- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovation
- Supplier Spotlight
- Supplier Promotions
Travel Tips - October 2008
-
Traveling to South Africa
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 South Africa.
In business:- Business visitors are expected to make appointments ahead of time and arrive to meetings on time.
- South Africa is eight hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
- The ideal business deal is a “win-win situation” and therefore highly competitive behavior is not respected.
- South African business people are cautious and most would rather let a deal fall through than be rushed.
- When addressing someone, it is important to use professional titles.
- South Africa remains a male-dominated society. Foreign businesswomen are usually accepted, but may be referred to as “girls” or “my dear girl,” regardless of age or job title.
- Business cards are frequently used, but visitors should not be offended if they’re not given one in exchange.
Good to know:- When scheduling visits: The seasons are reversed from those in North America and therefore summer vacation is centered around the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Most business people take a long vacation during that time.
- Freedom Day is the national holiday and is celebrated on April 27.
- Typically, weekends are reserved for leisure, and few South Africans work during that time.
- South Africans are early risers (the morning is most comfortable due to the hot daily temperatures) and typically are at the office by 8 a.m. However, business breakfast meetings are relatively uncommon. Most business entertaining will be done in a restaurant, after hours.
- Eleven different languages are designated as “national” or “official” in South Africa. Fifty-seven percent of South Africans speak some English.
- While violence may be common in some townships and urban areas, international business visitors are relatively safe in well-patrolled public areas. Most hazards come from the wildlife in the nearby bush or wilderness areas.
- “Cafes” are similar to North American convenience stores and will carry all the basic necessities.
- Good topics of conversation are sports, outdoor recreation, travel, food and music.
Source: “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Best selling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
