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

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right choice between rubber and concrete wheel stops could save you time, mon...

What Is the Australian Government First Home Buyers Scheme About?

For many Australians, buying a first home can feel like a daunting task—especially with rising property prices, tight lending rules, and the challenge of saving for a deposit. To ease this burden, the Australian Government has introduced a First ...

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

Food & Dining

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

If you follow wellness content on social media or in the news, you’ve probably heard that processed food is not just unhealthy, but can cause serious harm. Eating a diet dominated by highly processed foods means you’re likely to consume more kil...

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to be announced in the coming months.  Italian Street Kitchen: A slice o...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand of chaos to Aussie shores with Après Skrew: a mash-up of alpine energy...

450 people queue for first taste of Pappa Flock’s crispy chicken as first restaurant opens in Queensland

Queenslanders turned out in flocks for the opening of Pappa Flock's first Queensland restaurant, with 450 people lining up to get their hands on the TikTok famous crispy crunchy chicken tenders. The highly anticipated opening comes after months of d...

Business Times

From Farms to Festivals: How Regional NSW Is Repurposing Shipping…

Regional NSW communities are repurposing containers for farms, tourism, and events Farmers and small businesses use them...

Nail it with points: Flybuys members can redeem points for instan…

Flybuys launches new in-store redemption at Bunnings stores across Australia Tuesday 19 August, 2025 – Flybuys, Australia’s ...

Understanding Energy Use Patterns by Season

Australia’s climate changes noticeably across the year. These seasonal changes don’t just affect what we wear or how we trave...

The Times Features

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...

Latest data suggests Australia is overcoming its sugar addiction

Australia is now meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines[1] on sugar, which recommend keeping sugar below 10% of daily energy intake. New data[2] published ...

Do you really need a dental check-up and clean every 6 months?

Just over half of Australian adults[1] saw a dental practitioner in the past 12 months, most commonly for a check-up[2]. But have you been told you should get a check-up and c...