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