The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

5 tips for business travel in Latin America

  • Written by News Company


With over 600 million people and 20 countries, Latin America is as large as it is diverse. And while each country has its own unique customs and traditions when it comes to conducting business, there are a number of details you should take into account no matter what area of the region you are visiting. After all, a carefully planned journey can save you both time and money, and make your business trip more fun in the process. With this in mind, here are our five tips for making your next business trip in Latin America a success.

Check environmental conditions

Always check the weather forecast of your destination before departure, and dress appropriately. Also, keep in mind the altitude you will be working at once you land. Cities such as La Paz and Quito lie at high altitudes, which may take some time to adjust to (altitude sickness feels like something between jetlag and a hangover). As such, don’t arrange meetings for the day of your arrival and make sure you drink plenty of water.

Stock up on local currency

Generally, taxis and small corner stores in Latin America don’t take credit cards, so you will need to have some local currency right off the bat. While US dollars are used in some Latin American countries, such as Panama, in most cases you will have to change your money into the currency of the country you will be doing business. You can either do this in your home country or at the airport once you arrive at your destination. Do keep in mind that some money changers at airports have extortionate rates. It is also usually possible to withdraw money from an ATM at the airport after you land.

Carry an ID

Both residents and travelers in Latin American countries are expected to carry an ID at all times. Make a photocopy of your passport prior to departure and carry that with you while you keep the original safe in the hotel safety deposit box. If your business trip requires you to visit official buildings, check if you are required to bring an official ID, advises Santiago Hernandez from MONEDEROSMART. While in most cases your driver’s license should be sufficient, in others you may be asked for your passport.

Build relationships

Personal and business lives of Latin Americans can be closely intertwined, so it pays to be build relationships with your business partners and clients. Latin Americans are sometimes not as direct as their counterparts from the United States. As such, being overly direct can be perceived as aggressive. It is also a good idea to avoid sensitive topics such as politics and religion. Also, keep in mind that not everybody in Latin America speaks English, particularly if you are dealing with technicians and salespeople.

Take your time

Meetings in Latin America often run over time, and it is impolite to cut your discussion with someone short because you have another commitment. This can make people late for other engagements. Traffic jams can also be a problem in some large Latin American cities, so do some research before arranging your meeting schedule. In addition, decisions in Latin America are usually not taken quickly, and the region’s staggering bureaucracy can impede business progress.

Property Times

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-buying process is crucial for success. Whether you're a first-time buye...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value for your property. Let’s go through the most important steps to take b...

Food & Dining

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banquets to Sydney’s first-ever Acquapole fitness classes and family fun gal...

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

Business Times

Navigating Leadership Mistakes with Confidence

I am always surprised by this question: How do leaders get over embarrassing mistakes and still succeed? The use of the w...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer exp...

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...