Here at Sapphire International Mobile Hotspot, we’re always staying busy keeping people connected to our outstanding internet. Our job is so much more than providing people with international WiFi; we’re about keeping families connected during stressful times apart, keeping people updated with the most current news, weather, and sports, and allowing our users to experience the convenience of unlimited WiFi, almost anywhere in the world they go. Do you rely on WiFi for your international business trips? Are you in need of excellent WiFi for your military tour abroad? Sapphire has the data plan for your budget, the coverage to keep you connected almost anywhere, and the customer service to help you 24/7! Have questions? Contact us today through our 24/7 online support desk!
Anyone who has traveled internationally for business can probably attest to the fact that it is something that takes a little bit of practice. People who take regular international business trips probably have traveling down to a science, but anyone who is inexperienced might benefit from a little wisdom. There are definitely a number of things that you will want to avoid doing when you’re traveling internationally and there are also things that you’ll want to remember! In today’s two-part blog, we’re going to discuss what NOT to do when you’re traveling internationally for work. Continue reading on to learn more.
Overpacking
Whether you’re packing for a few days or a few weeks, overpacking is a problem that many of us seem to fall prey to. When we’re venturing to a foreign country—either for business or pleasure, we tend to pack for the “what ifs” more than anything else. Our thought processes often look like this: “If the weather changes, I’ll want to be ready with this heavy sweater.” Or, “If it rains a lot, I don’t want to have to buy a rain poncho so I’ll bring one.” However, nine times out of ten, we don’t end up needing these extra items and they just take up precious space in our bags.
Instead of packing for any and all situations, do your best to come prepared. Research the weather in the region you’ll be visiting, pack for the weather you know will be happening, and pack one multi-purpose jacket that can serve to protect you from the rain and keep you warm without taking up too much space.
Not Booking Enough Time Between Flights
Many people who are not used to international travel book their flights in the same way that they would book local flights. They allow for an hour or so between flights and that is usually enough time to get from point A to B. However, when you’re flying internationally, there are some other things to consider.
International travel differs greatly in that airports in other countries often don’t function the way that you’re used to. Some airports demand that all travelers flying into the country go through security all over again; this can add a lengthy amount of time to your time in between flights and if you’re not prepared with a long layover, you could miss your flight. Make sure that you try to do as much research about your arrival airport as possible, and book a layover of at least a couple of hours, just to be safe. Yes, we know that waiting in a foreign airport isn’t always tons of fun, but it sure beats missing a flight.
Not Getting Local Currency
If you’re from a country in which they use credit cards and online payments for almost every purchase, it might seem strange to get a handful of local cash once you arrive. Many of us don’t even ever carry cash. However, there are plenty of countries and regions that don’t have many options for credit card payments and can only accept cash. Imagine getting ready to exit your cab after a long international flight and not being able to pay because there’s no way for your credit card payment to be processed. The last thing you want when you’re on your business trip is to have to leave valuable collateral with your cab driver, at a restaurant, or in a supermarket while you go find a cash exchange. Take our word for it; get cash as soon as you arrive in the country.
Failing to Inform Your Credit Card Company of Travel Plans
Most people have probably gotten that call from your card’s fraud department; a credit card purchase came up as fraudulent and if you made the purchase, you have to tell them to back off, if you didn’t make the purchase, you might panic a little bit. Since your card information, payment trends, and location habits are tracked, anything that seems out of the ordinary to your credit card company might alert them to a potential problem. Often, when a credit or debit card purchase is made in a foreign country, it flags your fraud agency and alerts them that your card or card information might have been stolen.
In severe cases, especially if your company can’t get ahold of you, your card might be deactivated, which would obviously be a problem for you during your international business trip. Avoid the hassle and frustration of either having your card shut off or dealing with a million questions about payments that you indeed made; call your credit card company before you travel.
No matter where you’re traveling from and where you’re headed, it’s vital that you take some important steps to be prepared for any and all situations. You can’t always control what happens, but at least if you do a little bit of research before you go on your business trip, you can save yourself from some unnecessary frustrations.
We hope you’ve enjoyed part one of our blog series! Join us next time for part two in which we’ll discuss a few more things NOT to do when you’re taking your international business trip.
While you’re making sure that all of your bases are covered before traveling, don’t forget to consider what kind of internet service you’ll be using. If you rely on your cell phone data, cell phone roaming, or paying for internet, you could end up paying a pretty penny for your international WiFi.
Sapphire International Mobile Hotspot has the perfect hotspot for your trip to a foreign country. Why rely on shoddy or slow internet connections while you’re away? If you have a Sapphire hotspot, you can enjoy fantastic WiFi almost anywhere in the world! Shop our data plans today and contact us through our 24/7 online support desk with questions.