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Travel Tips
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Traveling to Venezuela
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month in 2008 insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Venezuela.
Good to know:- Spanish is the official language, though it is referred to in the local language as "castellano" instead of "español."
- ore than 92 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, though religion is not typically a strong force in daily life.
- There are extreme contrasts between rich and poor.
- Traffic congestion is a major issue, especially in the capital city of Caracas.
Avoid the discussion of government, personal relationships, and any comparison of your country's policies with those of Venezuela. - Dinner does not begin until about 8:30 p.m. and can last several hours.
In business:
- Business cards should be provided immediately after introductions and handled with respect. Make every effort to have a handful of cards printed in Spanish on one side, and present that side face up.
- A firm handshake is the standard business greeting.
Strong leaders are most likely to be accepted and effective. - Venezuela differs from other Latin American countries in that punctuality is highly valued and expected, in professional and personal life.
- Avoid scheduling business within a few days before or after a holiday, as Venezuelans often extend their celebrations.
- Make every effort to keep a consistent team of people in place throughout a project or negotiation cycle—consistency is valued in business engagements.
- Be sure to translate all documents into Spanish before sharing them with Venezuelan contacts.
- Focus discussions around long-term relationships and long-term benefit.
- Lunch is viewed as a forum for business discussions; dinner is not.
Source: “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
Airport on-time statistics reveal trends
Airports are generally becoming more and more traveler-friendly with many conveniences and added amenities. However, there are some airports that travelers should be aware of because their high volume and/or operational challenges can increase the likelihood of delays. Below is a chart showing delay-plagued airports and the percentage of all flights that took off or arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled time in 2007.
Travelers can minimize the impact of delays as follows:
- Check on-time statistics for the airports and the particular flights being booked
- Pad layover times so that potential delays do not cause major problems
- Book flights early in the day
Sources: ABC News, Businessweek, Forbes.com
Keeping belongings safe during travel
Today’s business traveler has plenty to keep track of on the road—travel schedules, security screening, baggage, lodging information, and of course, the business at hand once the destination is reached. Considering all of these details, theft is not always high on the list of concerns. However, when traveling, there are a few tips and tricks travelers can keep in mind to ensure their belongings remain safe (and in the possession of the proper owner).
- Remove valuables from coats or jackets before hanging or stowing them on the plane.
- Clearly mark luggage with a ribbon, sticker, or easily noticed luggage tag to avoid mix-ups.
- Carry a travel wallet or purse that contains one credit card, cash for one day, and identification you need specifically for traveling. Put the rest of your things in your carry-on.
- Walk next to your bag, or as closely as you can, when it is being screened.
- Keep carry-on bags nearby at all times.
- Make sure your valuables are secure, deep in your bag.
- When stowing your carry-on under the seat in front of you, face pockets towards your seat.
- Always know where your passport is located and keep it in a secure place.
- Consider a money belt instead of a wallet.
- When in mass transit areas (such as subways) keep belongings close and maintain distance from other passengers if possible.
- Do not leave valuables in your rental car—as they may be targeted by thieves.
Sources: msnbc.com, www.ricksteves.com
