Asia Business Travel Destinations
Business travellers in Asia, do you want to know tips for successful business travelling here?
Business travel in Asia is different, more of an art than a science. While there are essential best practices that can help you on your way (you know the ones), there are cultural nuances that only come with experience.
About the Asian Continent
The Asian continent is the largest landmass on Earth. It is the most populous continent in the world.
The continent, home to several of the world’s great civilisations, stretches from the Arctic in the north to the sub-Antarctic in the south and from Africa in the west to Oceania in the east. It constitutes approximately 30% of the world’s land area and contains 55% of the world’s current human population.
The continent is home to more than 4 billion people who speak over 2,300 languages and dialects.
It is home to some of the planet’s fastest-growing economies.
What To Expect When Visiting The Asian Continent on Business
It’s a continent full of history, culture and opportunity. Asia has a lot to offer, but there are some things you should expect when visiting the region. Here’s what you can expect.
A diverse work environment
Asia has been called the world’s factory because of its low-cost manufacturing capabilities and ample labour supply. But this doesn’t mean that every company in Asia is engaged in manufacturing and related activities. Many multinational corporations (MNCs) have set up headquarters in Asia to take advantage of their young workforce, which often has more experience with digital technology than workers elsewhere in the world. If you’re looking for an international assignment in your career path, Asia may be the place for you!
A high cost of living
The cost of living varies from country to country in Asia, but overall it tends to be higher than in most other parts of the world. This means that ex-pats should expect higher salaries or allowances when working abroad in this part of the world compared to other global locations such as Europe or North America.
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Asian economy, and it’s easy to understand why. Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with China leading the pack. But as exciting as this growth is, it can be a little overwhelming for those who have never travelled to Asia.
Language Barrier
The language barrier is one of the biggest things to remember when travelling abroad. The languages are varied, and English is spoken widely throughout many countries in Asia, particularly Singapore, The Philippines and India. Mandarin Chinese and Japanese are common languages as well. If you’re doing business with companies in China or Japan, it will help if you’ve studied their native languages beforehand to communicate effectively during meetings and presentations.
Culture Shock
Another thing to keep in mind when travelling to another country is culture shock.
First, it’s important to remember that different Asian cultures have different expectations for how people should behave. For example, in some Asian countries, it’s considered appropriate to bow when greeting someone. In other places, it’s not necessary to do this.
Second, remember that customs are often more formal than in your home country. It’s best not to assume that everyone is familiar with your culture and traditions—even if they speak English!
Third, don’t expect people to be direct with you when asking questions or making requests. They might appear impolite or blunt, but this isn’t necessarily the case! Instead of asking directly, they may ask another question first to avoid offending or being rude at all costs.
Food
The food will be different! If you’re not used to Asian food, you may find it difficult. Don’t worry too much about trying exotic dishes because they’re often served in small portions, so you can share them with your colleagues and friends.
Business Etiquette
Research business etiquette before you go.
In Asia, a business greeting is the first step to building a relationship with a client, and getting this right is essential. It’s also important to be polite and respectful.
1. Be on time. In Asia, being late is considered disrespectful. Make sure you arrive at meetings and appointments on time or early if possible.
2. Dress appropriately. In many Asian countries, wearing shorts or flip-flops in public places like restaurants and offices is considered rude. You should also avoid tank tops, short skirts and other clothing that is too revealing in these spaces.
3. Use appropriate language when speaking with someone with a higher social status than you (i.e., an older person or someone higher up in the company). It’s also important not to swear or use slang—you’ll sound very uneducated!
Weather
You’ll also need to know how humid it can get in some areas of Asia. If you’re spending time in Thailand or Vietnam, for example, you should be prepared for high humidity levels throughout the year—especially during the summer months. There are ways to keep cool and comfortable during this time, but it’s essential to be prepared for potentially hot weather if you plan on travelling during those times!