Safety tips for business travellers
Seven tips for staying safe while on foreign business trips
By Susanne Baillie
Whether or not you feel secure travelling under today's uncertain circumstances, many businesses still rely on face-to-face meetings with foreign clients, suppliers or divisions. If you have a business trip planned, what precautions should you take?
"Travel safe, travel smart. Those things will keep you in good stead," says Richard Lefler, former vice-president for worldwide security at New York-based American Express.
Here are Lefler's top seven tips for staying safe while on foreign business trips:
1. Understand the political, health and cultural conditions of your destination.
Regardless of whether your trip is for one day, one week, or one month, it's worthwhile taking 15 or 20 minutes to go online and study up on your destination, says Lefler (see suggested websites below). "The more you do in advance, the better the trip will go." Check the latest information about disease or illness outbreaks, and learn the appropriate precautions.
Be aware of political and civil unrest, and familiarize yourself with any problems you may encounter, especially if your destination is not frequently visited by business travelers.
Women in particular should be aware of appropriate behavior and attire, says Lefler. In some areas of the world, says Lefler, "if you are not aware of [cultural differences with regard to gender], it can cause you increased difficulty getting around, embarrassment, and in rare cases it can also lead to a safety issue."
2. Be vigilant about customs and security regulations.
"You need to be sensitive in terms of understanding the countries you're visiting and understanding what is allowed and what isn't allowed," says Lefler. For instance, "some countries [e.g. China] are beginning to become more sensitive to [travelers] carrying laptops that have encryption software in them," says Lefler. "They do not want you to bring it into the country, and they don't want you to send encrypted messages from their country." In some countries, he adds, even a women's magazine in your carry-on can pose a problem.
3. Be aware of your surroundings.
Whether you're at the airport or on the street, "constantly remind yourself that as a business traveller you might be carrying things that other people want," says Lefler. Your laptop (and the information it contains), wallet or purse, cell phone and other high-tech gadgets are all targets. "Be on the lookout for distraction thefts and don't leave valuables unattended," says Lefler. And don't let your guard down at airport security checkpoints. Security, notes Lefler, "is there to make sure you're not a problem; they're not worried about your laptop once they've x-rayed it."
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4. Carry a variety of payment methods.
"Carry a small amount of cash, some traveler's cheques, your debit and credit cards," says Lefler. You can't predict what problems you'll encounter with any given payment method in foreign countries. Overseas travelers should remember that the new Euro is set to roll out January 1, 2002. "If you're one of those frequent travelers who holds on to your French franc and German mark and your Italian lira, make sure you turn that all in," says Lefler. Participating European countries will stop using individual country currencies entirely next spring.
5. Assign a power of attorney.
Make sure someone back home has the authority to make important decisions for you in your absence, says Lefler. "You might have to have someone carry on making business decisions for you." Borders may open or close unexpectedly, regulations may change, or your return may be impeded in some other way.
6. Inform others of your plans.
Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers where you can be reached with someone at your office as well as someone at home. "In the event there is a problem, someone will notice that they haven't heard from you or [realize] you should have been back."
It's also smart to make copies of your passport, travelers' cheques, credit cards and your airline tickets, he says. Leave one copy at home, and put another copy in your suitcase. "You've got a lot on your mind, you're trying to conduct business, and in the unlikely event that you either lose or have one of those items stolen, it makes it so much easier to replace them."
7. Ensure your personal safety in foreign cities.
During business hours and after the workday is done, be aware of what parts of town you travel to and what establishments you visit. Check with your local business contacts, your hotel or even the local Canadian embassy to advise you of which locations are safe and which aren't.
If you keep a fitness regime while travelling, such as jogging or working out, be sure to carry identification with you, whether it's your passport or a simple tag listing your name and a local contact number (such as your hotel) in case of emergency.
Suggested websites for travelers:
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade information and assistance for Canadians abroad
Health Canada travel medicine program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta
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