Author: Charlotte Gill

Dubai

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Dubai puts the glamour into petroleum; with wealth founded on the discovery of rich oil fields in the mid 60s, it’s been busy glitzing its way into the international consciousness as a city unlike any other. It’s ostentation at its most fabulous; from the moment you arrive you’ll be treated like a VIP, dazzled by postmodern skyscrapers and encouraged to enjoy yourself at every opportunity. Just try not to think about the bill.

Of course, there is a very good reason for all of this – Sheikh Mohammed knows that the oil will eventually run out and by recreating the city’s image he’s very successfully managed to grab large portions of the international financial, tourist and real estate markets. He’s also managed this without destroying the more traditional values of the old fishing village from which the city grew; head to Bastakia or Karama and you’ll see a very different Dubai, one where the people still take pride in their ancient way of life.

Where to stay
Dubai is overflowing with great hotels, each trying to outdo the other on futuristic facilities and in-your-face glamour. The Fairmont, Shangri-La, Raffles and Taj Palace are all high quality options located in the heart of the city.

Where to eat
Head to Nobu for a bold mix of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine that has the local pundits purring. There are a great number of Indian restaurants, of which Manvar is the stand-out option, while Sarai serves authentic Syrian food in a stylish and atmospheric setting.

What to see
You can’t go to Dubai without shopping; the mall here is the mother of all malls. When you’ve finally concluded your spree take afternoon tea at the stunning Burj Al Arab. Several companies organise aerial tours, with you can get superb views of the city’s stunning skyline.

China

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

21st century friction between China and the USA is evidence of just how powerful the Chinese have become. The economy is the second largest in the world and the country has ever increasing influence over world affairs. They also see things very differently from the West and the emphasis on the collective over the individual can make Chinese business and political philosophies seem both alien and heavy-handed.

Nevertheless, there is a lot to love in this vast country, home to the oldest continuous civilization in the world. The misty mountain of Huang Shan, the legendary Li River and the idyllic Three Gorges are all icons of natural beauty. Hike the Great Wall, salute the ancient Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an or stroll amid the Imperial architecture of the Forbidden City and you will be in awe at the country’s unsurpassed heritage.

Then there are some classic eateries, such as the Quanjude, Fangshan or Family Li restaurants, and bustling, chaotic markets selling goods beyond your wildest imaginings. The music, theatre and dance are unlike anything you’ve ever seen – and through them you might begin to understand this mysterious people.

Getting there

The main international airports are Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. The best ticket deals are available from Chinese agents and carriers. The Trans-Siberian Railway links Moscow to Beijing and further westward connections are available.

Getting around

Trains are crowded but best for speed and comfort. Long-haul bus journeys are cheaper alternatives but some rural roads are in shocking condition. Severe restrictions exist on foreigners driving in China.

Local information

Language: Mandarin; individual regions may have other official dialects.

Time: UTC+8

Climate: Diverse; everything from tropical to tundra. Temperature (Beijing): Max 32°C (June), Min 10°C (January). Rainfall (Beijing): Max 240mm (July), Min 2mm (January).

Currency: Yen (CNY)

Business etiquette: Suits should be worn. Business cards should have a Chinese translation on the back and presented with both hands. It is rude to receive a card without giving it attention and it should never be placed in a back pocket. Business meetings are often held in restaurants; arrive early and wait to be assigned a seat. Invite the host or hostess to a return dinner.

Tipping: Tipping is considered impolite in most situations, except tour guides.

Duty free: 400 cigarettes; two bottles of alcoholic beverages; perfume for personal use; 50g of gold or silver.

Safety: Civil unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang. Some scams involve foreigners being invited into bars/restaurants to “practice English” before being robbed.

Laws: Chinese business laws differ from western standards; seek legal advice before entering into business contracts. In the case of business disputes, Chinese government may hold foreign nationals in the country. Serious crimes may attract the death penalty.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, rabies, tetanus, typhoid. Boil or sterilise water before drinking. Local hospitals are widely available and costs are low. Traditional Chinese medicine is widespread as well as western medical treatment at international hospitals. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

Socket type: Type A, Type C or Type I

Croatia

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Croatia’s warm Mediterranean climate and 18,000km coastline has made it one of the top twenty tourist destinations in the world. Inland, it maintains something of a schizophrenic identity – Roman, Ottoman, Venetian and Soviet influences beneath a newly cosmopolitan feel have made it one of the trendiest countries of the 21st century.

Few cities are as buoyant or uplifting as Zagreb, despite its stern Austro-Hungarian architecture; the people rarely stay indoors and even in winter the parks are full of Croats, young and old. The ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik, with its Baroque arcades, marble streets and beautiful beaches, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in it’s own right, as are Split and Trogir. The Dinaric mountains which run parallel to the coast are excellent for hiking and getting away from the crowds.

Despite it’s hip status, many Croats are pessimistic about the nation’s economic future. The transition from communism to liberalised economy was interrupted by war during the breakup of the old Yugoslavia. Today, state investment still accounts for 40 percent of GDP, public money is tied up in loss-making industries and the judicial system is backed up with cases of land dispute and corruption.

Building a business relationship can take time. Meetings tend to run on and schedules are rather flexible; use the time to get know your hosts and early formality will quickly subside. Above all, beware of the bureaucracy – an overloaded civil service and rigid employment laws can make it difficult to get the ball rolling.

Getting there

There are major international airports at Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka and Zadar. Connections by sea are available from Italy and Slovenia. The European train and bus network has overland connections to most countries in Europe.

Getting around

Buses are the major form of public transport and are usually faster than trains. The train network is less extensive but is usually more comfortable and around 15 percent cheaper than equivalent bus routes. Croatian roads are fairly good, though tolls are incurred on motorways.

Local information

Language: Croatian

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Continental/Mediterranean. Hot summers, cold winters, medium rainfall throughout the year. Temperature: Max 28°C (July), Min -3°C (January). Rainfall: Max 95mm (June), Min 48mm (March)

Currency: Kuna (HRK)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake, eye contact and smile. Meeting schedules are flexible but be punctual for the start. Be careful with words to begin with; as a relationship develops you can usually be more direct.

Tipping: 10-15 percent unless service is included.

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

Safety: Don’t accept food and drink from strangers as it may contain drugs.

Laws: Carry identification at all times. Seek legal advice before purchasing property as there have been disputes over the validity of some legal titles.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus. Reciprocal health agreement exists with UK, free emergency healthcare provided. Other healthcare must be paid for. Health insurance is advisable.

Socket type: Type C

Cyprus

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Cyprus’ excellent infrastructure, hot Mediterranean climate and idyllic scenery make it a popular location for international business. Sun, sea and nightlife attract visitors from all over Europe, but venture further afield and you find the impressive ruins of Salamis, the ancient city of Curium and the birthplace of Aphrodite at Paphos. Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world, while the Turkish north is replete with Gothic castles. The country’s well-developed transport network and full quota of mod cons are simply additional bonuses.

Cyprus is also an island divided. After independence from Britain was achieved, a separate state was created in the north after a 1974 coup d’etat resulted in a Turkish invasion. Strong divisions persist today; the south is a prosperous member of the EU, while the north is politically and economically isolated. Following the Greek debt crisis, however, relations between Greece and Turkey have started to thaw as both nations look to strengthen their economies, which could have beneficial knock-on effects for Cyprus.

There is a diverse service-based economy, though despite a high degree of trade liberalisation networking remains a key factor in developing business. Cypriots are skilled negotiators, so you should be prepared to bring your best business face to the table, and remember that opening bids should leave a great deal of room for concession on both sides.

Getting there

Lanaka and Pafos airports serve the south, while Ercan airport serves the Turkish north. There are no passenger ferries to the south, though there are ferry routes connecting Turkey with the north.

Getting around

There is no train network, but buses and service taxis cover most of the island. Distances are short; driving and cycling are both practical ways of getting around.

Local information

Language: Greek, Turkish

Time: UTC+2

Climate: Warm Mediterranean. Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperature: Max 37°C (July), Min 6°C (January). Rainfall: Max 110mm (December), Min mm (July-August)

Currency: Euro

Business etiquette: Greet by shaking hands. Face-to-face meetings are preferred to telephone or email. Tabled offers are seen as highly negotiable. Relationships take time to build and loyalty is to an individual and not the company they represent – new representatives must begin anew.

Tipping: 10-15 percent if there is no service charge.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits (over 22%) or 2l fortified wine or sparkling wine; 2l still wine; 50g perfume; 250ml eau de toilette.

Safety: Tensions remain between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and terrorist attacks are possible. Violent incidents occur near the UN buffer zone. Avoid large public gatherings. The crime rate is low but petty crime is common in urban areas.

Laws: Official authorisation is required to explore archaeological sites. Seek legal advice before purchasing property in the north as there have been disputes over the validity of land title.

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

Socket type: Type F (north only), Type G

Czech Republic

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Formerly the western half of Czechoslovakia, which was dissolved in 1993, the Czech Republic is still a young country. Since gaining sovereignty, it has become possibly the most successful post-communist nation in Europe, with a highly developed economy and good standard of living. Its responsible banking industry even weathered the 2008 global financial crisis relatively unscathed, while a strong infrastructure with ongoing government investment has paved the way for continuing future stability.

The capital, Prague, is a breathtaking old city that attracts tourists in droves. Get out into Bohemia and you’ll find a country of wooded hills, rolling grasslands and plenty of alehouses. Czech breweries are famed throughout Europe and a culinary tour of the finer draughts can be a beer-lovers paradise. If you’d rather stay sober, the terrain is ideal for bicycle touring; less mountainous than neighbouring Austria, but no less idyllic.

Czechs themselves are private people and take time to open up. They will rarely respond to personal questions, though they will be only too happy to discuss their history and heritage, of which they are extremely proud. Relationships are not necessary for business but do help to cut through red rape; taking time to explore and understand the country can reap rewards in the long run. Business deals are likely to take time, as Czechs are bureaucratic and slow decision makers. The more information you have and the more thorough your own preparations, the smoother the process will be.

Getting there

International flights go to Prague; budget fares are available from the rest of Europe. International bus and train networks also connect Prague to most European countries.

Getting around

Both the bus and train network are extensive and efficient, with buses usually winning in terms of price and speed. Small, local car rental companies are usually cheaper than large ones but are also less likely to have English-speaking staff.

Local information

Language: Czech, Slovak

Time: UTC+1

Climate: Temperate Continental. Hot, damp summers and cold, dry winters. Temperature: Max 33°C (July), Min -14°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (July), Min 20mm (January)

Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)

Business etiquette: Greet with a handshake. Appointments should be made two weeks in advance. Czechs are formal and hierarchical; do not remove your suit jacket unless the highest ranking associate has also done so. Czechs have difficulty saying ‘no’; phrases such as ‘it is difficult’ should be interpreted as negative.

Tipping: Foreigners are expected to tip at least 10 percent in cities but not in rural areas.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l spirits; 2l wine; 60ml perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; Gifts to Ä175;

Safety: Some criminals pose as police with fake ID asking to check validity of passport or currency.

Laws: It’s illegal to photograph some buildings in the Czech Republic.

Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus and diphtheria 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

Canada

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A country of superlatives, the main problem with Canada is knowing where to start. Do you go with the vast national parks, crammed full of ice-capped peaks, majestic glaciers, crystal lakes and a host of unique and exciting wildlife? Or maybe head to the coast and explore the spectacular fjords and make friends with a curious whale? Perhaps you just stick to the cities and sample the night-life in Toronto or explore the enchanting old town of Quebec City.

That’s not to mention the endless opportunities for extreme sports, such as climbing, kayaking, bungee jumping and mountain biking over some truly stunning terrain. With the longest coastline, the most lakes and the largest land mass after China, the opportunities for exploration are almost without bound.

It may also be the coldest nation on earth but that doesn’t stop the locals from smiling. That’s because they have the highest quality of life; a health service that’s free to all and cities like Vancouver and Montreal which combine idyllic coastal locations with liberal, crime free environments where everybody has their place. It’s no wonder that a quarter million people move to Canada every year.

Getting there

Canada is a vast country with over 500 airports; most major cities are served internationally. There are numerous buses, trains and ferries providing land and sea crossings to the USA.

Getting around

There’s a lot of water in Canada and boats are a staple of the public transport system. Greyhound offers an extensive bus network, though trains and planes are often quicker for long distance intercity travel.

Local information

Language: English, French

Time: UTC-3.5 to UTC-8

Climate: Cold continental, though varies with region. Warm summers, cold winters, rainfall throughout the year. Temperature (Ottawa): Max 26°C (July), Min -10°C (January). Rainfall (Ottawa): Max 105mm (June), Min 35mm (February).

Currency: Dollar (CAD)

Business etiquette: Greet with a firm handshake and eye contact. Business suits are the norm, though practices may vary between regions and companies. Business in Quebec is conducted in French; elsewhere English is used. This is a largely transactional culture and relationships are not required to do business.

Tipping: 15-20 percent

Duty free: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 1.5l wine or 1.14l liquor or 24 bottles or cans of beer or ale; gifts to C$60 per gift (excluding advertising matter, business-related materials, tobacco or alcoholic beverages).

Safety: Extreme cold weather can make driving dangerous and pose a severe health threat if caught outdoors. The crime rate is low; petty crime and theft are more likely in cities.

Laws: Possession of the plant Qhat (or Khat) may result in up to 10 years imprisonment.

Healthcare: Excellent medical facilities are available but costs are very high. Medical insurance is essential. First aid kits should be carried in remote northern areas.

Socket type: Type A

Belize

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

A small country with a hot, Caribbean climate, Belize is one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots on the planet. With its western borders consumed by the central American jungle and its eastern shore lined by the second longest coral reef in the world, the range of opportunities for divers and wildlife enthusiasts alike is almost endless. With those riches come gorgeous beach resorts with clear blue oceans perfect for sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing, myriad rivers with excellent rafting opportunities and great inland reserves begging to be explored.

A former British colony, the country’s sympathies today lie with its Central American and Caribbean neighbours. The colourful Belize City is a vivid concoction of colonial grandeur and bohemian chaos, while tumbledown Dangriga proudly flaunts its Garifuna heritage. The Mayan legacy is still visible in a series of impressive temples around the country; the Caana pyramid at Caracol is still the highest man-made structure in the country.

Belize is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the Americas and its economy is primarily based on agriculture and agro-industry. While in essence it is a market economy there has been little investment in infrastructure and this paucity remains a barrier to open business. Yet the population is growing at a staggering 2.1 percent a year and with new stimulation from tourism and construction it could just be one of the hottest developing markets of the near future.

Getting there

International flights go to Belize City. Avoid arriving by cruise ship as this damages the coral reef. Land crossings are possible at two points to Mexico and one into Guatamala.

Getting around

Domestic air travel routes between Belize City,Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Caye Caulker and San Pedro. There are several long distance bus companies but this network can be confusing. Frequent ferries operate along the coast.

Local information

Language: English; various regional languages.

Time: UTC-6

Climate: Tropical monsoon. Hot all year round, Heavy rainfall in summer. Temperature: Max 31°C (August), Min 20°C (January). Rainfall: Max 260mm (June), Min 2mm (February).

Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)

Business etiquette: Dress in lightweight suits for initial meeting. The business culture is largely risk-averse and a trust relationship is important. Inquiring about family and children is a good way of building a relationship. Belize is an eco-friendly nation and propositions with potential for environmental damage may be frowned upon.

Tipping: 15 percent

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l wine or spirits; BZ$200 of gifts.

Safety: Solitary travellers may be victims of harassment.

Laws: Photographing official buildings is illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, tetanus, typhoid and tuberculosis. Medical facilities are limited; health centres exist in the major urban areas and mobile clinics in more remote ones. Health insurance is strongly advised; payment in cash is often expected regardless.

Socket type: Type B, Type G

Morocco

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

An Islamic nation with centuries of history, Morocco is a unique blend of Africa and Europe. Historical influences dating back to the Romans are still visible in the architecture. The cities of Fez and Marrakech are colourfully chaotic, dizzying and dazzling in equal measures, while the glittering coastline and the inviting Atlas Mountains are perfect for retreat.

The Moroccan people are enigmatic at times; honour and dignity are the two most important concepts in most Moroccan’s lives and they will go far out of their way to avoid shaming themselves or their family. Many things are said and done in public because it is expected; good public perception is paramount. Yet take the time to get to know them and they are full of surprises.

Travellers should take the opportunity to lose themselves in the old streets, marvel at the architecture and take in breathless public lives of the city-dwellers. Visit the bazaars, explore the souqs and dodge the salesmen trying to hook you with all manner of strange and exciting wares. When you’ve had enough, escape to the old colonial haven of Casablanca or ride a camel out into the desert to watch the sun setting over the Saharan sands.

Getting there

The main international airport is Mohammed V, south of Casablanca, though there are five in total. Regular ferries travel between the Spanish ports of Algeciras or Tarif and Tangier in Morocco; there are also some routes from France. Overland, the trans-Saharan crossing via Mauritania is the most popular route; the border with Algeria is closed.

Getting around

Grands taxis and petits taxis, carrying six and three passengers respectively, are best for local travel. There are train lines linking Tangier and Oujda to Marrakech, plus regular intercity buses. Road travel can be expensive but roads are well maintained by African standards.

Local information

Language(s): Arabic; though French and, to a lesser extent, English and Spanish are widely spoken.

Time: UTC

Climate: Semi-arid. Hot dry summers and cool, damp winters. Temperature: Max 26°C (August), Min 9°C (December). Rainfall: Max 80mm (December), Min 0mm (July-September)

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Business etiquette: Dress smartly, though a suit is not necessary in hot weather. Greetings are important and should not be rushed. Make appointments well in advanced, though be prepared for meetings to be interrupted and also for lengthy bargaining sessions.

Tipping: 10 percent on meals. Round up to nearest 5 MAD in taxis.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g of tobacco; 1l of spirits; 1l of wine; 5g of perfume.

Safety: Terrorist attacks have occurred in the past but are not considered a perpetual risk.

Laws: Preaching of non-Islamic religions can all lead to imprisonment. Do not consume alcohol in public places.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A and tetanus. Bottled water is best. Emergency treatment is usually free and good medical facilities exist in all main cities.

Socket type: Type C, Type E

Oman

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

In an ideally imagined desert, towering dunes of sand ripple across a vast, desolate expanse, punctuated by only an occasional oasis of procession of goats led by white-robed Bedouin. Welcome to Oman’s Wahiba Sands and the picture-perfect interior that could have been drawn by Disney. Large swathes remain pristine and untouched, from the great rocky mountains to the dusty plains, even as the modernisation of the country’s roads brings more and more of it within reach of a four by four.

In the north-east, sandwiched between the Persian Gulf and the Al Hajar mountains in a corridor of surprising greenery, are sandwiched the major cities. Here modernity and traditionalism appear locked in battle, and beyond its impressive business district Muscat maintains its old world flavour with impeccably maintained mosques, ramparts and lively souks. To the south, Sur’s attractive corniche and old forts are trumped only by the beautiful beaches and the turtle nesting site and Ras al-Hadd.

For much of the twentieth century, Oman was cut off from the world due to the introversion politics of the Sultan. But since the accession of Qaboos bin Said it has been undergoing something of a renaissance. The economy has benefited greatly from natural oil reserves but these are due to run dry sooner rather than later and great emphasis has been placed on diversification. The industrial sector has been placed at the centre of the Sultanate’s long term development strategy and makes for an attractive investment environment in which foreign interest is actively encouraged.

Getting there

Seed International, near Muscat, is the only international airport. Land crossings to Yemen, UAE and Saudi Arabia are possible but many points are regularly closed.

Getting around

There are some efficient long distance buses, while shared minibuses and taxis are common for short to mid-distance travel. Most road signs are in English and car hire is a painless affair.

Local information

Language: Arabic

Time: UTC+4

Climate: Arid. Very hot summers, warm winters, little rainfall. Temperature: Max 38°C (June), Min 19°C (January). Rainfall: Max 25mm (January), Min 0mm (September)

Currency: Rial (OMR)

Business etiquette: This is a low-risk, conservative culture undergoing a period of significant change; there may be many inconsistencies in business practice. Generally, relationships should be developed before doing business. Decisions take time and high pressure tactics should be avoided.

Tipping: Service charges rarely go to the waiter; an extra tip of 5-10 percent is appreciated.

Duty free: 2l of alcoholic beverage; reasonable quantity of tobacco; 227ml perfume; eight videos/DVDs. Meat products require an Islamic slaughter certificate.

Safety: There is a very low crime level.

Laws: It is illegal to use aggressive or obscene languages or gestures in public; doing so may result in deportation.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus. Public health service is extensive and free to residents, but travellers require full health insurance.

Socket type: Type C, Type G

Pakistan

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

At the heart of southern Asia, bordered by China, India, Afghanistan and Iran, Pakistan is a hidden gem full of wonders rarely seen by many westerners. In large part this is due to years of turmoil; an uneasy relationship with India and extremist Islam have marred its reputation as a destination. To the everyday Pakistani, however, the price of bread is of far more interest than high politics and most are all too eager to welcome you into their homes.

Beyond the military struggles, there is much to recommend this diverse and beautiful country. The Mughal Monuments and the labyrinthine Old City of Lahore are worth the visit alone. Lose yourself in the ancient ruins of Moenjodaro or see centuries of relics at Taxila, where neolithic tumulus sit beside second century Buddhist temples and everything in between. Wander through the ancient bazaars of Quetta, marvel at the idyllic mountains and peaceful lakes of Karimabad, then rent a car and drive the Karakorum Highway to see nature at its most spectacular.

Under the leadership of General Pervez Musharraf the country has made significant progress economically and a series of reforms, despite political setbacks, have attracted much foreign investment. As with many Islamic nations it still harbours a relationship-driven business culture, but since embracing global markets it has become a rapidly emerging market replete with opportunities.

Getting there

International flights land at Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. There are limited border crossings to China, India and Afghanistan; you may required a permit and/or armed escort.

Getting around

The major population centres are connected by air. The cheapest methods of getting around are buses and taxis. Trains are more expensive but the network is extensive and more comfortable.

Local information

Language(s): Urdu, English and several regional languages.

Time: UTC+5

Climate: Semi-arid/monsoon. Hot all year, rainfall depends on region. Temperature (Karachi): Max 34°C (April), Minimum 13°C (January). Rainfall: Max 80mm (July), Min 0mm (October).

Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Business etiquette: Third party introductions are a necessity. Expect to spend time socialising and fostering a relationship and don’t be surprised if asked personal questions. Pakistanis do not require as much personal space as westerners; they will often stand close when they are talking to you; do not back away.

Tipping: Tip at your discretion.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 8oz of tobacco; 250ml of perfume; eau de toilette (opened).

Safety: There is a high risk of terrorism and civil unrest in Pakistan and some areas dangerous for foreign travellers; these include border regions with India and Afghanistan. Violent crime is common and some areas are rife with criminal gangs and lawlessness. Check government advice before travelling.

Laws: Drug offences, murder, blasphemy and unlawful assembly may all incur the death penalty. Corporal punishment may be used for robbery or drunkenness. Importing alcohol, pork products or attempting to convert a Muslim are all illegal.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, hepatitis A, malaria, tetanus and typhoid. Water should be boiled or sterilised. Medical facilities are limited. Full health insurance is essential.

Socket type: Type C

South Korea

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

South Korea is a subtropical peninsula of misty mountains, towering skyscrapers, precipitously-positioned pagodas and rocky coastal islands. The capital Seoul, known as the ‘miracle on the Han’, is not only a world leader in design and architecture but a buzzing, vibrant city of old-fashioned bazaars, crazy neon lights and 1001 other things all vying for your attention. Yet through twenty national parks, millions of acres of mountain and forest filled with hidden temples and ancient tea terraces a more peaceful, mystical countryside would be hard to find.

It is still technically at war – the government never signed the 1953 armistice at the end of the Korean War and low level military clashes still occasionally occur. Despite this, South Korea has earned its status as one of the four ‘Asian Tigers’ and is an active member of the G20 economies. It has a strong base in high-tech industry and has been ranked most innovative country in the world in the Global Innovation Index.

The people are forward and outward looking, though Confucian influences are still heavy and there is a strong hierarchical sense of ‘face’ and respect. Businesses are built around relationships; cultivating understanding and avoiding confrontation are both essential and it may take many meetings or trips before any business deal can be concluded. Once built, however, South Koreans strive for the mutual success of any business contact and such relationships can bring rich reward in the long run.

Getting there

Incheon International Airport takes long distance international flights; one hour by bus from Seoul. There are several other airports taking flights from Asian neighbours. Ferries connect to China, Japan and Russia. The border to North Korea is closed.

Getting around

Domestic air travel is good for city hopping; fares are generally reasonable. The train service is excellent but has limited coverage; buses have a greater coverage and are regular and efficient.

Local information

Language: Korean

Time: UTC+9

Climate: Moderate, monsoon. Warm, wet summers and cold, dry winters. Temperature: Max 30°C (August), Max -10°C (January). Rainfall: Max 350mm (July), 15mm (January)

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)

Business etiquette: It is important to greet and say goodbye to each person at a meeting. Greetings are usually short bows though handshakes may follow. Introduction through a third party is crucial. Relationships take time to build and often involve considerable socialising. Avoid giving criticism. Sensitive matters should be raised through the third party with whom the introduction was initially made.

Tipping: Tips are not expected.

Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l alcoholic beverage; 60ml perfume; Gifts below US$400.

Safety: Stay away from the North Korea border as military action is possible. There is a low level of crime.

Laws: Seek legal advice over working visas before entering the country as disputes are common.

Healthcare: Vaccinations required for diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Excellent medical care is available in major cities, but is difficult to find in rural areas. Payment is demanded upfront; health insurance is essential.

Socket type: Type A, Type C

Alice Springs

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

You can walk for miles through the red, dusty outback without encountering a soul; and then there’s Alice Springs, once little more than a telegraph station and now a thriving community of 25,000 and the main gateway to the famous Uluru monolith.

To say that Alice Springs is unique would be an understatement. Where else can you see grown men running while carrying life size boat models along a dry river bed in the annual Henly-on-Todd regatta, or find a festival devoted to the virtues of the beanie?

There’s plenty of entertainment for the slightly less eccentric and the proliferation of watering holes and shopping establishments can make it easy to forget just how remote it is. This is also a major centre for the aboriginal community, with Todd Mall hosting several aboriginal events throughout the year near a number of galleries devoted to their art.

Where to stay
There’s a limited choice in Alice, with Crowne Plaza Hotel probably the best equipped and most pleasant. Alice Motor Inn is a no nonsense alternative with good service, though the location can be inconvenient; the same might be said of the Airport Motel.

Where to eat
Todd Mall has the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, serving standard Aussie fare as well as the more exotic barramundi, kangaroo, crocodile and camel. Overlanders Steakhouse is recommended. Ignore the slightly tacky facade at Bojangles Saloon and Dining Room, the food and ambience are very good.

What to see
You can’t go to Alice Springs without seeing Ayer’s Rock. Try to avoid walking on it though as it’s sacred to the aborigines. You’ll get a better appreciation for that by exploring the aboriginal art galleries, where you can also talk to some of them first hand about their way of life.