Author: Charlotte Gill

Thailand

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Thailand is a gorgeous country with a diverse natural and archaeological legacy. A tropical climate, white sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife are all on offer; try diving amid coral reefs and whale sharks at Ko Tao, go jungle trekking in Mae Hong Son or simply party the night away in the bright lights of Bangkok.

Ancient cultural monuments at the meditative Sukhothai, the sacred ruins of Ayuthaya are just two of the highlights of an abundant historical trail that includes relics of several dynasties and empires such as the Khmer and Malay. There remains much to discover in the modern Thai countryside, too, including many unique tribes with their own ancient customs and timeless landscapes that seem to be directly carved from a mystic oriental tapestry. The country’s real value, though, lies in the strange sense of peace that seems to infuse the atmosphere in abundance.

Buddhism has had a strong influence on Thai values and the people are pragmatic and non-confrontational as a result. After a coup d’etat in 2006 the capital in particular received a great deal of international press due to the widespread street protests; yet for much of the country it is simply business as usual. Once one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Thailand remains a land rich with opportunity, regardless of political setbacks.

Getting there

Most international flights go to Bangkok. A train connects Thailand to Malaysia, while there are bus routes from both Malaysia and Laos. There are limited border crossings to Myanmar but restrictions apply.

Getting around

Internal air travel is affordable and practical; trains offer a slower, more romantic alternative. Bangkok has a good bus system but elsewhere local transport can be lacking. Hiring a car can be an affordable way of getting around.

Local information

Language: Thai

Time: UTC+7

Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all year round, heavy rains May-October. Temperature: Max 35°C (April), Min 20°C (January). Rainfall: Max 310mm (September), Min 5mm (December-January).

Currency: Baht (THB)

Business etiquette: The standard form of greeting is the wai; raise both hands with palms joined, lightly touch the body between the chest and forehead. Make appointments one month in advance and expect several meetings to build mutual respect. Dress conservatively; suits are standard.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars; 1l alcoholic liquor.

Safety: Check governmental travel bulletins before travelling.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Drug penalties are severe and include the death penalty, which is also applied for crimes against the state or monarchy. Gambling is illegal except at designated race tracks.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Medical facilities are good in urban areas and hotels usually have on call doctors. Health insurance is recommended.

Socket type: Type A, Type C

Bulgaria

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Bulgaria is a country caught in transition, slowly switching its gaze from west to east; hidden behind the Iron Curtain until the late 1980s, it is now one of the newest members of the EU. It is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s premier ski resorts, though Bulgaria’s most attractive feature is probably the Black Sea coastline, a fast-developing stretch of golden seas and luxurious resorts.

The country’s rich heritage includes Thracian, Roman and Turkish legacies, among others, and the monastery at Rila or the amphitheatre at Plovdiv are just two of its many national treasures. The capital Sophia is compact and sophisticated with a fast-developing arts scene and much fine dining. Ottoman mosques and onion domes are an ancient backdrop to a decidedly modern nouveau riche buzz that accompanies a growing prosperity.

Indeed, Bulgaria has a booming service sector and its relatively new market represents a great deal of opportunity. There’s a great deal of foreign investment and Bulgarians are keen to do business. Don’t mistake eagerness for haste, as Bulgarians are very thorough and deadlines mean far less than ensuring that something is done properly.

Despite its economic success concerns remain over the country’s technical and scientific infrastructure. Much of the countries business relies on cheap labour or natural resources. Some commentators believe this ‘low-tech trap’ could be contributing to a slower recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Getting there

Sofia is the main international airport, though Varna and Burgas have limited services. Buses from Sofia run as far as Berlin, Paris and Rome and there are international train connections as well.

Getting around

Buses are quicker, more frequent and more comfortable than trains on most routes. Public transport in general is inexpensive and wide-reaching, though driving provides the opportunity to explore the more remote sections of the country more fully.

Local information

Language: Bulgarian

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Continental, temperature. Hot summers, cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 26°C (July), Min -2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (June), Min 30mm (February).

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Business etiquette: Wear suits and make advance appointments. Greet with a firm handshake and make eye contact. Free interpreters can be arranged in advance through some foreign trading organisations. Initial meetings should be used as introduction only. Building relationships can take time and patience.

Tipping: Tip 10-15 percent in high class restaurants; tips are not expected in establishments not catering to tourists.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 2l wine; 50ml of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette.

Safety: Serious crime is rare. Organised crime groups are active in casinos and nightclubs; be wary of scams. Theft and muggings are on the rise at tourist hotspots.

Laws: Drug and sex offences are dealt with strongly and usually involve prison sentences. Drunk and disorderly behaviour can also result in harsh punishments.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Hepatitis B is endemic and hepatitis C may also occur. Free or reduced cost medical care is available to EU citizens with an EHIC card. Other travellers are advised to take out health insurance.

Socket type: Type C

Bahamas

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Stretching from Cuba towards the Florida coastline, the Bahamas consists of over 700 islands which present a plethora of opportunities to sail, dive, kayak, swim, cave, ride horses or simply lounge on beaches, plus any other water or sand-based activity you can conceive – plus a few that you can’t.

Only 30 of the islands are inhabited, with larger ones accustomed to an annual influx of tourists from around the globe. The best experiences are had away from New Providence and Grand Bahama, where the crowds are more dispersed and visitors are genuinely welcomed; the Out Islands are great places to chill with a rum and coke and engage in friendly banter with the locals.

Then there are beautiful old churches, tales of ancient pirates and 50,000 flamingos on show at the Bahamas national park. Dive with dolphins, explore the third largest reef in the world or search the ruins of a city some believe to be an ancient Atlantis.

The locals are a curious mix of African and British stock; the main islands were colonised by many pro-British settlers following the American War of Independence and many of the descendants trace ancestry back to those freed from the slave trade. Bahamans have an active sense of humour and aren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves and others. They’re also extremely proud of their roots and intolerant of condescension. This is a great place to do business if you have a sunny disposition; leave sour grapes and your ego at the door.

Getting there

Most flights go to Nassau or Grand Bahama; connections are available to the Out Islands. There are a number of cruise routes, usually departing from Florida.

Getting around

Nassau and Freeport have a number of private minibuses that serve as a public transport system. There are a few air and ferry routes to the out islands; however, island hopping can be difficult without your own boat (or plane).

Local information

Language: English

Time: UTC-5

Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all year round, heavy rainfall during summer. Temperature: Max 32°C (August), Min 14°C (February). Rainfall: Max 160mm (September-October), Min 35mm (January).

Currency: Bahamas dollar (BSD)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm, friendly handshake with eye contact. Professional or academic titles are used as forms of address. Punctuality is important but it is considered bad manners to hurry a meeting; older business people in particular may be held up in earlier meetings and will accord the same attention to you.

Tipping: 15 percent service is added to bill.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco; 1.136l of spirits and 1.136l of wine; goods to the value of B$100.

Safety: Hurricane season runs from June to November; check weather warnings. The water sports industry is poorly regulated and accidents are common.

Laws: Penalties for possession of drugs are severe.

Healthcare: Vaccination required for tetanus. Excellent medical facilities available but they can be costly. Medical insurance should include cover for an air ambulance.

Socket type: Type A

Barbados

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Like most Caribbean islands, Barbados excels at white beaches, blue oceans and tropical palms. There are countless water sports on offer – the Atlantic-facing east coast is legendary among surfers – and some excellent hiking trails away from the main tourist traps.

But far more than simply being a tropical paradise, Barbados is an affordable and welcoming island with a boom-town vibe thick with infectious optimism. With good reason, too; Barbados is rapidly becoming a 21st century success story and appears well set for future. After 350 years of British colonial rule, it became an independent nation in 1966 – though it remained part of the Commonwealth. Since then, government incentives have attracted a swath of overseas investment and it has developed a rich service economy as a result, particularly in offshore banking and information services.

The good manners and polite reservation are marks of the lingering British influence – be sure to say please and thank you to the bus drivers and the bar staff. Yet the feel of Caribbean cannot help but overwhelm and the people remain friendly and fun-loving, while the infusion of English sarcasm to their repartees makes for some razor sharp wit that they won’t be afraid to bring to the table. Life here operates at a different pace to the rest of the world and, while Barbadians remain a hard-working people, it can be difficult not be sucked into same temporal void where time seems to simply fly by.

Getting there

Grantley Adams International Airport is about 16km from Bridgetown and is the busiest airport in the Caribbean. It has excellent regional and intercontinental connections. Up to half a million visitors also arrive in Barbados by cruise ship each year, though there are no regular ferries.

Getting around

Buses will take you just about anywhere on the island relatively cheaply. There are also a number of privately owned car rental companies, many of which are operated out of a small residential buildings.

Local information

Language: English

Time: UTC-4

Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all year round, heavy summer rainfall. Temperature: Max 32°C (September), Min 21°C (February). Rainfall: Max 175mm (November), Min 10mm (January).

Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD)

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively for initial meeting; dark coloured suits are the norm. Manners are important. Be punctual for meetings but don’t be surprised if you are kept waiting, especially if your meeting is late in the afternoon. Deadlines are seen as more flexible than in many other parts of the world.

Tipping: Tip at your discretion.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 50 cigars; 1l of spirits; 1l of wine; 60ml of perfume; 300ml of other scents; gifts to a value of BD$100.

Safety: Barbados has a very low level of crime, though violence and gun crime within the community are on the rise.

Laws: It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Excellent medical facilities are available. A reciprocal health agreement exists allowing UK nationals free health care. All other nationals are recommended to carry health insurance.

Socket type: Type A, Type B

India

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, full of optimism and ripe with new business opportunities. Yet stroll a few minutes from the high towers of Mumbai or Kolkata and it’s like a different planet. Every corner turns up new surprises; nowhere else do such magnificent riches sit besides such abject poverty.

Wander through the dazzling colours of the Old Delhi Spice Market; watch the sun rise over Himalayan peaks from Tiger Hill; gape at the legendary Taj Mahal; explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Everything you do is a journey into the unknown and travellers are appalled and amazed in equal measure. Be prepared for gut-wrenching homesickness and awe-inspiring wonder, often in the space of a few minutes.

For a truly mind-blowing experience, get off the beaten track. The most treasured sights in India are often the most mundane. Play Kabaddi on the beach, watch the washer women in the Ganges, explore the vibrant arts and crafts of Gujurat or just lose yourself in the old city. The Buddhist monasteries of the southern Himalaya are friendly respites from the madness of the plains and if you dare venture out of the cities you can be an instant celebrity in the surrounding villages.

Wherever you go, be warned: the beggars and hawkers won’t be far off. Learning to cope with the dark side of India is where the challenge begins; perhaps this is why many travellers go there to ‘find themselves’.

Getting there

Air travel is best and Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai all have busy international airports. The overland route from Nepal is also popular with travellers, as well as some bus routes from Bangladesh or Pakistan.

Getting around

There are extensive internal flights, though sleeper class train travel is the most cost effective option for intercity travel. Buses lack air conditioning and can be hot, bumpy and uncomfortable. Hiring cars is affordable.

Local information

Language(s): English, Hindi; many recognised regional dialects.

Time: UTC+5:30

Climate: Diverse – arid, semi-arid, tropical, subtropical, alpine tundras, oceanic. The monsoon affects much of India during the summer months.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Business etiquette: Greetings depend on religion, education and social class. Greet the eldest or most senior person first. Expect to spend time building relationships before doing business. Third party introductions can help greatly.

Tipping: 5-10 percent in restaurants. Porters 20Rs a day. Guides 200Rs a day.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic liquor; Reasonable quantities of medicines.

Safety: Terrorism is a threat throughout India; between 2008 and 2010 terrorist bombs attacked Bangalore, Mumbai, Assam, New Delhi and Jaipur, accounting for over 500 deaths. Petty crime is common, particularly in cities.

Laws: Always carry your passport. Laws vary between states. Legal processes can take a long time; if arrested you can be imprisoned for several years before conclusion of trial.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, rabies, tetanus, & typhoid. Drink bottled water only. Limited healthcare services are available and comprehensive health insurance is strongly advised.

Socket type: Type C, Type D and Type M.

Malta

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

With a hot Mediterranean climate and glimmering coastline, Malta is an ideal resort even without its 6,000 years worth of neolithic ruins, ancient temples and medieval churches. Branded as the ‘island of sun and history’, the Republic of Malta is in fact an archipelago of around twenty islands, though only three are inhabited.

They are the last remaining peaks of a former land bridge between Sicily and North Africa. Their steep underwater relief makes them an ideal base for diving, particularly as its past use as a major naval base means there are some superb wrecks to explore from the two world wars. The compact capital Valletta, a UNESCO world heritage site named ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’, is a wonder unto itself, while the sleep sister island of Gozo is a greener, more peaceful answer to the sprawl of resorts along the Maltese coast.

The economy is very much dependent on foreign trade, as the island imports the majority of its food, fresh water and energy to support its 400,000 population. As such, the wheels have been greased to make international business as easy as possible and Maltese people are open to both new ideas and opportunities. It has an expanding financial service sector and is in active discussion about commercial exploration of its submerged continental shelf and foreign businessman are by and large made to feel right at home.

Getting there

Malta International Airport has regular connections to most of Europe and North Africa. There are regular sea links from Italy and a circular route Tunis-Malta-Genoa.

Getting around

Boats and buses link the islands and main population centres. Car hire is cheap but driving can be a stressful experience as Maltese drivers generally don’t respect the rules of the road.

Local information

Language: Maltese, English

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Oceanic Mediterranean. Hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. Temperature: Max 29°C (August), Min 10°C (January). Rainfall: Max 110mm (December), Min 0mm (July)

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Shake hands when greeting or leaving. Dress conservatively; business suits are standard, shirt and tie only in hot weather. Punctuality is expected and appointments should be booked at least a week in advance. English is widely used in business circles.

Tipping: 10-15 percent in restaurants. 10 percent in taxis.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 1l wine; 60ml perfume; 250ml eau de toilette. Prohibited import of animals, birds, transmitting equipment, plants or meat products.

Safety: Crime is low. If travelling to Malta in response to unsolicited business proposals seek legal advice before proceeding.

Laws: Penalties for drug offences are strict and include imprisonment.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus and diphtheria required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Free healthcare for Australians due to reciprocal health agreement. The Maltese authorities actively advertise the island as a medical tourism destination. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.

Socket type: Type G

Kenya

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Kenya has an embarrassment of natural riches; beautiful coastland, dramatic mountain ranges, epic rolling plains, rich and vibrant rainforest, arid desert and teeming coral reef – Kenya has it all. It is perhaps most famous for its spectacular safari, yet there is also a rich and varied tribal culture to explore and the Rift Valley has been home to some of the most exciting archaeological finds relating to man’s early ancestors.

There is also a dark side to Kenya, as Nairobi in particular has a troubled reputation. Though transitions from colony to democracy via protectorate and dictatorship have seemed outwardly peaceable, internal divisions remain. Corruption is estimated to have cost the Kenyan economy around $1bn in 2008. Tourists must be careful and vigilant when exploring certain urban areas.

It can take to time to build relationships and trust when doing business in Kenya, where honour and dignity are highly valued, so be prepared to be patient and take your time. There’s plenty to keep a visitor occupied – perhaps ballooning over the Masai Mara plains, or trekking along the glacial ridges of Mount Kenya, or even just relaxing on white sandy beaches. Kenya can captivate the imagination like few other places on earth and promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Getting there

Most flights go to Nairobi, which has good transport links to the other Kenyan principalities. Moi International Airport near Mombasa takes mainly charter or domestic flights. Regular buses are available from Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Getting around

Buses are the most widely used method of transport; however Kenyan roads are poorly maintained and often dangerous, while hawkers and preachers on buses are common. Train, boat and domestic air travel is possible on some routes and offer safer and more peaceful alternatives.

Local information

Language(s): English and Swahili.

Time: UTC +3

Climate: Tropical. Hot all year round, rainy season April to June. Temperature: Max 33C (March), Min 20C (August), Rainfall: Max 310mm (May), Min 10mm (February)

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Business etiquette: Suits are usually expected to be worn for meetings. Greetings are important and should not be rushed – take time for pleasantries. Lower eyes when meeting somebody of higher status or obviously older. Honour and dignity are important.

Tipping: Tipping is widely practiced. Examples: KES 20-30 per drinks round for barmen and KES 50-100 for waiters.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of wine; 0.5l of perfume or eau de toilette.

Safety: There are high levels of crime in cities, particularly Nairobi. Exercise caution if travelling to Nairobi and steer clear of border regions with Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Laws: Drug offences are severely punished. Six month jail sentence for selling, importing manufacturing or carrying plastic bags in Nairobi. Smoking in public, homosexual acts and distributing religious material without a license are all illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever. Health insurance is essential; tourist membership of flying doctor service available for healthcare in the wild.

Socket type: Type G

Italy

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

From the ancient Roman Empire to the heights of the Renaissance, Italy has been a hub of culture and knowledge. Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Marco Polo, Francis of Assisi – Italian alumni read like a who’s who of history. It has more world heritage sites than any country on the planet; yet far from resting on its laurels, cities such as Milan and Rome remain capitals of art and fashion, inspiring Giorgio Armani, Luciano Pavarotti, Sophia Loren and Enzo Ferrari among others.

Italians themselves place a high value on intuition. Putting some effort into a good first impression can reap rewards in the long run. Get to know the country and be open in your admiration – for there is plenty to admire.

In Rome, tour the Sistine Chapel, gaze at the heavens from the Pantheon or lose yourself in the eerie underworld of the Catacombs. Try an evening gondola or a sunset tango in Venice, or witness the sheer power of nature at the ruins of Pompeii, one of the most striking archaeological sites in Europe. Join the fashionistas in Milan and wander through the city’s endless boutiques, before experiencing the pure passion of the local football derby.

When you’re done, try a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites or cool off skiing in the Alps. The mountains in the north, like the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline, display an altogether more peaceful, meditative side to this beautiful country.

Getting there

International airports are located at Rome, Milan, Pisa and Venice, among others. Alpine trains and buses connect to a variety of European countries, while ferries are available from numerous Mediterranean ports.

Getting around

Train, bus and ferry can get you almost anywhere in Italy; trains in particular are good value. Driving and parking is expensive and stressful and makes road travel unappealing.

Local information

Language: Italian

Time: UTC +1

Climate: Mediterranean. Hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Temperature: Max 31°C (July), Min 5°C (January). Rainfall: Max 130mm (October), Min 10mm (July).

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Suits should be worn and appointments made in advance. It is not possible to meet with government officials in the afternoon. Italians prefer to do business with those they trust; building a relationship is important and a third party introduction can be useful.

Tipping: Tipping is not usually required.

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: Petty crime in cities is common, particularly near major tourist spots. Thieves often work in groups to provide distraction.

Laws: It is illegal to drink in some public places. Heavy penalties are incurred for drug offences. Littering is illegal in Venice and Florence.

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

Socket type: Type C, Type L

Hungary

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Nestled in the packed heartland of Europe, Hungary is often overlooked by nations further west, yet this former world power still has a lot going for it. Split by the glorious Danube, it’s varied and forgiving terrain provides ample opportunities for fishing, horse riding, botany, bird-watching, cycling and a host of other outdoor pursuits; meanwhile, thermal spas, art nouveau architecture, rich musical heritage and fine cuisine are just some of the delights for the cultural tourist.

Budapest in particular captures the imagination, with is eclectic legacy of baroque, neoclassical and postmodern styles, green parks overflowing with welcome, Turkish-era baths and pleasure boats drifting leisurely along the great river. Get sweeping views of the iconic Danube Bend from medieval Visegrad or explore the Gothic town of Sopron, reminiscent of a latter-day Prague and also a convenient gateway to the sumptuous Lővér Hills.

Once the larger half of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary endured forty years of communist rule before embracing democracy in 1989. Modernisation and liberalisation followed, but not at the expense of the country’s long heritage, of which the populace is rightly proud. Today, nearly a third of FDI flowing into central Europe goes to Hungary; it has been a member of the EU since 2004 though has yet to join the euro due to debt restriction. Business is conducted with formality and caution, but once you are accepted you become one of the fraternity.

Getting there

International flights go to Budapest. A high-speed hydrofoil connects Vienna and Budapest via the Danube. Extensive bus and train networks connect with most of Europe.

Getting around

There is no domestic flight network, but trains are fast and efficient and have excellent coverage. In more remote areas, such as Transdanubia, bus travel is relatively hassle-free. Main roads are good but rural roads are often in very poor condition.

Local information

Language: Hungarian

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Warm continental. Hot summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall throughout year. Temperature: Max 28°C (July), Min -4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 70mm (June), Min 30mm (September)

Currency: Forint (HUF)

Business etiquette: Greet by shaking hands, though older Hungarian men may bow to a woman. Make appointments two weeks in advance, in writing. Initial meetings are feelers only; Hungarians want to know if you are trustworthy. Business is conducted slowly and involves a lot of eating, drinking and entertaining.

Tipping: Nothing for poor service; 10 percent for standard service; 15-20 percent for excellent service.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 1l of wine; 2l of still wine; Gifts up to Ft27,000; 1kg each of coffee, tea, cocoa and other spices (excluding paprika and paprika mixtures).

Safety: Some clubs and bars do not list prices and disputes can lead escalate.

Laws: Zero tolerance for drink driving. Even minor drug offences are dealt with severely. Always carry your passport.

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

Greece

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Warm, hospitable and friendly, Greeks love to roll out the welcome mat and wear their hearts on their sleeves. Trying to get anything done, however, can be a singularly frustrating experience. Passions often run high, particularly after the economic collapse of recent years, and building relationships can take time. If you’re visiting for business, you’ll have to learn to kick back and enjoy yourself with the rest of them.

The country itself has a rich classical heritage, of which the Acropolis in Athens is the most famous example. The oracle at Delphi, which the Ancient Greeks believed to be the centre of the world, is another enchanting site, and the excavations at Knossos are some of the most impressive on earth.

Greece isn’t all about antiquity though. Today it is a pulsing, multicultural nation that has undergone an impossibly rapid transition from sleepy rural backwater to modern sophisticate. The club scene in Thessaloniki is famed throughout Europe, while Athens impresses by combining a vibrant street life with some of the longest and most beautiful pedestrian promenades on the continent.

Away from the cities, the southern resort at Plakias is a great place to wander and take in the hills, beaches and olive groves. For a bit of spiritual enlightenment visit the monasteries at Meteora or visit Patmos, where St John was inspired to write the Book of Revelations.

Getting there

Scheduled international flights go to Athens, Thessalonki, Rhodes and Iraklio (Crete). Ferries are available from Albania, Cyprus, Italy and Israel. Limited train and bus services go from Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM and Turkey.

Getting around

The KTEL bus network is comprehensive, modern and comfortable. There is an intricate network of ferries for island-hopping; expect delays, however, particularly in summer. The train network is limited, while the roads are poor and have the highest fatality rate in Europe.

Local information

Language: Greek

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Warm Mediterranean. Hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Temperature: Max 34°C (July), Min 6°C (January). Rainfall: Max 65mm (December), Min 5mm (July).

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Formal suits are expected. Relationships are important; expect to spend time building trust before doing business. Nepotism is common. Face-to-face business is preferred to telephone or email. It is important that visiting businessmen are friendly, sociable and not pretentious, aloof or condescending.

Tipping: 10 to 15 percent

Duty free: 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars 500g of tobacco; 1l alcoholic beverage over 22 percent or 2l alcoholic beverages under 22 percent; 2l of wine; 2l of still table wine; 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de cologne.

Safety: Since the Greek debt crisis began in 2008 violent rioting and demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki have become frequent.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Drug offences, driving offences, possession of offensive weapons and indecent behaviour all carry tough sentences, including imprisonment. Export of Greek antiquities is strictly controlled and illegal export results in heavy penalties.

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

Socket type: Type C

France

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

The Eiffel Tower may be the most iconic symbol of a country famed for its fine dining and sophisticated culture, but while Paris may be world-renowned there is far more to France than that. There are over twenty world heritage sites, the world’s best vineyards, an array of medieval forts and cathedrals, not to mention sun-kissed beaches and picture-perfect mountains.

The French also have a reputation for being rude, though in truth most have impeccable manners. They are however a proud people who still begrudge the status of English as the global lingua franca. Visitors who make little effort to speak French are often given short shrift. Learning some of the lingo and apologising for linguistic deficiencies can go a long way to improving relations.

When business is over, tour the country on the first class train network. In the north, Mont St Michel is a modern wonder of the West. A wine pilgrimage to Bordeaux is a guaranteed gastronomic delight. Take in the gentle, rolling beauty of the Burgundy region or walk through history at the site of the Normandy D-Day landings. There are some great museums – such as the Toulouse-Lautrec – and some fantastic cathedrals – like the Notre Dame de Chartes. Or if it’s thrills you’re after, try a ski-run at Chamonix or take an ice climbing course.

Getting there

There are several international airports in France and budget flights are available from most of Europe. Rail services provide links to every country on the continent. Ferries are also available from the UK, Scandinavia and various Mediterranean ports.

Getting around

The rail network is one of the best in the world and reaches almost every part of the country. It also has the densest highway network in Europe. Inter-regional bus services are limited.

Local information

Language(s): French.

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Temperate/Mediterranean; warm summers and cold winters, rainfall all year round. Temperature (Paris): Max 24°C (July), Min 0°C (January). Rainfall (Paris): Max 55mm (August), Min 30mm (March).

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Dress conservatively. Handshakes are a common form of greeting; between friends or relatives a light kiss on each cheek. Greetings are important, as are goodbyes. It is considered impolite to start conversing in French before reverting to English.

Tipping: Restaurants are required by law to add 15 percent service charge to bills.

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: Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, is common, particularly in larger cities.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Failure to help ‘a person in danger’ is illegal – for example, failing to stop at the scene of a motor accident.

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 E.

Germany

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Germany is an economic powerhouse, a model of forward planning and efficiency, not to mention the fifth largest economy in the world. Everything runs like clockwork and the lasting sentiment of many visitors is ‘why can’t we do things like that?’

For lovers of city life Germany is also a traveller’s delight. From top class bars and restaurants to lively underground subcultures to a rich and vibrant music scene, there’s something for everybody. Choose from a fantastic range of beers or wines as you sit down to your meal of game, bread and cheese and take in the city life.

You might start with Berlin, packed with enough museums, galleries, theatres and clubs to keep you busy for years. Then head to the media capital, Hamburg, for eclectic nightlife in a pulsing, multicultural port. See German sophistication meet Bavarian provincialism in Munich, home of the world famous Oktoberfest, and take some gothic architecture in Cologne.

If cities aren’t your thing then head out to the chalk cliffs and sweeping beaches of Rügen Island or travel the long Romantic Road. Get some world class German cuisine at Residenz Heinz Wilkner, or experience the enchanting summer music festivals at Schleswig-Holstein or Beyreuth if you can time your trip. If you’re driving, perhaps the best thing to do is pick a direction and start driving – it is a country both beautiful and full of surprises.

Getting there

Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich are the main international airports, though there are numerous others across the country. Trains connect Germany with a number of surrounding countries, as do long distance bus routes through Eurolines.

Getting around

The German public transport system is a wonder unto itself. Trains are the most efficient form of transport, though internal air, bus and even boat routes exist. German highways are also extensive but driving can be expensive.

Local information

Language: German

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Temperate. Warm summers, cold winters, rain throughout the year. Temperature: Max 25°C (July), Min -4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 60mm (August), Min 30mm (March).

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Dress smartly and make appointments well in advance. Formal titles should be used. A quick handshake is a customary greeting. Germans are more interested in experience and credentials than personal relationships for doing business. Expect potential business partners to be sharp, methodical and thorough.

Tipping: Service is included in bills, but rounding up is common.

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: Germany has a very low incidence of crime. There are however occasional attacks on racial grounds by extremist groups.

Laws: Use or display of Nazi symbols or memorabilia is illegal. It is advisable to carry identification at all times.

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 E