Exporting Fact Sheet - Travelling to Foreign Markets

Summary

This document covers the following topics that are of interest to exporters who are travelling to foreign markets:

Cultural Issues
Travel Information
Taking Product Samples to Foreign Markets

Cultural Issues

Success or failure will depend on your sensitivity to your host's culture so be sure you do not commit a cultural "faux pas". Here are a few examples of how customs differ from country to country:

• Which country's citizens use a knife and fork to eat their sandwiches as they find it strange to pick them up with their fingers?
• In what country are academic qualifications downplayed?
• We find whispering to another person while in the company of others to be rude. In what country is it acceptable?
• In what country should you consider it a compliment if you encounter a bloody sheep carcass at the entrance to your host's home?
• You should never give a green hat as a gift in what country?
• In what country may the signing of a contract be delayed until an astrologer is consulted and the "lucky day" arrives?

For more information, contact the Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre. Our library contains a number of publications and videos which specifically deal with protocol, business practices and behaviour styles around the world.  As an example, we have a series of books  that are pocket guides to business customs and etiquette in specific countries.  Ask if the country you're interested in is in our "Passport" collection.  Following are some other examples on this subject that may be of interest along with their shelf location:

Do's and Taboo's Around the World - TRADE CULTURE .001S
This guide to international behaviour has helped countless high-powered executives and tourists avoid the missteps and misunderstandings that plague the world traveller.

How to Do Business in Sixty Countries Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands - TRADE CULTURE .002S
In a global economy, it is crucial for business people to be sensitive to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may be ethical, it's great for business as well!  This is an invaluable book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business.

Gestures The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World - TRADE CULTURE .004S
Before you raise your hand or signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitch-hike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, STOP!  Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say - otherwise you could create an international incident.

Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre resource library search engine can be viewed at the following address:  Saskatoon Reference Library .
Once you have located a particular resource you think might be useful, please contact us at the CSBSC office and we will discuss the material with you.  Material is available to view in our Saskatoon office or regionalization site where available.

Travel Information

• The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade publishes Travel Reports  Consular Affairs  for Canadians visiting foreign countries on business or for pleasure. Included in these reports are health and personal safety advisories, entry requirements and general demographic information. These reports are updated on a regular basis.
• You can also access Health Canada's Health Hazard Advisories  Information for Travellers  which warn Canadian travellers of potential health hazards in foreign countries and, in some cases, recommends precautionary measures to be taken.

Taking Product Samples to Foreign Markets

If you are planning to take samples of your product with you in order to show it to prospective buyers, you should obtain a Carnet History from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Carnet is a customs document that allows you to export goods temporarily to another country and re-import them into Canada without going through time-consuming customs procedures or paying duty. A Carnet can be used for:

• commercial samples
• goods for presentation or for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions or similar events
• professional equipment

For further information regarding exporting, see the document  Exporting Info-Guide, visit the Trade and Export section on our Web site  Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre  or contact the

Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre
#2 - 345 3^rd Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1M6
Phone:  (306) 956-2323
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-4374
E-mail:   saskatchewan@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/sask

Prepared by: Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre