Business Travel In The European Union - What's Working

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