| The open borders, once seen as a hallmark of | | | | Most schools offer bilingual programs, and |
| true freedom and democracy (and the almost | | | | English is the language of business, science |
| exclusive domain of the United States), has | | | | and technology. |
| become almost commonplace, as millions of | | | | |
| Europeans travel freely between countries to | | | | There are some differences still, however. |
| work, vacation or study every day. | | | | European workers receive longer vacations and |
| | | | shorter workweeks than their counterparts in |
| It has simplified traveling in Europe for | | | | America and Asia. In many cultures, |
| businesspeople from around the world, as | | | | businesses close their doors between 12 and 2 |
| well. If you're planning a trip in the near | | | | or 12 and 4, and business is conducted until |
| future, you should know that the Euro is used | | | | 7 or 8 at night. |
| by 12 of the 25 countries in the EU, which | | | | |
| means the expensive and time-consuming | | | | In many countries, formality is considered |
| business of changing money at borders has | | | | the norm, and business acquaintances don't |
| become a thing of the past. Banks within the | | | | call each other by first names, and some |
| EU no longer charge fees for cash withdrawals | | | | subjects are considered rude -- such as |
| at ATM machines outside of the user's country | | | | discussing money at the beginning of |
| of residence. (Of course, your bank may still | | | | business. Be aware that if you're invited to |
| tack on fees for international transactions). | | | | lunch or dinner, business is not usually |
| | | | discussed until after the meal, which can |
| Economically, the common market and | | | | take two hours or longer. |
| deregulation of state monopolies has brought | | | | |
| costs down for things like telephone service | | | | Be sure to take the usual precautions when |
| and utilities. Business travelers can now | | | | traveling, whether for business or pleasure. |
| find low-cost direct flights between cities | | | | Keep your passport, money and other valuables |
| and countries that were once expensive and | | | | in a safe place. And pay attention to what is |
| required travelers to change planes or | | | | going on around you at all times. Pack an |
| airlines. Mobile phone users can use a single | | | | extra set of clothing and any business |
| service from Portugal to the Polish/Ukrainian | | | | materials you're going to need for meetings |
| border, with no additional charges or fees. | | | | in your carry-on luggage, just in case your |
| | | | suitcases end up visiting Rome while you're |
| Cross-cultural activities, events and | | | | in Switzerland -- because as much as some |
| exhibitions are being promoted like never | | | | things have changed, some things remain the |
| before, thanks to grants from the EU Union. | | | | same! |