Each country has its own business customs. Some may be the same, others quite different. "I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." - says Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Many westerners have a similar feeling of bewilderment when they first deal with foreign cultures.
With the advent of the Internet, the global economy, CNN and satellite TV; people around the world are much more familiar with the ways of the west that they used to be. However many of them still tenaciously hold on to the customs and manners that have served them so well over the centuries.
Specific business practices vary from country to country and the wise businessman will study the customs of the country they are going to before arriving. It is best to be prepared and avoid giving any offense. While the individual practices vary greatly, there are some generalized things the international businessman should be aware of:
In this day and age of the wired businessman with their notebooks, mobile phones and plethora of other devices the businessman will have to be aware of the hurdles of taking electronics overseas.
Voltages, current and power adaptors vary from country to country, even if you have an adaptor to allow you to plug in - you have to make certain the voltage requirements are the same or you may end up ruining your little electronic marvel.
Check out Kropla's - Steve Kropla's Help for World Travelers which provides invaluable information for plugging in electrical and phone systems around the world.
You may also want to check LaptopTravel.com - the online computing source for the laptop traveler.