected to make up a major part of serving staff wages. Tip 15 percent as standard, or 20-25 percent for exceptional service.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 2kg of smoking tobacco; 1l of alcoholic beverage; Gifts up to US$400.

Safety: Crime rates vary from state to state but are higher in the cities.

Laws: Police are tough on immigration – expect to have your travel documents inspected at random, particularly when travelling in the south.

Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. Medical facilities are of a high standard but health insurance is essential. Emergency care is given without prior payment but treatment may be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit.

Socket type: Type A, Type B

Turks and Caicos Islands

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Largely untouched by international commercialism, The Turks and Caicos Islands are a paradisical mini-archipelago in the Caribbean, consisting of two primary groups consisting of 30 islands in total.

Discovered by European explorers in 1512 they were largely unsettled by colonists until the 18th century, when they became popular pirate hideouts. In 1841, nearly 200 slaves escaped from the wrecked Spanish ship Trouvadore and became resident on the island, and many of today’s populace are direct descendants. Under British administration for centuries, they became a crown colony in 1962 and have been self-governing since 1973.

Like most Caribbean islands, there are plentiful beaches and with white sands and shimmering blue ocean; unlike most Caribbean islands, they are almost deserted and if you explore in greater depth you’re more likely to encounter wild donkeys than other people. The climate is perfect for relaxing, while the still, warm water is just as inviting for divers. On land, many of the ramshackle settlements look like they may still be pirate towns and the simple outlook of the residents is one of the archipelago’s many charms.

Since the decline of the salt mining industry in the 1960s, the Turks & Caicos islands have relied economically more and more on tourism. Little agriculture or manufacturing occurs, though there is a fairly extensive fishing industry, and much has to be imported. From the 1980s efforts were made to attract offshore investment and the international finance industry also has a major presence there. There have, however, been allegations of corruption any money laundering and in 2009 the island was placed temporarily back under British administration amid allegations of misrule.

Getting there

There are three international airports; most flights go to Providenciales, but Grand Turk and South Caicos also serve a number of routes. Flights to other Caribbean islands are limited however; many regional flights go via Florida.

Getting around

Public transport is limited. Buses and boats serve some routes but to explore the larger islands taxis are the only option; be sure to negotiate as they are unmetered. Car rental is cost effective for longer stays.

Local information

Language: English

Time: UTC-5

Climate: Tropical. Hot with moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 33°C (August), Min 21°C (January). Rainfall: Max 110mm (November), Min 25mm (March)

Currency: United States dollar (USD)

Business etiquette: The business environment is generally relaxed; suits should be worn only on formal occasions. Otherwise, etiquette is similar to the UK.

Tipping: 15 percent for any waiters, bartenders, hotel maids, porters and taxi drivers.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 125g tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of wine or perfume for personal use.

Safety: The crime rate is generally low. In Providenciales opportunistic theft is a risk and there have been incidents of armed robbery, with injury inflicted where the victim resists.

Laws: Possession of even small amounts of soft drugs attract severe penalties.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK but private clinics are more prolific and better equipped. Health insurance is recommended for all nationals.

Socket type: Type A