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GOING GLOBAL  December 2006
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Airport Profile: Argentina
Argentina's two airports in Buenos Aires, Ezeiza International (EZE) and Jorge Newbery (AEP) (the nation's busiest airfield for domestic flights), together handle an average of 320 aircraft a day, yet they are monitored by a single, 20-year-old radar which has frequently failed, leaving Buenos Aires "blind" for up to 10 days at a time.
The country's civil aviation authority has been rated "in compliance" with international aviation safety standards by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, but the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFAP) has in the past given its lowest rating to Argentina's air traffic control systems. Problems rest both with the air traffic control system and with the facilities at the airports themselves. Pilots reported more than 21 near-collisions in 1997. There have also been reports of air traffic controllers assigning aircraft to the same air space, directing pilots to airports that are closed because of poor visibility, and giving pilots incorrect landing coordinates and inaccurate weather information, often because they have an inadequate command of English. The Argentine Pilots Association wants the Air Force, which operates the air
traffic control network, to improve
ATC training and install more radar equipment.
Flights have been delayed or canceled at Newbery because of insufficient resources. Some runways and taxiways at both airports reportedly have inadequate lighting, and some aprons have confusing markings. In addition, Ezeiza has inadequate rescue services, and its instrument landing systems, though new, do not allow landing in zero visibility.
Argentina's problems with its airports and air control systems come from years of deferred maintenance and budget cuts. The Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 consortium, which won a 30-year concession to manage and operate 33 of the country's airports, says it will spend $230 million for upgrades. For example, plans call for a reconstructed runway at Brigadier de la Colina Airport at Mar del Plata. Work on the new landing strip was to begin this winter and be completed in two years.
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Airport Profile: Australia
Australia has a well-developed civil aviation system and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has found its civilian aviation oversight capabilities in compliance with international standards. Still, serious doubt has developed in the country about the government's ability to effectively direct aviation. Most of the concern has occurred in the wake of turbulent events that have taken place since a reform program called Airspace 2000 was launched in February 1998.
Implementing the program has often been difficult. During an early trial period, pilots had to rely on radar and a special radio frequency to keep track of each other in busy air corridors such as the one between Canberra and Ballina in New South Wales. Not only were there two near-misses during the period, but one pilot's group became convinced the real aim of the program was to cut back on the payroll for air traffic controllers. For a period, airlines were forced to rely on see-and-avoid techniques in some of the country's crowded air corridors. There is still a user-charge system in effect in which pilots are free to choose whether they will use air traffic control services, and are charged only when they do. New ground-based communications services began to go into service last February at 120 airports across the country to assist aircraft at regional airports that do not have control towers. Even at Sydney Airport, there have been reports of jammed radio frequencies preventing pilots from receiving reports and instructions from the air traffic controllers.
In 1997, Sydney Airports Commission (SAC) conducted an environmental impact study estimating the number of passengers passing through the airport would double by the year 2000 from 21 million to 40 million. But the recent Asian economic crisis plus recent moves by airlines to form global alliances and reduce services could well combine to cause traffic growth at Sydney Airport to fall significantly instead. Nevertheless, a contract has been awarded to upgrade the airport, with construction slated to be completed in time for the Sydney Olympics on Sept. 15 to Oct. 1, 2000.
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Airport Profile: Bombay
Bombay (Mumbai) International Airport (BOM), India, has recorded several safety and security incidents in the past few years. Air traffic controllers have warned they are under too much pressure to perform their jobs and lack adequate training to fulfill their duties. Although Raytheon recently installed new equipment at the airport, training of the air traffic controllers is incomplete.
Bombay Airport handles 300 flights daily. Another 1,100 airplanes overfly the airport on a daily basis. That means that Mumbai already handles 40 percent of the country's air traffic. The city is one of India's most important commercial, financial and entertainment centers, so air travel volume both to and through the area is increasing. On Jan. 4, local officials announced that they plan to build a new international airport for the city.
Both the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Mumbai police provide security at the airport, conducting random patrols of the facility. Private security guards also are allowed access to the tarmac if they are licensed. They are not, however, allowed to carry weapons. An adequate perimeter fence surrounds the facility. Still, access is not adequately controlled; dogs and other animals have been known to stray onto the runways.
There is no special area reserved for corporate aircraft. Instead, they park alongside commercial and government aircraft in an older area of the airport. The parking facility in not fenced or well-lit, although it is located inside the airport's secured perimeter 3,280 feet from the tower, and is observable from there.
Customs requires all aircraft staying overnight to seal their doors and access panels with security tape. All crews are advised to have this tape on board. Crew visas are required for all but tech stops. It is recommended to allow at least 45 minutes for crew/passenger departure processing and bus ride to aircraft. Planes staying overnight usually have to be repositioned to the parking area after dropping off passengers. Repositioning back to terminal for departure has to be negotiated and sometimes is not possible. This causes a 15-20 minute bumpy bus ride for passengers.
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Airport Profile: Bulgaria
Bulgaria has three international airports - Sofia (SOF), Burgas (BOJ) and Varna (VAR) - and seven regional airports. All of them are owned by the central government and required to operate independently but their infrastructure is old and in dire need of extensive modernization.
Sofia Airport is being completely modernized now, with the assistance of an $11 million development program. New and upgraded arrival and departure halls have been opened with new check-in desks and the capacity expanded to handle 720 departing and 540 arriving passengers per hour, up from 450 each way. Work was scheduled to begin this spring on a new 11,800-foot runway, extension of the existing runway, addition of new taxiways and construction of a new terminal building, capable of handling 2.5 million passengers per year. Work on the runway system is expected to be completed by the end of 2002, with the completion of the new terminal to follow in early 2003.
International passenger charter flights are operated out of Burgas Airport during the summer, and scheduled domestic flights go to Sofia. Burgas's scheduled upgrades will include modernization of its runway areas.
Plans are for Varna Airport to extend its existing runway and add safety side strips to its taxiways. The international departure lounges will be modernized and extended. Year round scheduled passenger flights are conducted between Varna and Sofia. International charter flights are conducted in the summer season.
Bulgaria has two major carriers, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines (BBA) and Hemus Air, a regional carrier based in Sofia. Money disputes halted BBA flights in mid-February. Some flights have been resumed but its future is uncertain.
Air traffic control is provided by the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (ATSA), which is separate from the airports and air carriers. ATSA, located at Sofia Airport, is responsible for nationwide air traffic control and navigation aid services. It's been a member of Eurocontrol since 1997, the same year that Sofia opened a new ATC tower. Also planned: upgrades of basic utilities, radar and navigation equipment.
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Airport Profile: China
China's civil aviation oversight abilities have not yet been rated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). But the government has taken several initiatives to increase safety, including a US$1.2 billion project to improve air traffic control and consolidate its 37 existing traffic management centers into 10 larger ones. Work has begun on new centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. A fourth will be built in Wuhan; locations for the other six are still undetermined. The project is expected to be completed by 2010. Last July, China's Air Traffic Control Bureau installed radar in Guangzhou and Shenzen. Prior to that, Beijing was the only area in mainland China that used radar for air traffic control. The safety system at Hong Kong's new Chek Lap Kok Airport is especially interesting. Its runways lie alongside Lantau Island's twin peaks, which at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, disturb the prevailing winds and add dangerous turbulence and wind shear to the downdrafts from Hong Kong's frequent thunderstorms. The airport's $1.6 million ground-based warning system "sees" dangerous wind shifts along the runway approaches. Its Doppler radar uses microwave signals to gauge the varying speeds of dust particles and rain drops in the flight path, spots downdrafts and determines the location and intensity of terrain-induced turbulence. Other instruments all around the airport continuously gather data on wind direction and intensity. All this information is fed to a computer that produces up-to-the-minute pictures of wind conditions on monitors in the airport control tower. The system's expected accuracy rate is 80 percent.
Other new airports in China include just-opened Diqing Airport in the country's southern island province of Hainan. Another new terminal opened in mid-April at Wujiaba Airport in Kunming, in Yunnan.
Construction has begun on the new Hangzhou-Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang, 16.7 miles east of Hangzhou. The first of three phases is scheduled for completion at the end of 2000. Construction has also begun on a new airport about 11 kilometers from downtown Bengbu in Anhui Province. The government also has approved an airport near the city of Shantou.
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Airport Profile: Colombia
Colombia's aviation industry suffers from serious flight safety issues, rebel and paramilitary threats to aircraft, hijacking and drug trafficking. The FAA has given it a Category II "conditional" rating because of mismanagement and lack of enforcement of operational and safety procedures by the civil aviation authority. Thus, flights by Colombian airlines to the U.S. are prohibited.
Taking off and landing at the nation's airports is hazardous. Technical and support personnel are generally incapable of handling the increasing traffic. A lack of radio assistance from control towers has been reported, and aircraft are frequently fired upon by rebels.
Leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitary organizations have imposed air restrictions on parts of the country and declared all aircraft "military targets." They have hijacked aircraft, placed bombs at or near airports, and severely damaged the country's system of navigational aids. Many non-directional beacons (NDB) and very high frequency omni-navigational range (VOR) facilities have been bombed or sabotaged.
Rebels, paramilitarists, narco-traffickers and others have conducted kidnappings on Colombian roads for years as a means of raising money. That changed in April 1999 when guerrillas hijacked an airliner instead. This occurred shortly after a news report pointed out that air travelers had more money than those on the road.
Drug smugglers routinely use Colombian airports and commercial aircraft. Hundreds of airport workers have been arrested for drug trafficking. Since smugglers and guerillas want small aircraft to transport cocaine and weapons, all corporate aircraft are potential targets. The smugglers use sophisticated techniques, such as turning off radar transponders to avoid detection. A manual on how to "Successfully Carry Out an Illegal Flight," found in a police raid, suggested removable aircraft markings and refueling midroute. It also listed radio frequencies that aren't monitored by air traffic controllers, radar installations in Latin America, the areas covered by each and methods of avoiding detection.
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Airport Profile: Cote d'Azur (NCE)
Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the primary airport for both commercial and corporate flights into Nice, France. It has two terminal buildings, with information booths and restaurants in both. A bank, post office and duty-free shop are located on the first floor of Terminal 1. A business center is on the second floor of Terminal 2.
Security at Cote d'Azur Airport is provided by the French military. The corporate aircraft section of the tarmac is well-lit and fenced. The gates leading to the tarmac are guarded at all times, and no one is admitted without proper identification. X-ray machines and metal detectors are employed. Corporate aircraft staying longer than four hours are parked a significant distance from the FBO in an area behind Terminal I, adjacent to a fenced gully that is next to a busy road. The only exceptions are G-5 or larger aircraft. There are no electronic surveillance systems or permanent guard stations in this area. Tower personnel do observe the area, but this is not performed regularly and the quality of view decreases at night. Incidents of vandalization occur occasionally. Whether they are guarded or not, Air Security International recommends that all acircrafts' exterior doors and compartments be locked and sealed with tamper-evident tape.
Customs officers at the airport are known for enforcing a European Economic Community (EEC) regulation rarely dealt with elsewhere. That is, no EEC resident is permitted to travel aboard a non-EEC corporate/private aircraft when that aircraft is not based within the EEC. These have relaxed somewhat recently as the law remains under review, and there have been exceptions made. Nevertheless, corporate passengers and crew should have all their papers in order and check with their flight service company for the latest update on these laws. Fines as high as 20,000 French francs per passenger have been assessed.
The general aviation VAT office closed in June 2001; all VAT checks are now performed at the international customs office, which requires passengers to wait in line. Departing passengers claiming merchandise should allow at least an extra hour before departure.
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Airport Profile: Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire, one of the 14 countries making up the Western African region, has about 36 airports. Seven have paved runways, among them the country's three international airports: Abidjan, Bouake and Yamoussoukro. The country also has 13 major domestic airfields, 17 smaller regionals and 50 private airfields.
Abidjan Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is the main airport of Cote d'Ivoire. Of the 30 airlines serving Abidjan, about 19 are international and operate to 50 cities in 40 countries. The airport is managed by Aeroport International d'Abidjan (AERIA), whose contract included a US$24 million renovation just recently completed. It's new infrastructure, arrival hall, check-in area, departure lounge and baggage handling facilities make it the most modern airport of the West African sub-Saharan.
Ivory Coast is one of 15 African states providing a common Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) by the "Agence pour la Sécurité de la Navigation Arienne en Afrique et a Madagascar" (ASECNA). The Directorate for Operations of the ASECNA is the authority charged with the establishment of departure holding and instrument approach procedures, and operational minimums. It is located in Dakar Senegal. Cote d'Ivoire does not have its own Flight Information Region (FIR) but within the Dakar FIR which is bordered in the west by the Roberts FIR, in the north by Naimey FIR, in the east by Accra FIR and over the Atlantic Ocean in the south by the Dakar Oceanic FIR.
The West and Central African economic communities, ECOWAS and CEMAC, approved a plan in March for an open skies policy for their communal airspace over the coming three years. Effective that month, the plan is slated to be fully implemented by June 2004. The accord removes existing air traffic restrictions on airlines, permitting them to operate passenger services within the regions.
The accord also endorses setting up an economic regulatory agency and a common international safety code for all carriers in the zone. Currently Cote d'Ivoire has been assessed as Category 2, meaning its civil aviation authority does not comply with ICAO standards.
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Airport Profile: Ecuador
Ecuador began upgrading its civil aviation structure in 1998 and much of it is scheduled for completion next year. The project includes replacing Quito’s Mariscal Sucre airport (UIO) with one in Puembo; and Guayaquil’s Simon Bolivar (GYE) with one in Davlar. Each carries a price tag of US$300 million. In addition, Ecuador is modernizing its air traffic control system in a US$13 million project that includes new instrument landing systems and radar.
Quito sits in a high mountain valley surrounded by volcanoes that include Cotopaxi and the currently-restless Guagua Pinchincha. Recently, volcanic ash from Pinchincha has forced international commercial flights to divert to Guayaquil. Undetectable by radar, the volcanic ash, minute rock fragments and corrosive gases reach cruising altitudes and threaten aviation safety.
A jet engine can be stalled by the intake of volcanic ash, which also erodes moving engine parts. Volcanic gases accelerate corrosion in the engines, electrical systems and the aircraft’s body. Pitting and brittleness of the windows occurs as well.
The runway at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre is short, and the surrounding high terrain limits aircraft approaches. That and the thin air limits the payload and also affects the performance envelopes of aircraft taking off over the surrounding congested neighborhoods.
A parallel taxiway connects the runway to the parking aprons and the airport terminal via eight access ramps. Domestic flights are at one end; international, at the other. The international arrival area is very small, with only four customs stations. Baggage claim is immediately beyond customs. Currency exchange and taxis are available at the exit, which is gated and guarded so that anyone meeting arrivals must wait outside. Guayaquil’s Simon Bolivar airport has an international and a domestic terminal, both in the same building. There are no jetways; passengers must walk to aircraft on the tarmac. Passengers and baggage from commercial flights are screened; corporate passengers and their carry-on are not.
Security at both airports is supplied by the Ecuadorian Airport Authority and the air force.
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Airport Profile: Egypt
Egypt is in the midst of a massive $1.1 billion upgrade to its domestic airport system that will allow tourists to fly directly to popular destinations, relieve Cairo International of a lot of pass-through traffic, and provide improved service for business travelers. In addition, its air traffic control infrastructure is being upgraded.
The latter improvement are of particular interest because of Egypt's seasonal sandstorms called "Khamaseen" - translated from Arabic, the word means "50-day wind." Khamaseen blow intermittently between February and April, blanketing Egypt's cities and towns with yellow sand and dust from the Western Desert and Libya. The storms last from a few hours to a few days, with winds sometimes exceeding 43 mph and sudden temperature rises of as much as 50 degrees. The winds have been known to cause a critical reduction of visibility, close airports and disrupt flights.
Improved safety is being addressed with a US$440 million budget for navigational equipment and radar at the domestic airports, plus an additional US$420 million for fire trucks and fire rescue equipment at all airports. Also, Northrop Grumman Electronic Sensors and Systems Section has been selected for the second phase of a planned 10-year upgrade of Egypt's air traffic control infrastructure.
The nation's airports are also being improved. Four new ones are earmarked for construction on the Sinai Peninsula and along the country's eastern and northern coasts. Six new international airports will be developed in Hurghada, Sharm El Shiekh, Luxor, Aswan, Taba and western Alexandria; and three domestic airports (two in the Sinai and one at Port Said) will be developed for international use. In addition, air force bases on the Red Sea, Siwi Oasis and north of Cairo are being developed for civilian use.
Cairo International's Terminal 2 will undergo expansion of its electrical and air conditioning systems. Terminal 3's capacity will be expanded to handle 5,000 passengers per hour during heavy traffic hours. Baggage claim services are also being upgraded.
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Airport Profile: European Airports
European airports serving general aviation are seeing the development of a new security issue because of a growing hobby called aircraft spotting, which is pursued in varying degrees around the world. Typically, individuals or clubs endeavor to photograph corporate aircraft landing or parked at an airfield because of an interest in aviation, in much the same way people track military aircraft. Often individuals are regularly allowed on the tarmac to take these photos, sometimes with the help of airport personnel; other times the photos are taken from outside the airport perimeter. Specific Web sites dedicated to tracking such flights are beginning to appear.
In general, there is no significant history of such information being used in a hostile manner but nonetheless the practice presents some concern for the security of the aircraft, its crew and passengers. Especially with the growth of the Internet, such things as the identities of the passengers, trip itineraries and other valuable information can be transmitted in real time and used by those with hostile intentions. While this could include criminals, it would most likely be corporate competitors.
In most countries there is no legal recourse to counter spotters. Yet unauthorized photography should not be assumed to be benign. Consider the following precautions:
1. Arrange with the aircraft operator and airport security to clear the general aviation area of spotters in advance of arrival and departure. If possible, clear the perimeter as well.
2. If photos are taken, ascertain the identity and motivation of the photographers. If their behavior is questionable, reasonable efforts to control the film should be made.
3. Secure the aircraft in a hangar or park it where it's not immediately visible from off airport grounds. Operators may wish to cover the tail registration of the aircraft if it is not in a hangar.
4. Post a guard to keep onlookers at a safe distance. He can also alert the operators to such spotters' actions and possibly even provide information as to their identity and motivation.
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Airport Profile: Germany
Germany's civil aviation oversight capability is rated as Category I by the U.S. FAA, indicating that its civil aviation oversight structure is in compliance with international standards. However, in 1998 the results of an 18-month study of 806 foreign charter and airline aircraft used in Germany revealed safety deficiencies in 8 percent of that fleet. Six aircraft were grounded; 260 were categorized as in need of improvements; and 104 were found to have had no faults. The faults found in the remaining aircraft were minimal. Characteristic deficiencies were thin tires, worn-down brakes, excess weights, defective cockpit equipment, and leaks in fuel and hydraulic systems.
Sabotage has been a problem at times. There have been a number of such incidents at Templehof Airport in Berlin and the Rhine-Main International Airport in Frankfurt. Investigators believe one person is responsible for a series of incidents at Templehof, including one that caused the deaths of 10 people.
In July 1996, saboteurs cut phones leading to the Rhine-Main Airport, including those to the security service. Flight service was not affected. Rhine-Main Airport is also the facility terrorists used to place a bomb on Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie.
Germany's airports are being privatized as cities and other governmental bodies sell off their stakes to finance expansion and modernization. Several companies have taken a major role in the privatization movement, including Lufthansa German Airlines and two airport management companies, Hochtief airport GmbH and Airport Frankfurt (FMG).
Lufthansa and FMG are jointly financing Munich Airport's $725 million new Terminal 2 will be used exclusively by the airline and its alliance partners.
Part of the new facility will open this year; by 2003, it will be able to handle 15 million passengers a year - almost double its 1998 capacity. And a consortium led by Hochtief took over Berlin's three airports at the end of 1998, planning to replace them with a single international hub.
That new facility is expected to cost about $4 billion, there has been some discussion of levying a passenger tax to help defray the cost.
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Airport Profile: Greece
Greece's airports are notorious for maintaining lower security standards than the rest of Europe. Athens' Hellinikon Airport, formerly designated as a high risk airport because of terrorist attacks and drug trafficking, was cited for maintaining inadequate airport security by the U.S. Department of Transportation until Greek authorities corrected the problems. In April 1997, a director in Greece's Civil Aviation Authority reported anonymously that Greece's air-traffic control system is faulty and a danger to passengers persists. The official noted that 45 percent of the radar equipment used for air-traffic control is not working.
Although crime in Greece is generally lower than in the U.S., the Athens airport is a frequent entry point for illegal weapons and narcotics shipments coming from Turkey, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries. Greek police have discovered guns in luggage and large quantities of drugs linked to international drug smuggling operations at the Athens airport.
Timeliness has also been an issue and frequent work stoppages are likely to affect Greek aviation this year as well. On Jan. 7, the Turkish government complained that Greece is incapable of fulfilling its responsibilities in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR), stating that, although Athens handles only 7 percent of European air traffic, it is responsible for 30 percent of the delays. (It must be pointed out however, that this statement may have been at least partially politically motivated, since control of air traffic over the Aegean is a sore point in the relations between Athens and Ankara.) Delays were also caused - and flights sometimes canceled - throughout 1998 because Greek air traffic controllers and other airport employees engaged in several strikes.
Not all of Europe's unmet schedules can be blamed on the Greeks. From late February through mid-March, flights in and across Europe were delayed as Eurocontrol, the European-wide group of air traffic controllers (ATC), reorganized air routes over France and Switzerland. Those changes are intended to increase the flight capacity of certain existing routes but will put limitations on others.
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Airport Profile: Greece
Greece: In November, Federal Aviation Administration investigators noted a regression in flight safety standards since 1998, and rated Greece's aviation oversight capabilities as "Category II," noting its failure to meet international regulatory standards for oversight of aircraft operations and maintenance. Although the FAA assessment does not cover the safety of Greece's airlines, they may continue to fly in and out of the United States only under FAA surveillance while the country works to improve safety standards. No new flights into the U.S. will be allowed until the standards are met. The Greek government, which regards the rating as a technical issue and says the Athens airport and Olympic Airways are totally safe, has agreed to correct the issues identified by the FAA.
The findings come at a critical time for Greece, as it hunts a major investor for its unprofitable airline and prepares to host the 2004 Olympics. Transportation readiness is a key concern for Olympic hosts and the International Olympic Committee. An express route to and from Athens is expected to be complete by 2003, and high-speed train service, before the 2004 summer Olympics. Officials claim the trip into Athens will take 55 minutes; critics say two hours.
On March 27, a new, state-of-the-art international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos, opened 17 miles from Athens city center, capable of handling 16 million passengers per year and 65 takeoffs and landings per hour. Greek officials have stressed security at the new facility: modern X-ray and scanning equipment, a 100 percent check of all luggage loaded into aircraft, a visible police presence and security training for all personnel. Authorities also have shut down transmitters for several private radio stations in Athens and
may force about 60 of the 100 FM radio stations out of business,claiming they endanger air safety.
The new airport has experienced some growing pains in its first weeks. Airport officials attribute the disruptions to staff's inexperience with the new computer systems, a delay installing all the high-speed communications lines and last minute changes at various gates and check-in counters.
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Airport Profile: Indonesia
Indonesia takes over its own air traffic control this month, consolidating the two Flight Information Regions that have been monitored up until now by the Singapore ATC. The project is part of an ambitious plan, suspended in 1997 because of the Asian economic crisis, to develop Indonesia's civil aviation. It is considered vital for sustaining economic growth and promoting a balanced regional development pattern among the country's 17,000 dispersed islands. The plan includes construction of a new ATC center on Sulawesi, procurement and installation of airfield lighting systems and power supplies, airport security equipment for 50 airports, extended-range communication systems and Phase II ATC radar facilities and an SAR communication system.
In the early 1990s, Indonesia had 470 airports; 436 were considered usable. The government plans to shut down 54 small airports in remote areas throughout the country. Another 23, including Indonesia's three main gateways, have international status and can handle landing of wide-body aircraft. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the country's primary international airport. In the future, long distance flights from the Pacific may land on Biak before continuing to other cities in Indonesia.
Many, if not most, airports are inadequate from a security standpoint in terms of equipment and training. Some Indonesia-bound airlines use routes that fly over Afghanistan, where there is some military threat. Plus, Indonesia has accused Australia of violating its airspace with F-18 fighters and P-3C Orion aircraft and claimes "there would be nothing wrong with the Indonesian Air Force shooting down these aircraft."
The high terrain, intermittent thunderstorms with heavy rain and periodic high winds in certain areas, particularly during the monsoon periods, are added elements for caution when flying in this region. Active volcanoes have spewed volcanic ash thousands of feet into the air, creating clouds that can endanger high flying aircraft. Forest fires, a perennial problem, have created enough smoke and haze to shut down airports.
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Airport Profile: Italy
Italy has received an "in compliance" Category I rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, meaning its civil aviation oversight authority meets safety standards as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Reports indicate that steps are underway in the country's aviation Y2K programs. Both Malpensa International Airport (MXP) in Milan and Rome's Fiumicino (FCO) - also called Leonardo da Vinci Airport - are expected to have all program management and technical system preparations completed by October 1999. However, there is insufficient information available to estimate the overall status of Y2K preparations or the likelihood, length or severity of any disruptions in the civil aviation system. Prudence, therefore, dictates that travelers electing to fly in Italy's civil aviation system during the period immediately before and after the New Year should plan their itinerary carefully, avail themselves of all information available prior to departure, take practical precautions for their own comfort and personal needs, and be prepared to cope with disruptions and delays in services.
Nevertheless, labor strikes will probably remain the single most disruptive influence in the country's air transportation system. Although these strikes are generally short in duration, they occur frequently, often with little or no advanced warning, and can therefore be very disruptive to public transportation and airport operations. Air traffic controllers across the country mounted a four-hour strike Sept. 22 from noon until 4 p. m. local time. Then they followed through on a threat to strike again on Oct. 4 at Malpensa. On Oct. 7, it was the ground workers at Leonardo da Vinci airport striking, again for four hours. Corporate flights are usually less affected than commercial ones.
Labor disputes aren't the only impediments to a smoothly running system. On Oct. 12, Fiumicino airport ran out of aircraft fuel - it remains unclear why - resulting in the cancellation of five flights, delay of 14 flights and the rerouting of six others while emergency supplies were delivered.
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Airport Profile: Japan
Japan's government has not developed a clear strategy for maintaining its position as an Asian Center for air transportation although demand for domestic and international services is increasing by 10 percent per year. Neither of its two major international airports is qualified to be a large hub airport, a void South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong all plan to fill. Since new airport construction is not feasible because of limited land and strict environmental standards, more flights are being scheduled into Haneda, Narita and Kansai international airports as well as local airports at Osaka, Nagoya, Nagasaki, Fukouka, Kagoshima and Naha. The Transportation Ministry wants to promote construction of local airports for a system similar to Europe's network of regional hubs offering international as well as short distance flights.
Haneda is the world's fourth busiest domestic airport, topping 50 million passengers in December. Only Hartsfield in Atlanta, O'Hare in Chicago, and DFW at Dallas-Fort Worth had more. In October, Haneda permitted 45 departing flights per hour; it will add 2-4 more.
December departures and arrivals at Narita topped the two million mark, with direct service to nearly every country in the world. In October, it was permitting 30 flights per hour from its single runway. Authorities recognize that new runways are needed but must contend with anti-airport movements, many of them violent. Local farmers, radical students and residents living nearby protest both the necessary land expropriation and expected increases in noise and air pollution.
Kansai, a man-made island airport in Osaka Bay, permitted 28 flights per hour in October from its single runway. Construction on a second runway is to begin this month but increased international flights have already drawn a new flight pattern over residential land, sparking protests among residents.
Foreign airlines pay a fee to use Narita and Kansai: a Boeing 747-400 is charged $7,800 to land at Narita, a little less at Kansai. Changi International Airport in Singapore is one-fourth, JFK in New York is one-third and Heathrow in London is one-tenth of that price.
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Airport Profile: Jordan
Jordan's Aqaba International Airport (AIA), located on the Red Sea next to its border with Israel, becomes "Peace Airport" in Summer 2001 when the two countries officially begin sharing its operation. It will serve both Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat in Israel, plus the hinterlands of each. The joint project involves building two new passenger terminals, one in each country. While Israel completes construction of its terminal, Israel-bound travelers will use the existing Jordanian terminal.
Israel's El-Al airliners already land on the existing runway, located on the Jordanian side of the border, on a trial basis. Final plans call for all Jordanian traffic, plus international Israeli traffic, to be handled on that runway, freeing up the Eilat side to handle only Israeli domestic traffic. Use of Ovda, 28 miles away, as Eilat's relief airport will then end.
Aqaba International was opened in May 1972 and today handles some 100,000 passengers per year. The Jordanian and Israeli aviation communities have cooperated since 1994, when the two countries signed an agreement that allowed Royal Jordanian and El Al airlines to use each other's airspace. As of December 1998, Israel also allows foreign airlines en route to Jordan in its airspace.
AIA is one of three international airports in Jordan. Queen Alia airport, in Amman, has two parallel runways, each with its own separate parallel taxiway. The two passenger terminals, facing the north and south aprons respectively, are interconnected. Considerable upgrading of the facility is underway. The airport security system will soon include CCTV and new security check-in equipment (walk-through and baggage X-ray), two passenger-loading bridges, a baggage handling system, escalators, lifts and a new central air-conditioning system.
Amman-Marka airport, also in Amman, was established by the British as a joint military-civilian airport and became Jordan's only international gateway
in 1950. Now operational 24 hours a day, more than 50,000 passengers pass through each year. But it has become surrounded on three sides by suburban development, limiting possibilities for further growth.
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Airport Profile: Kenya
Airport Profile
Kenya has not had direct commercial air service with the United States since 1991, when TWA and Pan American Airlines pulled out. Now, eight African nations have signed a "Safe Skies Initiative" emphasizing the importance of safety and security. Kenya, as one of the eight, will receive U.S. aid to build more airports and upgrade others to meet international aviation standards, and resurrect direct service.
Nevertheless, eight million passengers are expected to go through Kenyan airports by the year 2004. Three U.S. airlines - Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Polar Air Cargo - are waiting in the wings for the next step. In the other direction, Kenya Airways has a pending application to serve U.S. destinations.
But the "open skies" concept will not be activated until after aviation policies are implemented. Kenya is in no hurry to do that until its own airline is
in a good competitive position. The managing director of the Kenyan Airport Authority (KAA) has said that the
government needs to "be thorough" in guaranteeing safety.
There's a lot to be accomplished. Operations at all of Kenya's domestic airports are either electro-mechanically or manually operated. Of the 162 airports, only four have runways more than 10,000 feet long and one of those has a grass surface. Runway and apron surfaces at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport are disintegrating. Only right-hand circuits are permitted on one runway. The top of the control tower is only 200 feet higher than the threshold of another. Homes and fences have been illegally built too close to the runways, and dumping sites have blocked emergency access routes. At Moi International Airport in Mombasa, the threshold of one runway is not visible at all from the control tower; pilots must track other flights themselves. Moreover, there is bird activity in the vicinity of the airport, where some trees reach are 276 feet high.
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways has grown to be the dominant carrier in East Africa and offers service to Amsterdam in partnership with KLM, which has a 26 percent stake in KA.
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Airport Profile: Kuwait
Kuwait's aviation oversight has been assessed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as in compliance with international aviation safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The country's Navigation Equipment Department maintains standards that exceed ICAO standards. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), responsible for commercial aviation in Kuwait, is 100 percent government-owned.
Air Seceurity International recommends that all plans for travel to the Middle East be carefully reviewed. Concurrently, security precautions should be taken by all travelers at all destinations at this time.
Kuwait International Airport (KIA) is one of the world's most modern air transportation gateways, manned by a highly trained work force. It has the capacity to handle 35,500 aircraft movements annually across its two parallel runways. Both have CAT II Instrument Landing System (ILS) status, ensuring the airport's ability to operate in any weather conditions. On
the ground, different types of aircraft are accurately and safely guided to the terminal's 10 air bridges by a sophisticated electronic guidance system. A $666 million project is underway for building a structure with a capacity of up to 6 million passengers, taxi ways and more parking area for aircraft.
Kuwait's 100 air traffic controllers monitor and control all aircraft movements in the Kuwait Flight Information Region, an area of 6,960 square miles including 130 nautical miles into the Persian Gulf. The state-of-the-art navigational aids and radar system monitor movements up to 250 nautical miles away. Weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and a wealth of other information for cockpit crews are provided by personnel working in the DGCA's Aeronautical Information System (AIS) and Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network.
An investment of $200 million is being made in telecommunications technology and new ATC facilities. A new Control Center, scheduled to come on-line this year, will be equipped with up to eight approach control screen positions.
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Airport Profile: Latin America
LATIN AMERICA: Although drug trafficking is a more frequent aviation security concern, the terror attacks in New York and Washington, have had some repercussions in Central and South America.
In Argentina, personal documents are being more closely inspected on domestic trips. Before the attacks, one could travel with any ID card. But the country’s aviation safety standards have been roundly criticized in the last few months. Its airports have not installed radar systems capable of instantly detecting a plane’s location when communications are lost. (Brazil has had such a system for 20 years.) Nor are the contents of purses and suitcases checked. Cost concerns have forced cancellation of a planned computerized passenger identification system. This is especially disquieting because a large number of foreigners come to Argentina. Reportedly, vigilance on arrivals is practically zero, but controls are more vigorous on departures.
At Caracas’ Simon Bolivar Airport security is provided jointly by the National Guard and unarmed Airport Authority agents, augmented by uniformed anti-drug police, immigration service and bomb disposal teams. Still, it is not equal to U.S. standards. Moreover, the airport is operating with obsolete radar and 25-year-old technology in the control tower. Media reports also note air traffic congestion, the lack of nearby hospitals in case of major accidents and the close proximity of the parking area to a public road.
Mexico City’s Benito Juarez Int’l Airport has visibly heightened security, including the presence of armed military guards, for both domestic and international flights. Passengers are checked against a criminal watch-list and must present an official photo ID. Particular attention is given papers held by non-U.S. citizens who reside in the United States; those issued before Sept. 11 must be re-certified. Only ticket-holding passengers are permitted in departure areas. E-tickets are still permitted, but may produce more thorough checks. Passengers’ hand baggage is X-rayed and their bodies checked with magnetic doorways and wands. Security personnel continuously hand-check luggage before the checkout counter and again in the departure area.
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Airport Profile: Mexico City
Mexico City: Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is the main commercial flight gateway to Mexico. There is only one large terminal at this facility, and the airport is very congested. The ground floor contains separate international and domestic baggage claim areas. Information, currency exchange, ground transportation and hotel reservations are all clustered near the international area. The second floor has the international and domestic departures and arrivals areas. Customs is located here, as is duty-free shopping.
The subway, taxis, buses and hotel shuttles are all available for transport into the city, which is about four miles away. Official hotel or radio taxis are acceptable, but private transportation with an English-speaking driver is safest. Take airport taxis (yellow, with an airport symbol on the door) after prepaying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport.
All corporate operations use Adolfo Lopez Mateos International Airport (TLC), also known as Toluca. The Army has taken over administration of Toluca because of concerns about drug trafficking. Now, a Federal Judicial Police officer boards each corporate aircraft before departure and takes a head count, comparing the result to the aircraft manifest.
This airport's perimeter is bordered by two fences and is regularly patrolled. Access to the tarmac is through four gates, two of which are locked and used only in emergency situations. The remaining two gates are near the tower and manned by security personnel. Due to the lack of X-ray equipment for carry-on baggage, security personnel search all such baggage. All aircraft must taxi to the main terminal for customs and immigration processing.
Fixed based operators employ their own security guards at Toluca. It is extremely important to select a reputable and trustworthy FBO, as some employ guards with questionable backgrounds, training and integrity. If there are any doubts as to the level of security at a particular FBO, hire a private security guard.
Use prearranged, secure transportation between Toluca and Mexico City.
The toll road, which takes about an hour, is safest. The toll (US$35) is generally included in the fee.
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Airport Profile: Moscow
Moscow's main airport is Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO). Vnukovo Airport is its alternate. Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is not a modern facility, nor is it efficiently run.. There are two terminals at SVO. Terminal I is used for corporate aviation and domestic flights, and Terminal II is used for all other flights. Terminal I is approximately a 30-minute drive from Terminal II. Taxis and buses are available if transportation has not been prearranged. Aeroflot recently announced its intent to build a third terminal at Sheremetyevo to increase its business and efficiency.
Security standards at many Russian airports are inadequate. Many terminals are dimly lit, security is disorganized and understaffed, personnel are underpaid. Although the government has made strong statements, the bureaucratic nature of the Russian system effectively renders administrative oversight inadequate. Because airport authorities are often slow and bureaucratic, it is helpful to have a contact at the airport to expedite the process. On the other hand, customs agents have allowed luggage to pass unexamined for bribes.
Sheremetyevo, and all other Moscow airports, has recently increased police security to deter terrorist attacks. Traffic police posts are installed on all the roads to the airport and inspectors check suspicious cars and their drivers' documents. Equipment designed to stop the smuggling of nuclear materials is also being installed.
Vnukovo Airport (VKO), is a smaller facility than Sheremetyevo as it does not serve nearly as many commercial airlines and usually serves domestic and regional flights. Typically VKO, also operates as a private and a military/government airport. The airport has all the necessary facilities to accommodate corporate aviation, and officials at Vnukovo are now promoting their airport as an international and corporate alternative to Sheremetyevo. In particular, the airport has recently opened a new terminal, designated VKO-3, specifically dedicated to serving general aviation flights to relieve overcrowding at Sheremetyevo.
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Airport Profile: Pakistan
Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has been given a conditional rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for its aviation oversight capability. This means that it does not fully meet international safety standards. Airlines from Pakistan may continue limited operations into the United States but must remain under intense FAA surveillance while efforts are made to upgrade the rating.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for Pakistan in early August.
While airport security in Pakistan is generally less than adequate, it has been tightened at all locations. The new measures include a ban on persons carrying the baggage of others, increased night patrols, filming of parking areas and thorough checks of airport entry passes. It should be noted that customs officers frequently view electric batteries as potential bombs. Travelers should ensure that their electronic devises do not contain any batteries; otherwise, they risk having their equipment confiscated.
Passports are required for entry from all countries and visas are required for most - including the U.S. and Canada. Return tickets and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are also required.
Travelers may not bring liquor into the country. If there is liquor in your baggage, declare it. It will be tagged and kept until your departure, when it will be returned.
Travelers may bring in unlimited foreign currency. Note that there is an embarkation fee of 600 rupees for business class passengers.
Pakistan's CAA, which was founded by the federal government in 1984, is semi-autonomous and responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the nation's air travel infrastructure. Of the 50 airports it operates, three are profitable: Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Forty-two of the airports comprise the Pakistan National Airport System.
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Airport Profile: Paris
Paris: The most memorable incident in recent French aviation was the July 25 crash of an Air France Concorde en route from Charles de Gaulle Airport to New York. Authorities have attributed the crash to a chain of events that began with a piece of debris on the runway, and ended with ruptured wing fuel tanks. In tests after the crash, another Concorde was fitted with Kevlar fuel-tank lining. Since it is flexible, say engineers, it will be sucked into and seal a puncture in any similar incident. British Airways has said it will conduct similar tests. Although the Concorde's
certificate of airworthiness had not yet been restored in mid-March, Air France officials said the Concorde could fly again as early as May.
But strikes, not crashes, are a far more frequent problem for French airports and aviation. Last September, for instance, truckers protesting high fuel prices blockaded airports nationwide and fuel supplies at Paris airports ran low. In February, protestors against a planned new flight path over the southern outskirts of Paris used their cars to block access to one of the two terminals at Paris' Orly airport.
There are three primary airports in Paris. Orly airport is nine miles south of
central Paris. Its terminals are referred to as Orly-Sud (South) and Orly-Ouest (West). Currency exchange is on the lower three levels of Orly-Sud on the ground floor of Orly-Ouest. Information booths, banking and post office facilities are on
the ground floor of both terminals. A business center is located on the second floor of Orly-Ouest.
Charles de Gaulle, 14 miles northeast of central Paris, is the city's largest airport. Information booths and currency exchanges are available in both its terminals. Terminal 1 offers a bank, a business center, a post office and restaurants. Duty-free shops and rail transport are in Terminal 2.
Most corporate aviation goes to Le Bourget Airport. There, the Police de l'Air et des Frontieres (PAF), is concerned with passengers, passports and visas, and controls travelers' movements in and out of the airport's international portion. Ramp security in the international section is the responsibility of La Gendarmerie.
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Airport Profile: Paris
Paris, already served by two commercial airports, is destined to be served by a third within two decades, according to a recent government announcement.
The larger of the two current airports, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), is 14 miles northeast of central Paris. It has two terminals, with information booths and currency exchanges in both. The shopping level in Terminal 1 offers a bank, business center, post office and restaurants. Duty-free shops and access to rail transport are in Terminal 2.
The second, Orly Airport (ORY), is nine miles south of central Paris. It also has two terminals: Orly-Sud (South) and Orly-Ouest (West). Currency exchange is available on the lower three levels of Orly-Sud and on the ground floor level of Orly-Ouest. Information booths, banking and post office facilities are on the ground floors of both. A business center is on the second floor of Orly-Ouest.
The proposed third airport will be 80 miles north of Paris, near major transportation routes. Estimated to cost 30 billion francs ($4.2 billion), it is intended to relieve the congestion of de Gaulle and Orly. The government intends to complete construction by 2020 despite the current slowdown in air travel, as well as opposition from nearby residents, the Greens party and ground transportation interests.
General aviation flights are permitted to land at Charles de Gaulle only if their passengers or crew are connecting to Air France flights from there. Otherwise Le Bourget Airport (LBG) is the primary facility for corporate aviation. Security at Le Bourget is the shared responsibility of the Police de l'Air et des Frontieres, the Inland Security Ministry Department, La Gendarmerie and French Customs.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rates France's civil aviation oversight capability as Category I, meaning its structure is in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
But strikes are frequent, and the aviation sector is by no means immune. In the past few months, strikes by air traffic controllers, firefighters and pilots have caused closed runways, cancelled flights and delays of up to several hours.
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Airport Profile: Peru
Peru's civil aviation authority has been rated "in compliance" with international standards, but there are still serious concerns about safety of air travel in the region. First, there are Peru's mountains. In 1996, flights by Americana de Aviacion to the Andes highlands were suspended due to concerns about the safety of its aircraft operating from high-altitude airfields. Boeing has warned that its 727-200 and 737-200 models should not fly to airports above 10,000 feet. The runways of some airports in the interior are at the foot of towering mountains; pilots often must rely on visual bearings, increasing the chance of error.
Airports have other problems as well. Peruvian pilots have complained of potholed runways damaging aircraft undercarriages during landing, and of cows and children - sometimes even soccer games - on the runways. Human error has been blamed for many incidents, including a crash in 1996 that was traced to maintenance workers who put protective tape on the aircraft's exterior instrument sensors during cleaning and neglected to remove it; that led to faulty readings.
The military is heavily involved in civil aviation in Peru. Military officers run the Civil Aviation Authority; military aircraft fly fare-paying passengers, and the Air Force moves commercial freight to supplement often-depleted budgets. But there is no statutory oversight authority for the safety of military aviation. Last year, two Peruvian Air Force (FAP) aircraft crashed while flying civilians, killing 101 people. Improvements are being made. This spring, installation of Alcatel's new Air Navigation Systems began at Arequipa, Cuzco, Lima, Tacna and Tujillo. Lima's international airport has a new system, allowing digital communication between the control tower and aircraft cockpits. Now, with Northrop Grumman's new turnkey ASR-12 ATC system operational, Peru has the most modern radar system in South America and the world's first airport surveillance radar. A solid-state derivative of the ASR-9 transportable airport radar system used by 135 U.S. and 17 international airports, the ASR-12 is more reliable, able to detect moving targets better and ready for upgrade.
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Airport Profile: Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro's Antonio Jobim International Airport (formerly Galeao, which makes its GIG code understandable) presents several challenges to aviation. The fact that it is located on an island is not actually one of them. Surrounding topography is, which means that circle-to-land flight patterns that extend south or northeast of the airport are not authorized. Pilots are also reminded of the nearby Duque de Caxias refinery, and warned not to go below 1,000 feet in its vicinity nor to mistake its lights for those of runway 15. One more thing: there are significant numbers of birds in the vicinity that can present a hazard for departing and arriving aircraft.
There are no such caveats published for the city's second airport, Luis Bornfil International, which finished construction of a second terminal in early 1998. This construction, and numerous others projects across the country, was part of a general modernization and expansion plan to accommodate the increasing air passenger and cargo volume in the country's seven regional business centers. (Besides Rio, they are Belem, Brasilia, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Recife and Sao Paulo.)
In general, Brazil's airport security and aviation standards are not as good as those in the United States. Nevertheless, the country has received a Category 1 rating from the FAA.
But there are precautions that should be taken when using Brazilian air travel services, particularly charter aircraft and air taxis. More than 500 companies offer such services in Brazil, but industry standards are notoriously lax and enforcement almost nonexistent. Air taxis are rarely inspected; many operating firms are shell companies maintained solely for tax purposes. They have no aircraft of their own; instead they lease idle corporate aircraft and offer occasional charter services. Perform due diligence into any prospective charter supplier.
Chartering aircraft from outside the country instead may have its own hazards, as a by-product of the effort to restrict drug trafficking. Since March 1998, the Brazilian air force has been allowed to shoot down any unauthorized aircraft flying into Brazilian air space if it refuses a warning to land.
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Airport Profile: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has three international airports, 22 regional and local airports, and an increasing number of passenger jets in its airspace. The country's aviation oversight capability has been rated Category 1 by the FAA, and it is in the midst of upgrading its airports and air traffic control system. Addition of Global Positioning System services will be complete by 2000.
Expansion of the facilities at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah began this year and will increase capacity to 15 million passengers by 2004. All terminals use a mobile lounge to transport passengers to the aircraft. A special Haj Terminal, an almost separate holding area, serves an influx of about one million pilgrims on their way to Mecca during a six-week period each year. Pilgrims often spend from 18 to 36 hours in the terminal.
King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), north of Riyadh, is one of the largest in the world, with four main terminal buildings that can handle 7.5 million passengers a year. Capacity is expected to double by 2000. The airport has its own water treatment plants and power generation system, a small hospital, a mosque that can accommodate 5,000 worshipers, an extensive tele-communications system and various specialized equipment, from baggage ramps to escalators. The airport has two runways close to 14,000 feet long. It was the first airport in the Middle East to deploy Vivid Technologies Explosives Detection Systems to detect plastic and other explosives in airline baggage, hand baggage and parcels.
All facilities at the new King Fahd International Airport in Daharan have been completed and the airport will be opened this year after some final operational arrangements are addressed. It has two parallel 4,000-meter runways and capacity for 7 million passengers annually.
In addition, Saudi Arabia's regional and local airports are being systematically expanded to link all parts of the Kingdom. Projects include the $26 million development of Tabouk Airport, to be completed by 2000. Last December, the Makkah (Mecca) District Council approved the construction of an airport between Jeddah and Makkah to meet the anticipated population growth of the holy city.
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Airport Profile: Schiphol International Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam: Security is under the jurisdiction of military police, who maintain roving patrols throughout the airport.
At the main terminal, which is used for commercial flights, screening of passengers and carry-on baggage is mandatory. Seven Automatic Bomb Detection (AISYS) systems are in use. A newly designed iris scan system was also put in place in early November but the military police have been skeptical about its value. The system was planned before the Sept. 11 attacks and was envisioned mainly as a way to shorten waiting lines at passport control locations. The new system is designed to check 240 points on a person's eyes and confirm them against information contained in a "smart card" carried by the traveler.
At Schiphol-East, the general aviation terminal for all business and private aircraft, passengers and baggage are screened only upon request of the aircraft operator. Access to the tarmac is through security gates, which are permanently guarded. These gates are also equipped with an access control mechanism that scans IDs using both fingerprint and microchip technology.
Despite all the security precautions, Schiphol has become notorious for its gangs of thieves, who reportedly steal between US$5,000 and US$11,000 per day from unsuspecting travelers. Criminal gangs are also involved in cargo theft, stealing millions of dollars worth of goods from airfreight export and import consignments (mostly computers and other electronic products). And there is occasional violence. On Sept. 21, 2001, a shoot-out between two men took place outside the terminal that is used mainly for transatlantic flights. Both sustained gunshot wounds in what was described an a personal feud. Four people were arrested in connection with the incident but flight operations were unaffected.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Netherlands' aviation oversight capability to be in compliance with international safety standards as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Netherlands has therefore been given a rating of Category I.
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Airport Profile: Seoul
There are four terminals at the recently-opened Incheon International Airport (ICN), one passenger terminal - the largest in the world thus far - and three cargo terminals. The passenger terminal has six stories: two basement levels and four above-ground floors:
Basement level 1 has various businesses, including restaurants, a barber shop, a pharmacy, a salon, a laundromat, a bowling center, a sauna, shopping areas and banking services.
The first floor consists of information centers, transportation services (including car rentals and limousines) and baggage claim for domestic flights.
The second floor houses the arrival concourse, immigration offices, lounges, a business center, a telecommunications center and a post office.
The third floor has the departure concourse, with check-in counters, immigration and other services.
The fourth floor offers VIP lounges, a hotel and an events hall.
Restrooms and public telephones are available on all floors.
Security personnel conduct random patrols of the facility and are stationed in certain areas. There are 10 guarded-access gates to the tarmac; individuals must have an airport identification pass in order to pass through any of these gates. A 15-mile- long fence surrounds the airport, and is in good repair. Lighting is adequate. Passengers either travel to the terminal via a ramp bus or a bridge, depending on the parking location. The airport uses X-ray machines, and metal and explosive detectors to screen passengers. General aviation aircraft usually park alongside commercial aircraft, although they may be repositioned to a remote area.
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Airport Profile: Shanghai
Shanghai currently has two airports serving international traffic: Hong Qiao International (SHA) and PuDong International (PVG). PuDong opened to regular commercial flights in 1999 and is expected to eventually assume at least half the flights of the older airport as it becomes a destination handling predominantly domestic flights. With Hong Qiao close to the city center, and PuDong further out, the two airports will be linked by the Shanghai No. 2 Subway, presently under construction with a 2004 completion date.
Hong Qiao consists of two terminals, one brand-new in 1996, when its opening nearly doubled the airport's capacity.
PuDong is equipped with a single 13,123-foot runway and one terminal. This new facility is one of the most advanced airports in the world, and was capable of handling more than 70 flights a day for its first month, with plans for expansion to as many as 160 flights a day. The northern part of the terminal is designated for domestic flights and the southern part for international. Passengers arrive on level one and depart on level three.
In most of China, lax airport security has been a problem but Shanghai's airports are guarded by security troops and the airport public police; security personnel patrol regularly.
PuDong also has video surveillance cameras and x-ray checkpoints. No one is allowed to enter its terminal unless they are either an employee or passenger; local transportation service personnel must wait outside of the terminal. A designated parking area is provided for general aviation, and is located near the terminal. Customs and immigration procedures are conducted in the V.I.P. lounge in the terminal.
At both airports, commercial flight passengers and their baggage are rigorously screened. But passengers on corporate aircraft are often accorded VIP treatment and consequently do not pass through such screenings.
In recent years, several hijackings or attempted hijackings of domestic Chinese airliners have been reported. In most cases, there has been no violence. Every commercial flight in China is now required to have a security officer on board to prevent hijackings.
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Airport Profile: South Africa
South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has focused on aviation safety since its formation in November 1998. The number of registered aircraft in the nation has increased to just under 7,000 in 1998 from less than 5,200 in 1990. An increase in accidents has followed this trend. With a increased revenue from a new fuel tax and other fees, the CAA plans to establish an aviation court, boost its law enforcement capacity and purchase sophisticated baggage screening equipment.
A new midfield terminal is slated to be built at Johannesburg International Airport between 2002 and 2005. After its completion, passengers from all flights will be carried by tunnel under the main runway to the new building site. Air traffic controllers at Johannesburg International Airport have complained about the increase in traffic and argued that they do not have enough staff to cope. This subject arose again after an airliner preparing to take-off for Lisbon hit the tail of another aircraft bound for Bloemfontein.
Nelspruit International Airport is the only international airport in Mpumalanga in the north east of the country and its only port of entry. Although it was never designed to accommodate so much traffic, its short landing strip can accommodate small passenger carriers and daily flights to Swaziland and Mozambique plus a number of domestic flights to Johannesburg and other major South African metropolitan centers. Major renovations began in November 1998 in order to save its international status after the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Transport Department threatened to revoke Nelspruit's international landing rights. Inspections revealed that the airport had minimal customs and immigration facilities, inadequate departure lounge facilities, and lax security.
The Provincial Government intended to construct a new international airport 30 km away at Primkop, but because of delays in beginning the project they have been forced to upgrade the existing airport. The upgrade includes new immigration control offices, customs facilities, a 24-hour police and customs post, improved cargo handling offices and domestic departure lounges.
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Airport Profile: South Korea
South Korea has an "in compliance" rating from the FAA, but was also rated "unsafe" in 1994 by the International Airline Passengers Association, which said passengers on domestic routes were at risk because of a lack of pilot training and discipline. There is no indication that the situation has improved. More than 95 percent of Korean commercial airline pilots are recruited from the Korean Air Force, whose pilots are distinguished by their willingness to take unnecessary risks. The situation is complicated by severe cost-cutting measures. In April 1999, a report by the Korean Transport Institute compared national budgets for aviation safety. It found that the U.S. spends US$1.01 per passenger; Japan, US$0.82; South Korea, US$0.0008.
South Korea has four international airports: Changju, Kimp'o in Seoul, Kimhae at Pusan, and Cheju Island Airport, off the southern tip of the peninsula. Changju was converted to a civilian airport in 1997; new passenger and cargo support facilities are needed. Kimp'o almost doubled in 1989 to accommodate the Seoul Olympics. A new runway and new international passenger terminal is under construction at Kimhae; a new control tower has been built. Cheju was opened to airlines from Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and Russia in September 1998.
A fifth, Inchon International Airport, is due to be completed this year. Construction began in 1992 with this year's opening marking the end of Phase One of a 30-year plan. First phase facilities will be able to handle 170,000 aircraft movements, 27 million passengers and 1.7 million tons of cargo a year. Inchon will feature state-of-the-art systems for air traffic control, communications, weather, security and operations. When Phase Two is completed in 2020, capacity will increase to 530,000 movements and 100 million passengers. The new Muan County Airport is under construction near Mokpo in South Cholla Province, due for completion next year. It will also serve international flights. Mokpo is presently served by one of the country's 12 domestic airports.
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Airport Profile: Spain
Spain's airline pilot's union charged in October that the country's airports are equipped with third-world landing, lighting and radar systems although its airports and air navigation authority, Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navegacion Aerea (AENA), meets International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Spanish security forces maintain good standards at all airports due to long-standing threats from various terrorist groups.
AENA supervises operations, development and refurbishment of the country's 106 airports. Forty are public, including 35 that are considered international airports. Spain has five air traffic control centers and two Flight Information Regions (FIR). AENA is also working with the South Atlantic Task Force, which covers the routes between Europe and South America, to implement reduced lateral and vertical separation standards. Similar efforts are underway in the European, North Atlantic and Asia/Pacific regions. Insufficient investment in infrastructure is seen as the root cause of growing chaos in Spain's aviation sector. Increased flights have exceeded the capacity of many airports. For example, renovations at Madrid's Barajas Airport (Europe's sixth largest) have been made several times, but have not kept pace with passenger volume, now 25 million per year. Despite three runways, flights are habitually delayed by up to 30 minutes, frequently because of breakdowns and staff shortages, which have plagued Spanish air traffic controllers. AENA has agreed to double their number to 2,160 by 2003. Plans for two more runways and new terminal buildings at Barajas have been funded. Also, nearby Torrejon Airport, part of a military airfield, is used as an alternate for aircraft with less than 70 seats. A new airport being built at Campo Real, southeast of Madrid, is scheduled to be ready for service in 2002 with eight runways and capacity for more than 100 million passengers. Other airport improvements underway throughout the country include Barcelona International; the Tenerife Norte and Tenerife Sur airports in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa; Malaga; and Vitoria, in the Basque Region.
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Airport Profile: The Dominican Republic:
The Dominican Republic: There are seven Dominican airports, including Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in the capitol city, Santo Domingo. The airport is 58 feet above mean sea level and is located near San Isidro Air Force Base. Pilots must take care not to confuse between the two airports. Because of their proximity, a left turn is prohibited for aircraft that are taking off on Las Americas' Runway 35.
As the main international gateway for the Dominican Republic, Las Americas has a tourist information desk, bank, post office and an ATM. Car rental agencies are outside the arrival lounge. The airport suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Georges, and was looted and vandalized in its aftermath. Although it ceased operation for several days, the facility is currently operating 24 hours a day without any problems.
Security at Las Americas is provided by forces from the Dominican police and military, under the supervision of the Dominican Airport Authority. The entire facility is patrolled 24 hours a day and security personnel regularly check the identities of everyone on the tarmac. Special ID cards are required to pass through the guarded access gates leading to the tarmac but there are no security cameras in the area. A steel security fence surrounds all but the area adjacent to the water. Both private and commercial aircraft park near the "new" terminal, where they are visible from the control tower, about 656 feet away. Lighting in this area is adequate during overnight operation.
There are no security cameras in the parking area, and this area is not separately fenced from the rest of the airport.
Nevertheless, the efficiency of security measures currently in effect is questionable and the airport directorate has been criticized for poor management. Services such as baggage claim are disorganized and chaotic.
The building is not well-maintained; the air conditioning is often not functioning and the janitorial services are deficient. Outside the airport, crowds of peddlers bombard visitors, and there have even been reports of prostitutes and drug dealers soliciting in this area.
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Airport Profile: The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has experienced significant increases in air traffic and the number of passengers going through its airports in the coming decade is expected to increase by 35 percent. To meet the challenge, its air traffic control system, National Air Traffic Services (NATS), will be privatized this year. The government will retain "a golden share" in order to protect national interests and satisfy its international air traffic obligations, which include providing enroute air traffic services for aircraft flying over the North Atlantic and in regulated air space within the U.K. Flight Information Regions (FIRs).
The Civil Aviation Authority has also combined two separate organizations charged with investigating near misses (called airprox) within its assigned territory. Before the January 1999 consolidation, the Joint Airprox Working Group assessed reports - Airprox P reports - filed by pilots, and the Joint Airprox Assessment Panel assessed the Airprox C reports filed by air traffic controllers. The newly combined group is called United Kingdom Airprox Board, which is populated by a chairman and 14 civilian and military experts representing various fields.
One of the first actions of the Airprox Board was to issue a report of incidents over the last decade. That report showed that near-misses had fallen to an all-time low in 1998, with the average number of incidents amounting to 1.20 per 100,000 flying hours compared to 2.37 in 1997. In fact, the report showed that the number of incidents has been falling throughout the decade despite the increase in commercial flights through UK airspace.
The Board attributes the decline to the introduction of new ground-based and airborne collision avoidance systems. But part of the decline also may be a product of the Board's investigation process. The incidents are initially reported by pilots and air traffic controllers who believe that the distance between the aircraft compromised safety. The Airprox Board has found that 75 percent of the reports posed no actual risk of collision.
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Airport Profile: Turkey
Turkey and the United States updated their bilateral open skies agreement in late March to eliminate government interference in establishing prices offered by carriers. The agreement liberalizes cargo and charter services between the two countries with immediate effect. Passenger services will be liberalized over a three-year period. This step is expected to be beneficial to American Airlines and THY (Turk Hova Yollari) Turkish Airlines, which have announced a code-share agreement due to take effect this summer. According to that agreement, THY will add American's code to some domestic flights and to flights it operates between Turkey and the United States. American will add THY's code to some of its flights from Chicago, Miami and New York, the three U.S. destinations that THY already services.
THY, ranked as Europe's fastest growing airline, is Turkey's national carrier. Over the last decade, it has overcome upper-management and politically-linked upheavals to evolve as an on-time, passenger-friendly, service-driven carrier. The average age of the aircraft in its all-jet fleet is 5 years, making it one of the youngest in the world. Seven more Boeing 737-800s will be added this year. Although the airline is state-controlled, it is 50 percent privatized, receives no direct financial subsidies and operates as an independent corporation. THY's fleet equals the combined fleets of competing private airlines and despite mounting competition, its share of overall international traffic has been a steady 21 percent for the last five years.
Not withstanding the arrest in January of the head of Turkey's civil aviation authority on bribery charges, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has rated it "in compliance" Category 1 with safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
For decades, Turkey and Greece have argued over territorial waters delimitation of the continental shelf in the Aegean Sea, the Cyprus issue and air space limits. Greek and Cypriot officials periodically complain that Turkish fighter aircraft violate their air space and jeopardize military and civilian aircraft.
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Airport Profile: Venezuela
Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with international safety standards, says the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. While corrections are under way, Venezuelan air carriers may conduct operations in the United States under heightened surveillance.
The country's civil aviation infrastructure (airports, navigational aids, air traffic control, air-ground communications, security, etc.) is suffering from years of neglect. There is dire need for a body of regulations; pilots continuously lodge complaints; and the number of new domestic airlines continues to grow. Until recently, revenues from air traffic services and navigational aids user fees were diverted from the aviation system.
Most of Venezuela's 280 landing facilities are grass or gravel strips on remote farms, missions or mining camps. Scheduled air traffic serves 42 airports, with some 80 asphalt runways. Non-scheduled air taxi service serves 20 other airfields. Of all these, only 35 have control towers.
Many domestic airports have been taken over by either a state corporation or a state government department or transferred to a concession. The rest remain under the Directorate of Airports, which is responsible for navigational aids, visual aids, runway condition and aviation safety.
Today, an autonomous agency is responsible for international traffic, which is authorized at only 10 airports, two of them privately owned and operated. Some authorized airports only accept international flights by prior arrangement. The government wants to get out of the airport business and will turn Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport over to a concessionaire. This is the main airport in Caracas, the most important in the country and, in 1998, ranked by airline pilots as one of the 15 most dangerous airports in the world. It is serviced by 50 airlines and handles 4 million passengers a year. The concessionaire will enlarge and redesign the terminals, coordinate the building and operation of a hotel - and study of the need to develop a new runway.
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Averitt Air Charter Has Named Steve E. Gregory
Averitt Air Charter has named Steve E. Gregory its executive vice president. The company was formed by transportation company Averitt Express with the recent purchase of B&C Aviation and Aero Charter Nashville, following appointment of Averitt Aviation as the new fixed base operator at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, near Cookeville, Tenn.
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Focus On
Sort of like an older supportive brother who is always being outshone by, its dazzling sister (Dubai), Abu Dhabi deserves our spotlight.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
It has a healthy respect for its past and the Bani Yas Bedouin tribe who settled on the city’s present day site. They added pearl diving, fishing and dhow trading to the traditional nomadic herding and date cultivation of the desert interior.
When oil was discovered in the mid-20th century, the late Sheikh Zayed invested the proceeds wisely to build state-of-the-art infrastructure for future generations. Now his son, Sheikh Khalifa, is “looking into the future and building on the past.”
One of Abu Dhabi’s newest icons is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which boasts 82 gold-capped domes and accommodates 40,000 worshippers. Non-Muslims may view the interior of the world’s sixth largest mosque Saturday through Thursday mornings.
In addition to the existing Emirates Palace Hotel, one of the most exquisite hotels in the world, there are plans to build several remarkable projects financed primarily from their own coffers which still benefit from a substantial supply of oil. (It was Abu Dhabi that helped Dubai through its financial challenges; though some projects in Dubai have been suspended, work in Abu Dhabi continues.)
Two mega projects are in the early stages of construction on the edges of Abu Dhabi proper. The first is Masdar City, a $22-billion development designed by Foster and Partners of London as the world’s first zero-waste city. The second project is Saadiyat Island, a $27-billion development that will provide space for office buildings, housing, golf courses, retail and cultural facilities. Planned museums include a Guggenheim designed by Los Angeles architect Frank Gehry (the Bilbao Guggenheim and the Walt Disney Concert Hall), a branch of the Louvre designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and a maritime museum designed by Japan’s Tadao Ando. The cultural aspects of these aspirations begs the question of how these institutions will acquire and display their holdings or whether cultural openness will pose a problem to the standards of the UAE in regards to artistic freedom. Will viewing of such paintings be restricted? It will be interesting to see how this conundrum develops.
Another major PR push on behalf of Abu Dhabi is the public awareness of its outstanding national airline, Etihad, established in 2003 by a royal decree. In only six years, Etihad has increased its destinations to more than 50 in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. By 2020, they plan to fly 25 million passengers a year to at least 100 destinations.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is 30 minutes from the city center and only 45 minutes from the southern part of Dubai. Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is benchmarking against international best practices as it progresses towards creating a world-class airport hub. “There are three key areas to consider in design and benchmarking when undertaking such a substantial airport redevelopment project,” says Mrs. Sheikha Al Maskari, vice president of corporate affairs for ADAC. “First, we considered our passengers and how we engineered their journey through the airport. Taking into account everything from walking times to way-finding and immigration, our airport design has ensured the optimal journey. The second consideration was the aircraft. We considered all factors that affect aircraft using the airport such as runway capacity, classifications and taxi times. Thirdly, we took into consideration airport support facilities such as catering and cargo automation. We know demand for facilities at airport will increase exponentially in tandem with the development and growth of Abu Dhabi as outlined in Plan 2030.” “Hospitality is one of the most treasured values of Arab culture and lies at the heart of our desire to open our doors to international travelers,” adds Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. “We believe tourism and business travel can play an important role in promoting friendship, goodwill and understanding.”
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Focus On Accra
NOVEMBER: Situated along the coast of Guinea in West Africa, Ghana is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Its capital, Accra, is one of Africa’s more costly but is inexpensive by western standards. A moderate restaurant meal is up to US$10; a moderate-priced hotel charges up to US$50 a night.
No known terrorist groups are active in Ghana; there is little anti-U.S. sentiment. However, that possibility cannot be ruled out and travelers may be at risk during violent outbreaks resulting from political, economic or ethnic tension, which is increasing.
Crime is a moderate concern in Ghana. Armed banditry occurs in rural areas, petty crimes in urban areas. Use of public transportation greatly increases likelihood of falling victim to petty crimes. Use taxis or private (hired or rented) vehicles instead.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most of the major hotels and banks; traveler’s checks are not always easily exchanged. The most popular currencies are U.S. dollars, Euros and British pounds. Canadian dollars exchange at extremely unfavorable rates.
The Harmattan, a hot, dry wind that blows in the southern Sahara in winter (November to March), carries great quantities of dust, which often interferes with aircraft operations. In June, the monsoon season arrives. Accra’s sewage system is severely over-burdened during these times.
Kotoka Int’l Airport (ACC) is 7 miles north of Accra. Facilities include duty-free shop, currency exchange, post office, gift shops, pharmacy, restaurants and bars. A lounge, the “Nante Yie,” for first class and VIP passengers is in the departure area. Major construction at the terminals and runways is ongoing.
Roads surrounding the airport are also being restructured to reduce congestion. Car rental agencies at the airport include Avis and Hertz. Taxis are plentiful just outside the terminal; drivers actively compete for business and fares must be negotiated before departure. Travel time to downtown averages 20 minutes. Air travel in Ghana is well developed. Flight time from London to Accra is 6.5 hours direct, from New York 10.5 hours direct. Airlines serving Ghana include Ghana Airways, Alitalia, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM and South African Airways.
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Focus On Bahrain
OCTOBER: Bahrain is considered liberal among Gulf countries, but is nevertheless quite conservative by western standards. But security is still a concern. There is currently a heavy police presence on the streets due to the recent political disturbances and several recent incidents of firebombing. Steer clear of all demonstrations; check for emergency exits when visiting nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hotels. The U.S. State Department has reminded Americans in the region to maintain a high level of vigilance and alertness, maintain a low profile, be suspicious of mail and parcels from unfamiliar sources and vary routes and times for all required travel. Avoid all travel outside of Manama, especially at night.
To promote the country's economy, local newspapers are promoting special shopping and benefits through this month. Bargaining is common; street merchants often sell inferior goods. Some local computer resellers have been found selling unlicensed copies of Microsoft's Office 97 Professional Edition at incredibly cheap prices and the government has stepped up its efforts to combat such violations of copyright laws. The crackdown is believed to be driven by Bahrain's desire to join the World Trade Organization and to demonstrate its adherence to WTO standards.
Bahrain began issuing a new 20 dinar bill in August to replace the old bill, which has been subject to a counterfeit scam. Fraud victims are allowed to exchange counterfeit bills at commercial banks throughout the country until the end of this month.
PHONE
Ambulance: 999.
Police: 211-002.
US Embassy: 273-300.
LANGUAGE
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Focus On Baku
APRIL: Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is not a tourist city, but rather a develop-
ing business center with strong emphasis on oil. Still, this is a volatile area; visitors should register with the embassy immediately upon arrival.
Azerbaijan suffers regularly from medical and fuel shortages and street crime is common, especially at night. Muggers are quick to spot signs of affluence. Dress conservatively; leave valuables and excess cash in hotel safe. Although officials are approachable, they rarely speak English or have the resources to solve crimes. Report crimes to the embassy instead.
Azerbaijan is predominantly Shiite Muslim. Observe religious rites and holidays and avoid discussing politics at all times. Although a cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan was declared in 1994, a final settlement has not been reached. The Armenian enclave Nagorno-Karabakh remains extremely volatile, and ethnic tensions are typically high.
Also be prepared for public disturbances. A number of activists protesting the deteriorating economy and demanding the release of political prisoners have been arrested. Force has been used to disperse protestors of the current administration. But authorities have also taken on alleged terrorists. In March, they extradited two Egyptians for alleged ties with international terrorists last October, three others were handed over to Egypt. They have also intercepted Islamic fundamentalists suspected of planning attacks on U.S. embassies and other international organizations.
Do not travel domestically. Roads are paved but dangerous. The train to Moscow, which takes two days, is not recommended. Civil aviation is unreliable and unsafe.
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Focus on Bangalore
FEBRUARY: Bangalore, also known as the "Garden City" due to its vast number of trees and parks, is the capital of Karnataka state and India's fifth largest city. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and is becoming "the Silicon Valley of India." The state courts cleared the way in December for the launching of radio-taxi service in the city and early holders of permits have formed a City Taxi Association.
Travelers must take precautions against petty street theft. Store all valuables in the hotel safe-deposit box and limit nighttime excursions. Those who experience problems as a result of either crime or substandard health conditions should contact the embassy in New Delhi for assistance. According to crime statistics for the city released in late December, there were some 200 murders, 400 robberies, 30,000 house-break-ins and 300 instances of pickpocketing during 1998. The Times of India reported that the rate of police solving crimes had dropped during the year. Bangalore's assistant commissioner of police was suspended in mid-January after police were unable to control rampages by two separate groups of agitators.
Driving conditions throughout India are hazardous and police inability to control demonstrators adds to the dangers of regional travel. Also, travelers should be made aware that some 15 public and private companies and research institutes in Karnataka state, largely in Bangalore and mainly defense or research related, have been placed on a U.S. blacklist that bans commercial transactions with these entities. The restrictions apply only to U.S. exports, not to exports from India.
PHONE
Embassies in New Delhi (city code 11):US-611-3033 or 688-9033;
Canada- 687-6500.
Police 100. Fire 101. Ambulance 102.
TIME
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Focus On Bangkok
March 2006: Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and the center for political, commercial, cultural and industrial endeavors. It has a population of over five million and is located at the top of the Gulf of Thailand.
Thai means free, and Thais take pride in the fact that their country was never colonized by a European power. Thailand, known as Siam from the 13th to 20th century, is a constitutional monarchy. Bangkok is home to the magnificent golden royal palace straight out of “The King and I.” In reality the king has little direct power, but is the anointed protector of Thai Buddhism and a symbol of national unity. The governing body is the parliament, which consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. Members of the lower house are elected by popular vote. The upper house is appointed. The head of the government is the Prime Minister who is selected by the king from among the members of the lower house.
The Thai language, written in its own alphabet, is the national language, but in Bangkok, English is a major commercial language. The official calendar is based upon the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the western calendar. That would make 2006 the equivalent of 2549 BE.
Doing Business: It is best to make appointments a few weeks in advance. Not every weekday will be suitable. Thais observe many holidays due to the influence of Buddhist, Chinese, Western and other cultures. It is usual to have a few days off for the Thai New Year, all of the Buddhist holidays and the main holiday break, the Water Festival, in April. Confirm your appointment on the day of the meeting. Allow ample time to make your way through the impossible Bangkok traffic and, if you are running late, a phone call explaining where you are will be appreciated.
You should be prepared to present your business card. You may want take advantage beforehand of the opportunity to have its back printed with a Thai translation of its information.
Your first meeting with Thai business people may be over lunch or dinner so they can get to know you. Do not expect to discuss business. Thais love to eat and most meals will take place in a restaurant. The host and the more senior members of the party should be seated first; if you are asked to sit first, politely refuse. Thais will always do the ordering and a variety of dishes will be placed in the middle to the table. A plate of steamed rice will be placed before each diner and if soup is to be served, a bowl — to be used only for soup — will also be placed at each setting. It is customary to place a small amount of one dish on your rice at a time. Thai food is normally eaten with a fork and a spoon. The spoon is used for cutting and the fork is used to push the food onto the spoon, which is then placed in your mouth. Never finish the last bit of food in the serving dish. If it is offered, politely refuse. If it is offered a second time, accept graciously as it is considered an honor. If you are entertaining a small group for dinner, it is best to invite them to a Western restaurant in a large hotel. Make certain that Thai wives are included in the invitation. Order a buffet dinner and each person can choose according to his or her own taste. If you are invited to a meal in someone’s home, bring flowers, cakes or fruit. Do not bring carnations or marigolds as these are used as funeral flowers.
Bangkok’s New International Airport (BKK): Due to open in June 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as New Bangkok International Airport, is located in the Samut Prakarn province of Thailand, approximately 18 miles (30 km) east of Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi will replace Don Muang (BIA) as Bangkok’s international airport. The new airport will ultimately handle 100 million passengers per year, but the first stage of construction will accommodate only 30 million passengers. Suvarnabhumi Airport is being built of steel, glass and Teflon-coated fabric. A roof trellis will shade the building against intense tropical sun and reduce the cost of air conditioning. The air traffic control tower will be one of the world’s tallest, providing workspace for about 300 engineers and staff. Twenty-six scanners will screen baggage for explosives. Airport amenities will include a 600-room Novotel hotel, due to open in April; spa rooms for travelers; and several high level restaurants.
Access to the airport will first be provided by a series of new highways connected to Bangkok’s existing outer ring road. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is also building a high speed elevated rail system to the city, with completion scheduled for 2007.
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Focus On Bangkok
Bangkok, just a short distance inland from the Gulf of Thailand, has a year-round tropical climate. The most comfortable months are between November and March, when it’s cool and dry. Any other time, travelers may have to cope with flooding or extreme heat.
Cholera, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, malaria, tuberculosis and typhoid fever are present. The risk of HIV and AIDS is a serious problem. An outbreak of dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, was reported in August. Recommended precautions include staying inside screened-in or air-conditioned areas, using bug repellents that contain DEET.
Excessive air pollution, caused by industrial and transportation emissions, is reported in and around Bangkok. Travelers with asthma or other respiratory illnesses should consult with a health care provider prior to travel and carry sufficient medications.
Roads are congested, especially in Bangkok. Visitors are subject to Thailand’s traffic laws and regulations. Penalties for violations can be severe, especially if injuries or deaths are involved. If authorities respond to an accident, the more affluent driver is often compelled to cover the accident expenses of the other driver regardless of who is at fault. Drivers often negotiate a settlement in minor accidents before police arrive.
The Sky Train provides fast, efficient and inexpensive transportation around the city, and metered taxis are plentiful and strongly recommended. Petty crime occurs often in mass transportation. Drivers of three wheeled taxis referred to as tuk-tuks; drivers try to entice tourists to overpriced shops.
Thais prefer indirect responses rather than bluntness in business dealings. Fate and luck are a large part of the belief system; long-term goals and expectations are not discussed. At a second business meeting, gifts are normally exchanged.
Bangkok International Airport (BKK) is 15 miles north (45-60 minutes travel time) of the city. It has two international and one domestic terminal, connected by a free bus service. Airport facilities include duty free shops, currency exchanges, Internet access, laundry services, a Muslim prayer room and a medical facility.
Taxis and buses are available outside all terminals. Rail service takes 30-45 minutes to city center.
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Focus On Barcelona
OCTOBER: Barcelona, as main point of passage for travelers going to and from France, is an active and generally safe city. Travelers who take basic safety precautions should not encounter significant problems. Visitors should guard against pickpockets and grab-artists at all times. There is frequent petty theft in crowded tourist areas, bus and train stations, commuter trains (Metro), and in the main business and shopping districts. Some thieves will throw food or dirt on a traveler and offer to clean it, while partner (or the same person) picks pockets. Female flower peddlers are notorious pick-pockets.
At night, muggers work the streets. Visitors should also especially avoid riding the buses on secondary streets at night.
The ETA Basque separatist movement is active throughout Spain, and sometimes touches Barcelona. Another group planted four small bombs at temporary employment offices in early June, only two exploded.
The Spanish national rail system (RENFE) and various private bus companies provide service throughout the country. Ferries run to Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. Driving is also possible but car rental is generally expensive - about Pta10,000 a day. Motorists should not stop for cars on the road that appear to be having trouble - thieves will often stage accidents or breakdowns to entrap victims. If having car trouble, accept help from only uniformed Spanish police. (Police speak little English; report crimes to US consulate.) There are frequent reports of vehicle-related crimes, especially with rental cars.
PHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance 061;
Fire 080; Police 301-9060;
Emergency Police 091 (national), 092 (municipal)
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Focus On Barranquilla
NOVEMBER: Barranquilla is Colombia's fourth largest city and the country's main seaport and industrial center. With a population of just over one million, the city is considerably larger than nearby Cartagena and has a much more serious problem with crime. Visitors should remain alert and avoid walking in the city at night.
The city has frequently been a target for urban guerrilla activity, particularly attacks on businesses and government facilities. In the past, the navy base located near the airport has been subject to attacks by leftist rebels. The city's port is known to be a major center for narcotics trafficking. Visitors should remain alert to street crime in all areas and at all times, but should be especially careful to avoid venturing onto the Paseo Bolivar or outside city limits after dark. If confronted with a criminal attack; do not resist. Most criminals are armed and will not hesitate to use force.
Due to strong guerrilla presence in northeastern Colombia, overland travel between cities is not advised. A long-standing travel warning from the U.S. State Department cites the danger of violence against U.S. citizens and emphasizes the threat of kidnaping. The warning states there is "a greater risk of being kidnaped in Colombia than in any other country in the world. Almost six months after hijacking an Avianca commercial flight and kidnaping all 41 passengers and crew aboard, guerrillas released 35-year-old U.S. citizen Daniel Hoffman on Oct. 2. A day earlier, they had liberated a Spanish national who was among some 160 kidnaped from Cali's La Maria church on May 30.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Mean Time - 5 hours
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Consulate: 353 0970
Canadian Embassy: (in Bogota) 217-5555 (dial city code 1first)
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Focus On Beijing
September: In an effort to improve public security in Beijing before October's 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government began rounding up more than 1,000 fugitives in July. Officials are urging them to turn themselves in, but are also using a new computer system linking police branches across the country. Other national celebrations are also in full swing: the annual Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on Sept. 24-25, and celebrations marking the 2,550th birthday of Confucius continue all month in Beijing and at his birthplace in Shandong province.
Crime has been increasing in China. But the country, including the capital of Beijing, has a relatively low crime rate, making it safer for travelers than most other Asian countries. Petty theft most affects visitors in Beijing, usually occurring in crowded areas, restaurants, public transport stations and near hotels. Counterfeiting has also been a problem. New bank notes, in denomination from 100 yuan to 10 fen, will be issued in October. Old bills and coins will continue to be valid.
At night, avoid the popular Sanlitun bar street in east Beijing's Chaoyang district. There have been several reports of foreigners being attacked and beaten by local groups there, including the murder of a Russian businessman by a group of private security guards.
The U.S. Embassy has also been the scene of recent violence, including protests in May after NATO bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia. In July, it was pelted with stones and food by people waiting outside for visas after a teenage applicant was denied a visa.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Mean Time + 8 hours
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Embassy: 6532-3831, after hours 6532-1910.
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Focus on Beijing
June: Register at the embassy upon arrival in Beijing, which is the capital of the People's Republic of China and has a population of approximately 11 million. The entire country, including Beijing, has a relatively low crime rate, making it safer for travelers than most other countries in Asia. But crime has been on the rise in recent years, and petty theft more than any other crime affects visitors in Beijing. This usually occurs in crowded areas, restaurants, public transport stations and near hotels. Hotel room theft is often a problem; store valuables, including passport, in hotel safe. Carry photocopy of passport at all times. Dress conservatively; do not flaunt cash or jewelry. Report crimes to the police and embassy.
Do not photograph military installations. Avoid all demonstrations and discussions of controversial topics such as human rights, politics or religion. U.S. citizens and permanent residents risk being detained in China, especially if they have engaged in activities or published writings critical of the Chinese government, have traveled to Taiwan or been involved with Taiwan media.
If planning to travel outside of Beijing, check with embassy to ascertain which domestic airlines are most reputable and which regions require special travel permits (i.e., Tibet). Air travel delays are common. Trains and buses are not recommended for those unacquainted with China, but if riding, watch belongings carefully.
At major train stations, foreigners must wait in a separate line for tickets.
Annual sandstorms resulting from desertification
in Inner Mongolia and northwestern China leads to many dusty spring days in several cities, and this year, China Central Television is broadcasting daily sandstorm forecasts.
PHONE
Embassies: US 6532-3831 (after hours, 6532-1910); Canada 6532-3536. Emergencies: Fire 119;
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Focus On Beijing
AUGUST: For business travelers, China is safer than most other countries in Asia, and levels of violent crime are low. The crime rate in Beijing (population approximately 11 million) is relatively low but it has been increasing in recent years. Petty theft, more than any other crime, affects visitors. This usually occurs in crowded areas, restaurants, public transport stations and near hotels. Dress conservatively. Do not flaunt cash or belongings. Hotel room theft is often a problem; store all valuables and passport in a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Mobile phone crimes are increasing; never leave your phone unattended and review bills carefully for signs of number cloning.
Trains and buses are not recommended but if you are riding them, watch belongings carefully. At major train stations, foreigners must wait in a separate line for tickets. There have been reports of highway robberies and assaults near the border of Nepal and in areas near Everest.
Over the next three years, China will introduce new technology to improve its railway network, especially its communications facilities and locomotive safety equipment. China has implemented a transportation management information system, which is expected to allow the country to meet international standards for safety on public transportation. There will also be a strong shift toward electrification, with an estimated 24 percent of total railways electrified by 2000. These structural changes are not expected to greatly alter current railway travel.
PHONE
U.S. Embassy: 532-3831, after hrs. 532-1910.
(Chinese spoken at these numbers)
Fire: 119.
Police: 110.
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Focus On Beijing
by Carol Ann Bakeman
May 2007: Beijing is second only in population to Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Formerly called Peking in English, it is the political, cultural and educational center of the nation. Shanghai and Hong Kong are the economic engines of China.
There are archaeological remnants of cities in the area of Beijing since the first millennium BC. In the 13th century, Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty founder Kublai Khan established his capital just north of present-day central Beijing.
The first half of the 20th century saw many changes in the fate of Beijing ranging from the Boxer Rebellion, the power struggles of the warlords, the occupation by Japan and, finally, the Chinese Civil War which resulted in the creation of the PRC by the Chinese Communist Party headed by Mao Zedong.
According to a 2005 census, Beijing is making great economic strides in GDP, per capita income and disposable income. The central business district, Guomao, is home to many corporate regional headquarters, shopping malls and high-end housing. Other specialized areas are the Fuxingmen and Fuchengmen financial districts, the Wangfujng and Xidan shopping districts and China’s “Silicon Valley,” Zhongguancun. A newly developing area, Yizhuang, is becoming a center for IT, pharmaceuticals and materials engineering.
Unfortunately, the rapid growth and expansion of Beijing has come with all of the standard urban problems of traffic congestion, water quality, smog and the cost of basic services such as electricity and natural gas. Still, the pride of Beijing’s residents in hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics remains unabated.
Getting Around Beijing: There are 70,000 taxis in Beijing and even though traffic can be a nightmare, they are still the best way for the business traveler to get around. They are clean and very inexpensive. A ride from the airport costs around $10. Most taxi drivers do not speak English so you will want to ask the concierge in your hotel to write down your destination in Chinese.
Pedestrians should be very aware of the traffic conditions around them when crossing streets. When strolling through one of Beijing’s parks, do not walk on the grass. There are just too many people and the grass could not survive.
When giving directions, it is considered impolite to point with the index finger; use the whole hand.
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Focus On Beirut
AUGUST: The security situation in Beirut has improved dramatically since the end of the civil war in 1991. The United States lifted its 10-year-old ban on travel by its citizens to Lebanon in July 1997 but the State Department continues to warns of the dangers of travel there. Anti-western militant groups, including the Hizballah, are active in certain parts of the country. Visitors should exercise caution and especially avoid the southern suburbs of Beirut, which are crime-ridden, the Israeli-created "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, and areas controlled by the Syrian army, such as the Bekaa Valley. Monitor the news for reports of hostilities or incidents that might affect personal safety; and carry copies of passports at all times, as checkpoints are common.
The government has denied accusations that the country is a haven for money laundering. The crime rate in Beirut is moderate. Foreigners should exercise the usual security precautions for any major city. Avoid walking alone after dark. Do not leave belongings unattended. Keep valuables in hotel safe deposit. Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.
Air travel between Tehran and Beirut has recently resumed after a 20-year hiatus. But American air carriers are prohibited from use of Beirut International Airport due to continuing concern about passenger and aircraft security arrangements.
Foreign and domestic investment levels are expected to remain low, given the unstable political environment, although a recent report by the Group of Seven's Financial Stability Group (FSF), accused Lebanon of being a tax haven. The government's inability to deal with the country's deep economic problems has been cited as a major obstacle to economic growth.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 16.
Ambulance: 386-675/6.
Embassies: US- 417-774 or 415-802;
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Focus On Beirut
DECEMBER: Security in Beirut has improved dramatically since 1991 but the US Department of State warns all citizens of the dangers of travel to Lebanon. Anti-western militant groups, including the Hizballah, remain active in certain parts of the country. Visitors should avoid the Israeli- created "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, in addition to areas controlled by the Syrian army, such as the Bekaa Valley. The crime rate is moderate, exercise the usual security precautions as in any major city.
Beirut will hold a month-long shopping festival in January (featuring art exhibitions and fashion, horse racing, dance competitions, wrestling and a jewelry show) to restore confidence in the wake of its civil war. However, the US Embassy in Beirut has warned all US citizens in the country to take "the highest level of caution" based on warnings of a possible attack similar to those against U.S. embassies in East Africa. Due to certain restrictions, the US Embassy in Beirut operates in a limited capacity and cannot perform normal consular functions. The expiration of the passport restriction does not mean the Department of State believes it is safe for Americans to travel to Lebanon. US citizens who go there despite this warning should exercise extreme caution and avoid Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
Risk of direct retaliation for the U.S. bombing in Afghanistan and Sudan is relatively high. The State Department recommends that only absolutely necessary travel take place, as the perpetrators of numerous attacks against Americans are still present in Lebanon.
PHONE
Emergency: 16
Ambulance: 386-675/6
US Embassy: 417-774 or 415-802
Canadian Embassy: 521-163/4/5.
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Focus On Belgrade
MARCH: Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia, is a relatively safe city but lawlessness and disorder, including robberies, are increasing. Deposit flight tickets, money, and passport in a sealed envelope in hotel safe, if available, and carry a passport photocopy as ID. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and watches. Firearms are common: Yugoslavia's defense minister and two others were killed at a popular restaurant here last month. Police have been known to detain foreigners for questioning without an apparent cause.
Electricity and water services are prone to frequent interruptions, blamed on extensive damage to the utiliies' infrastructure during the NATO bombing campaign. Electricity has been rationed after part of Belgrade and other cities across Yugoslavia suffered blackouts in January due to a breakdown of the power grid. Energy officials have also stressed that supplies of gas and heating oil are dangerously low and say further restrictions are possible. In late January, private bus drivers paralyzed public transport in Belgrade when some 500 failed to service their routes to emphasize demands for authorization to increase bus fares by 200 percent.
Opposing political parties have pressed the Milosevic government to hold elections by the end of April and threaten mass anti-government protests this month if the election timetable is not accepted.
Regional violence continues. A Serbian church in Cernica, southeast of Pristina, was destroyed by a bomb in January. Last month, there were reports of explosions and of the burning of buildings and cars, including those of international organizations, in the Kosovo.
PHONE NUMBERS
Information: 981; Airport: +381 11; Police: 92; Fire: 93; Ambulance: 94; Road assistance: 987. Embassies: Canada 646666, US 645655.
SELF DRIVING
Not recommended; arrange for a car and driver if possible. Motorways (autoput) charge tolls for foreign-registered vehicles but this is posted only at exits.
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Focus On Berlin
MARCH: Berlin’s crime rate is relatively low, although there has been a rise in violent crimes such as muggings since reunification.
Visitors can feel safe walking or taking public transportation throughout the city during the day. As in any large city, watch for pickpockets and purse-snatchers in congested areas: on public transportation, in crowded department stores, train stations, and tourist areas, such as the area around the Zoo train/subway station, as well as around Kottbusser Tor, Leopoldplatz, and Alexanderplatz U-Bahn stations. Be cautious walking on the boulevard Kurfurstendamm (“Ku’damm”).
Avoid walking alone, particularly around the main train station, late at night. Public transit is safe well into the evening hours, but avoid it if traveling alone at night. Those making late night excursions can find taxis at stands located throughout the city.
People of color should be careful in working class neighborhoods where Neo-Nazi youth sometimes congregate, usually in the eastern part of Berlin.
Police are usually helpful; some speak English.
In December, under an anti-terrorism measure passed a month earlier, several hundred police conducted raids against the Cologne-based Caliph State, which (although now banned) is working to overthrow the Turkish government. Although its leaders met with Osama bin Laden a few years ago, police do not believe it is connected to the Sept. 11 attacks in the US.
Regional travel by train (Deutsche Bahn) is secure, safe, clean and efficient, although local service is still occasionally slower in the Eastern part of Germany, including the areas surrounding Berlin. By train, the trip to Hamburg takes 4 hours; to Munich, 8 hours. Good air and bus connections also available.
PHONE NUMBERS
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Focus On Berlin
February: Berlin’s abundant natural beauty is evident in its parks, lakes and rivers, especially in the southern areas. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany has been in the process of relocating its capital from Bonn back to Berlin. With the majority of government offices and most foreign embassies making the shift, there’s a wealth of new construction underway.
As of 1989, when the wall fell, crime has risen dramatically, ranging from petty theft to extremist violence. Petty crimes tend to occur more in tourist areas and public transportation stations. Extremists’ attacks on public transportation and in East Berlin are common. Individuals of African and Asian heritage have been particular targets. Several bombing scares have occurred in some German cities, including Berlin.
Protests and demonstrations still occur, though most are peaceful and smaller than those of the past. Tensions are still high among the “Ossies” (East Berliners) and “Wessies” (West Berliners) due to the unbalanced distribution of wealth.
Buses, the U-Bahn (subway), and the S-Bahn (local train network) reach every corner of the city. One ticket lets you ride anywhere on any system for two hours.
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Focus On Brasilia
JULY: Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, was planned and built in only a few years, with its interior location selected in 1960. Its modern architecture and wide-open spaces make it distinct from other Brazilian cities. But it was originally designed for only 500,000 inhabitants, and so several satellite cities have emerged that comprise the greater Brasilia area. “Plan Piloto,” which is shaped like a cross, is the area originally planned as the administrative center. The North-South Axis is the city’s main transportation line, while the East-West (or Monumental) Axis hosts the federal and civic buildings. Avenida W3 is the main commercial street.
Crime in Brasilia, including street children and drug addicts, is not nearly as large a problem as in Sao Paulo or Rio, and is a greater problem in the suburbs than in the city itself.
Within Brasilia, street crime — especially petty theft — is still fairly common. As in any large city, visitors are at risk from pickpockets, snatch-and-run robberies and muggings. The likelihood of a violent armed robbery is low in the main government and business areas. But there are a significant number of crimes committed in downtown Brasilia’s hotel district, which can be particularly unsafe at night because a large number of prostitutes, transvestites and muggers.
Brasilia’s police are more effective than forces in other Brazilian cities. The military police are reasonably well trained and professional, as are the civilian police force, which suffers from personnel shortages.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police emergency: 190 U.S. Embassy: (55-61) 321-7272 Canadian Embassy:
(55-61) 321-2171
BUSES
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Focus On Brasilia
JULY: Brasilia's sidewalks are not as busy as in other large Brazilian cities - the distances between most buildings are so great that few people walk. As a result, pedestrians should be careful to avoid deserted areas and remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
Violent and petty crimes are a concern in Brazil, particularly in larger cities. In 1997 highway bandits stole some $200 million in merchandise from trucks in Brazil. Local authorities attribute the rise in highway banditry to a previously unstable economy and a thriving criminal operation that Brazilian police say is more advanced than the country's narcotics trade.
Kidnapping remains one of the gravest criminal threats in the country. Kidnapping rings, often composed of rogue policemen and common criminals, range from rank amateurs to sophisticated organizations, some with international connections. Most kidnap victims in the country are well-off nationals and business owners, though not necessarily wealthy or prominent. Kidnappers, in particular, target executives of businesses with ready access to large amounts of cash. In February 1998, banks in Brazil began restricting the amount of money that can be withdrawn from automatic teller machines (ATMs) to US $90 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. It is hoped this will decrease the number of "quickie" kidnappings, in which assailants take a hostage for a limited period of time simply to withdraw large sums of cash from the victim's bank accounts.
PHONE
Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Fire: 193
U.S. Embassy: 321-7272
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Focus On Brasilia
SEPTEMBER: The Plano Piloto (planned city), Brasilia's central business and commercial district, is generally safe during the day. The sidewalks are not as busy as in other large Brazilian cities - the distances between most buildings are so great that few people walk. Pedestrians should avoid deserted areas, always walk in groups, and be alert at all times.
Violent and petty crimes are a concern in Brazil. Travelers unfamiliar with the country should hire a car with a trusted local driver, rather than venturing out in rural areas on their own. Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as flashy jewelry, watches or cameras. Keep documents, valuables in hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of passport. Ignore approaches by strangers, offers to exchange money at an advantageous rate, provide special taxi or chauffeur services or city tours. Report crimes to the embassy. If staying for more than a week or two, inform embassy of your local address.
The Brazilian government has earmarked $1.7 billion to combat crime. Federal police will receive 2,000 extra personnel. The army gets an expanded role in controlling drug traffic along the borders with Bolivia, Colombia and Peru, and arms traffic along borders with Argentina and Paraguay. State governments will receive money to train and equip their police forces. New prisons will be constructed, modern criminal investigation units implemented. Police will conduct random weapons searches; the licensing of guns (meaning delivery, not sale) is banned for six months. Congress is pushing legislation to ban gun possession by all but police, military or private security.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Fire: 193
Embassies:
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Focus On Brussels
JULY: Brussels is one of the safest cities in Europe. However, as in almost any city this size, petty theft is a problem. Travelers should be especially vigilant at crowded tourist attractions and when using the Metro system; pickpockets frequent De Brouckere and Rogier stations. At night, take common sense precautions and steer clear of the Botanical Gardens and the Westward Arc between Midi and North train stations. Report crime in the district where it occurs; police are typically successful in recovering stolen property.
Crime is generally property-related and non-violent. Auto theft/break-ins are common; do not leave valuables in automobiles and use parking garages when possible. However, Le Parking Deux Portes and Le Parking 58 garage facilities are notorious for car theft.
Auto theft often occurs at gunpoint in broad daylight, at stop lights, gas stations, and parking lots. Police also report instances of thieves walking up to residences and demanding they hand over their car keys. Luxury cars, especially limousines, are increasingly being hijacked on Belgian highways, according to recent press reports. Police believe an international gang has chosen Belgium because it is a wealthy country with several nearby borders, and also speculate that anti-theft devices are forcing them to steal vehicles while they are running. One of their ruses is to fake a breakdown. A special police unit has been formed to combat carjackings.
In addition, police allege members of the Radical Islamist Movement has been engaging in criminal conspiracy, possession of arms, and passport forgery within the country. On May 31, a team of 80 police officers arrested several suspected members of the Movement in raids in Brussels and two other Belgian cities.
LANGUAGES
Flemish, French, German are the primary languages. English is widely spoken.
ETIQUETTE
Although business people often dress down in the office, take care not to
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Focus On Brussels
MARCH: Brussels is one of the safest cities in Europe, with crime generally property-related and non-violent. However, international crime gangs, violence and other forms of intimidation are on the rise.
A special police unit was formed in January 1998 to combat a wave of car jackings against foreign diplomats and business people. Later government reports noted 190 instances of "home jackings" in the first eight months of 1998, in which robbers broke into a residence in Brussels or one of its suburbs while the home owners were present, locked them into a basement or room, and escaped with the home owner's car.
As in almost any city this size, petty theft is a problem. Travelers should be especially vigilant at crowded tourist attractions and when using the Metro system; pickpockets frequent DeBrouckere and Rogier stations. At night, take common sense precautions and steer clear of the Botanical Gardens and the Westward Arc between Midi and North train stations. Auto theft/break-ins are common. Do not leave valuables in automobiles and use parking garages when possible.
The trial of Marc Dutroux, accused of kidnapping and raping numerous children, has been postponed until at earliest September 2000 due to an ongoing investigation. Dutroux's case, which has highlighted "an inept police force and justice system" and forced the resignation of numerous leaders, continues to enrage the Belgian populace, especially after his short-lived escape last April, blamed on "the laxity of the law enforcement system." Expect more protests, demonstrations and rallies.
PHONE
Emergency: 100.
Ambulance: 112.
Embassies - US: 5082111;
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Focus On Bucharest
OCTOBER: Organized crime is surging in Bucharest. When the U.S. State Department included Romania on its black list of states failing to curb human smuggling, the foreign ministry stressed that the country has taken steps to address the issue and is ready to join the fight against organized crime.
Visitors are rarely affected by organized crime, but petty theft is common, particularly on trains, in railroad stations, and at crowded tourist areas. Dress conservatively, carry small amounts of cash, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry. A money belt is recommended, or divide cash among pockets. Stick to populated areas, remain alert, guard against swarming gypsy children. U.S. passports are a hot commodity on the black market. Store them and all other valuables in hotel safe. Photocopy passport for identification.
Police lack resources to help petty crime victims; if problems do arise, seek help at embassy. The prime minister has called for an investigation of alleged corruption within the police, reportedly stressing that the problem is one of many outstanding issues left unresolved thus far in the transition. He has also warned that companies failing to correct improprieties could be considered illegitimate and removed from the Trade Registrar, and is reportedly planning to instruct the Financial Guard and Police to conduct inspections and take measures against bogus firms.
Avoid political protests. Do not photograph military installations, bridges, industrial plants. Phones may be tapped at locally-owned hotels.
Check with embassy about local security conditions before departing for any regional travel. Roads are poorly maintained; 70 percent are in disrepair and potholes are very common. Newer international trains are efficient; purchase first class tickets in advance.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 955.
Ambulance/emergency: 961
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Focus On Buenos Aires
FEBRUARY: Although Buenos Aires is considered one of South America's safer large cities, the U.S. Department of State has urged those considering travel to Argentina, and those already in the country, to monitor media reports for developing situations in light of the current economic crisis. Public security conditions remain fluid. Sporadic demonstrations or riots could pose a risk to bystanders.
Public disorder may affect banking, public transportation and medical services. A national health emergency already has been declared because of a shortage of basic medicine and hospital equipment. In addition, local government economic regulations and local automatic teller machine (ATM) cash shortages may limit access to funds. Tensions have been exacerbated by an extended bank holiday and a decision by the country's central bank to continue a partial ban on banking transactions indefinitely, dashing hopes that caps on cash withdrawals would be eased soon.
Incidents of petty crime have risen although by Latin American standards, crime is moderate. Take normal precautions when traveling around the city. Keep wallets in a front pocket, purses close to body; stay in busy, well-lit areas; dress conservatively; do not wear flashy jewlery or watches in public.
For those planning domestic travel, intra-Argentine and shorter South American flights leave from Jorge Newberry Airport. Intercity buses are a convenient means of traveling throughout the country; they are modern, inexpensive and generally considered safe. In Patagonia, hired cabs with driver are often cheaper than rental cars.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 101.
Fire: 107.
Embassies: US: 5777-4533
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Focus On Buenos Aires
JANUARY: Though moderate by Latin American standards, petty crime has increased with unemployment. Credit card fraud is frequent. So are "help the traveler" scams, especially at the airport: one swindler creates a distraction, another picks your pocket. Carry a copy of your passport; leave the original, money and valuables in the hotel safe. Dress simply, avoid flashing jewelry, watches and cameras.
Rental cars are available but driving conditions are difficult. Don't stop on highways at the scenes of accidents or breakdowns; thieves often stage them to rob passing motorists. Intercity buses are a good alternative; they are modern, inexpensive and generally safe. In Patagonia, hired cabs with drivers are often cheaper than rental cars.
There has been a wave of violence and threats marking the 20th anniversary of the overthrow of Isabel Peron's government. Foreigners are not likely to be targeted, but should avoid demonstrations or large gatherings as they may become violent.
Police have increased security at Jewish sites due to fears of Muslim extremists responding to conflicts in the Middle East. Measures are focused on preventing attacks similar to the bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish Center in 1994 and the Israeli Embassy in 1992.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 101.
Fire: 107.
US Embassy: 777-4533.
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Focus On Cape Town
JUNE: Although downtown Cape Town is relatively safe during business hours, visitors should avoid the area entirely at other times. Crime is a serious problem in South Africa, largely because of a three-year moratorium on police recruitment. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Agency plan to open offices in the country to help fight crime. There was a slight decrease in most crimes in 1996; murders fell to 61.1 per 100,000 of population and carjacking dropped 18 percent. But the rate of burglaries went unchanged and rapes increased to 119.5 per 100,000.
Use taxi service prearranged through hotels rather than hailing cabs on the street or from the ranks. Violent clashes occur between taxi companies vying for profitable routes; in the past two years, more than 540 passengers and drivers have been killed. In addition, many taxi owners skimp on safety features and repairs, and there is a high accident rate. In 1995, taxis were involved in 67,000 accidents, killing some 1,000 people. It is best to arrange for daytime arrival to minimize the risk driving between the airport and hotel.
Fraud is also rampant. Sixty-six percent of the companies operating in South Africa reported some form of fraud in a survey conducted by KPMG last year. Product theft (false representation, extortion, blackmail, bribes, false invoices and credit card misuse) accounted for 57 percent of the cases.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Mean Time +2 hours.
THEFT
Never leave valuables unattended; use the hotel safe. Theft from hotel rooms is a problem.
PHONE NUMBERS
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Focus On Caracas
MAY: Try to arrange for day or early evening arrivals and departures - the road from the airport to Caracas is a winding, congested mountain highway, frequented by criminals. Arrange to be met at the airport. If a taxi must be used, negotiate the fare in advance. It will cost about 9,500 bolivars, depending on your destination. To avoid haggling, purchase prepaid coupons from taxi booths.
The main tourist and business areas of Caracas are relatively safe for walking during the daytime but pickpockets and grab artists work all areas of the city. Dress simply and leave valuables and excess cash in your hotel safe. Avoid walking around at night, especially alone; there have been frequent reports of muggings.
Avoid all protests, which occur frequently at university campuses.
Street cabs are unreliable but the high crime rate on public buses and minivans makes them the best method of transportation. Best option: use hotel taxis and retain them for return trips.
For regional travel, a rental car with a trusted driver is recommended. Buses and mini-buses are safe and clean. Avoid driving on your own in remote areas, especially the states along the Colombian border. Consult the embassy if visiting Zulia, Tachira, Apure or Amazonas and hire a local driver.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 169.
Ambulance: 165
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Focus On Chengdu
Not familiar with Sichuan’s capital? You will be soon. Its giant pandas are being joined by giant corporations and even bigger plans.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
The home of fiery food and giant pandas, Chengdu has become one of the most important economic centers and communication hubs in Southwestern China. In the 2007 Public Appraisal for Best Chinese Cities for Investment, this capital of the Sichuan province was ranked among the country’s top 10 cities out of a total of 280.
Over the past few years, Chengdu’s economy has flourished. The main industries in Chengdu are food, medicine, machinery and information technology. They are supported by several large local corporations, such as Chengdu Sugar and Wine Co. Ltd., Chengdu Food Group, Sichuan Medicine Co. Ltd., Chengdu Automobile Co. Ltd.
High-tech enterprises from outside Chengdu have already moved in. The Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone has attracted a variety of multinationals. At least 30 Fortune 500 companies are represented there including Intel, IBM, NOKIA, Motorola, SAP, Siemens, Canon, HP, Xerox, Tieto and Wipro as well as domestic powerhouse Lenovo. In 2009, Chengdu hosted the World Cyber Games Grand Final. It was the first time China had hosted the world’s largest computer and video game festival.
The National Development and Reform Commission has formally approved Chengdu’s proposal for a national bio-industry base. Further, China’s aviation industries have begun construction of a high-tech industrial park in the city that will feature space and aviation technology. The local government also plans to attract overseas and domestic companies for service outsourcing.
Chengdu is now working towards being the financial hub for the Western People’s Republic of China and has successfully attracted major international institutions such as Citigroup, HSBC, ABN AMRO and BNP Paribas. In addition, People’s Bank of China (China’s central bank) has located its southwest China headquarters here.
Because of these business interests located in Chengdu, its Shuangliu International Airport is the busiest airport in Central and Western China with a total of more than 17 million passengers in 2008. Air China, Cathay Pacific, Asiana, Thai, KLM, China Airlines and Shanghai are among the 27 airlines flying into Chengdu. By the end of 2009, the airport will have a second runway, capable of landing an Airbus 380. By 2015, it is expected to be able to accommodate 40 million passengers.
Business travelers to Chengdu have a choice of several excellent hotels. Listed and evaluated by some of their guests, they include The Shangri-La, “The best in town;” The BuddhaZen, a “great hotel ... somewhat off the main path;” Jin Jiang Hotel, “I would not stay anywhere else;”the Sheraton Lido Chengdu, “neat, clean and central;” Tibet Hotel Chengdu (the only five star traveler-rated hotel), “truly unbelievable value for the money;” and the Holiday Inn Express, “good value, nice and modern.”
At the Sixth China Exhibition Fortune Forum and Award Presentation Ceremony in 2008, Chengdu was rated as one of China’s top 10 MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination cities and was awarded five prizes, including the Best MICE City Management Award. Primarily, the award was based upon improvements to the support facilities of the New Chengdu International Exhibition and Convention Center and the construction of a related ocean park, opera house and shopping centers. Also cited: the spirit of cooperation that earmarked construction of large-scale meeting facilities within a group of hotels and featuring them as a first choice for high-end conventions while promoting the interactive development of meetings, tourism, and hotels, plus the integration of the meeting facilities of five- and four-star hotels, and featuring five large meeting venues with capacities of 500 to 1,000 people.
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Focus On Costa Rica
APRIL: Crime is increasing throughout Costa Rica, specifically in San Jose. The city is safe during the day but pickpocketing, muggings, car break-ins and thefts are common. Carjackings and kidnappings are on the rise and many of the victims have been foreigners. Car theft is also a problem. When renting vehicles, purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance. Vehicles should not be left unattended and items should be removed from inside.
Armed robbery is a concern on rural roads, don't stop unless absolutely necessary. The beach areas of Limon, Guanacaste and Puntarenas are reasonably safe during the day. But do not leave valuables in cars, especially if parked near the beach. In general, avoid beaches at night, although some hotel beaches are safe.
Police do not always have the resources to help petty crime victims; contact embassy for assistance. In addition, police often stop rental cars and demand bribes; drivers should insist on speaking to a police supervisor or consulate.
Keep valuables out of sight, dress conservatively, and always travel within groups. For nighttime excursions, arrange for transportation through your hotel. Muggers as well as petty thieves will be roaming the streets. At night avoid the city center, the main market, the Coca Cola bus station, and the barrios of Duba, Christo Rey, Mexico, 15 de Setiembre and Leon XIII.
On Feb. 27, an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale shook several towns in southern Costa Rica. There was no report of injuries or significant damages.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency 117; Fire 118.
Embassies U.S. 220-3050; Canada 255-3522
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Focus On Damascus
NOVEMBER: Crime is not a serious concern for travelers to Damascus, the capital of Syria, but petty theft is increasing in the downtown area. Visitors who keep an eye on wallets, purses and bags should not encounter trouble. Report crimes to the embassy; police are unlikely to speak English. Security forces are highly visible and may ask travelers to show identification. Avoid photographing military installations and police, as well as local women.
Non-Muslims traveling to Syria should be respectful of local customs. Dress conservatively, including arrival attire. Exercise moderation with alcohol. Remove shoes before entering mosques. Never show the soles of the feet. Always use right hand for offering or accepting items. Avoid discussions of religion, politics and local women.
Among several banking and finance reforms is the establishment of a new state company that will exchange foreign currency at black market rates (currently, SP47 to the dollar). It is expected to operate at the 46 branches of the Syrian Commercial Bank.
Driving in Syria requires great caution. Visitors to Damascus generally do not rent cars, but those who do should hire an experienced local driver. Although locals often offer rides, using private cars with unknown drivers is not recommended. Traffic conditions are difficult, and cars are not always well-maintained. Drivers generally follow traffic signs and signals, but often disregard lane markings and vehicles behind them. On the other hand, public transit is not recommended. The buses are slow and uncomfortable, and the routes are confusing. In addition, petty theft is common.
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Embassy: 333-2814/ 0788/0783/3232.
Canada (in Jordan): 962-6-666-124.
IMMIGRATION
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Focus On Dar es Salaam
FEBRUARY: Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and serves as the country's administrative and business center. Spurred by an increase in foreign investment, modern buildings are increasingly found interspersed among its markets, street vendors and stalls. The growth of new hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities has been accompanied by an increase in crime, frequently directed at foreigners. The problems range from petty theft on the streets, public beaches and on local transportation to more serious incidents of rape, carjacking and violent theft. Many streets in the center of Dar es Salaam are havens for petty criminals, muggers and purse snatchers. Local police often prove ineffective in such situations; travelers should contact the embassy for assistance.
As with travel to all African countries, travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance and consult a physician about proper inoculations prior to departure. Malaria is a serious concern; take prophylactics and use repellent. There are numerous reports of meningococcal meningitis and periodic outbreaks of cholera and typhoid. Travelers must show a Yellow Fever Certificate if arriving from an infected area and when visiting Zanzibar.
Train service between Dar es Salaam and other major centers is reliable and safe, yet slow. Avoid traveling by bus as there are frequent head-on collisions. Travel by land may be difficult during the March-May rainy season. Air Tanzania planes are unsafe. However, they do offer flights in alliance with other more reliable carriers. If traveling to Zanzibar, fly or take the hydrofoil, which is faster and safer than a ferry.
PHONE
Emergency: 999;
Police 2166.
Embassies: US - 66010/3;
Canada- 46000/9.
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Focus On Dar Es Salaam
JUNE: Spurred by an increase in foreign investment, modern buildings, new hotels, restaurant, and tourist facilities are increasingly found interspersed among markets, street vendors and stalls in Dar Es Salaam. That has been accompanied by an increase in crime, frequently directed at foreigners. The problems range from petty theft on the streets, public beaches, and on local transportation to more serious incidents of rape, car jacking and violent theft. The local police are often ineffective; contact the embassy for assistance instead. Nevertheless, travel remains generally safe with relative social and political stability.
At the airport, lock all checked baggage and keep an eye on carry-on bags. There is a departure tax of US$20 (cash only), payable when purchasing ticket, or upon departure. It is advisable to have the exact amount. By taxi, the airport is about 15 minutes from the city center, up to 45 minutes during rush hour. Negotiate fare in advance; standard is TSh 7000.
Public transportation is limited. "Matatus" (mini-buses) are readily available and cheap, but overcrowded and drivers are not careful or reliable. Rental cars are available at the airport but it is expensive; driving is dangerous due to bad roads, excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, and widespread lack of basic safety equipment.
Train service between Dar Es Salaam and other major centers is slow but reliable and safe for regional travel. Air Tanzania planes are unsafe, however, they do offer flights in alliance with other more reliable carriers. If bus travel is unavoidable, pay more for a "luxury" bus.
PHONE
Emergency: 999.
Police: 21266.
U.S. Embassy: 66010/3.
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Focus On Delhi
by Carol Ann Bakeman
December, 2005: New Delhi, also known simply as Delhi, is the capital of modern India and has been the capital of seven empires over the centuries. The city has an estimated population of 10 million inhabitants; the entire metropolitan region, with its suburbs, is estimated at 23 million. Today’s New Delhi reflects the influence of the British in its architecture and wide avenues; this is where the government buildings and foreign embassies are found. The older part, Delhi, reflects the monuments left by the Muslim Moghul emperors with their many forts, mosques and palaces.
Economically, New Delhi is one of the most affluent urban areas in India and has a high rate of information technology, life-sciences and telecommunications companies. It is also headquarters for GAP Inc. and Pepsico in India. English and Hindi are the official languages of India, but because many other languages are spoken throughout India, English is the primary means of communication when conducting business.
A multiple entry visa good for five to 10 years is available for a non-refundable $150.00 fee. An invitation from a joint venture partner in India requesting the visa is required, as well as a business letter on your company letterhead, signed by an officer of the company. The letter must state the nature of the business to be performed, the name of the business references to be visited, and the desired length of the visa (6 mos., 1-5-10 years). Proof of financial support for the visit and return transportation should be included. It should be addressed to Indian Consulate General, Visa Section, San Francisco.
For a brief visit, a tourist visa should suffice.
Business appointments should be made at least a couple of months in advance and then reconfirmed a few days prior to the date. Indians appreciate punctuality, but may be somewhat casual about keeping a time commitment. Meetings with government officials might be rescheduled or you may be kept waiting for several hours. Leave your contact information with the person’s secretary so that you can be reached if arrangements need to be changed.
In most business organizations, the fiscal year is from April to March, so avoid making appointments during the busy yearend. Because India celebrates many holidays and culturally diverse festivals, it is best to check with the Indian Tourism Department to avoid conflicts in scheduling. The American Embassy in New Delhi includes in its list: Idu’Z Zuha (Bakrid) on Jan. 11; Republic Day on Jan 26; Holi on March 15; Ram Navami on April 6; Raksha Bandhan on Aug. 9; Janmashtami on Aug. 16; Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on Oct. 2; and Idu’l Fitr on Oct. 25.
Seniority, age and authority are highly respected in India. When making appointments, always try to meet with the most senior person possible. If you are representing a well-known global company, it should not be difficult to get appointments. If you are from a lesser-known company, it may help to get some intermediary assistance or even an Indian liaison.
Among urban and westernized Indians, handshaking among men is appropriate, but the most traditional form of greeting is performed by holding your palms together as though praying and uttering “Namaste,” (nah-mas-tay) with a slight bow. Bring plenty of business cards as they are exchanged freely. They need only to be printed in English.
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Focus On Dhaka
FEBRUARY: Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has a population of nearly 8 million. Most hotels, offices, and sites of interest to business travelers are located in the city's financial district. Although the nation has relatively low crime rates, it is growing in Dhaka. Incidents with weapons are on the rise although foreigners rarely are targeted. Along the river front, shops and bazaars attract large crowds. Visitors should guard against petty street crime such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. In December, police reported that there are more than 100 snatching incidents a day.
Public protests and demonstrations are common, especially on university campuses, and often turn violent. General strikes have become a major tool of the political opposition and frequently result in violent clashes. Although multinational employees are not directly targeted during the demonstrations, visitors should avoid them.
In general, public transport is not safe. Self-driving is also difficult in the chaotic traffic. Should an accident occur while driving a car, it is safest to leave the vehicle and seek refuge at the nearest police station, consulate or embassy.
Travel to rural areas, especially border towns, should be avoided. The county's road network is marginal. The state-owned Biman Bangladesh domestic airline regularly overbooks and cancels tickets and flights without notice. Travelers should confirm reservations in advance. Trains are often delayed and are known to be targets for bandits. Buses and trains have been stormed and fire-bombed by political protesters.
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Embassy 884-700; Canada, 883-639. (Domestic telephone service is poor.)
ZIA AIRPORT
Security is lax, and luggage is regularly stolen. Do not leave belongings unattended.
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Focus On Dubai
JUNE: Dubai, a city based on trade and all-out capitalism, is notably safe. Separated by the Creek into two cities, Deira and Dubai, it is a relatively modern and easy-going atmosphere.
All of the emirates, but Dubai especially, are relaxed when it comes to enforcement of Islamic strictures. The importation of pornography and liquor is strictly prohibited. While alcohol is legal in Dubai, visitors should drink only in moderation and always dress modestly to show respect for Muslim mores. Never show the soles of the feet. Always use your right hand to give or accept items. Do not show affection in public. Ask permission before photographing locals or mosques.
In general, banking hours are 8am to 1pm Saturday through Thursday. Some banks open again in the evenings from 4 to 6 or 7pm, and some banks close at noon on Thursday. Shopping hours are Saturday through Wednesday, from 8am to1pm, resuming again at 3:30 or 4 until 6 or 7pm. Bargaining is common for goods and services. Credit cards are widely accepted, and travelers’ checks are accepted in most hotels and in major stores.
Crime of any kind, even petty theft, is rare. Visitors can feel safe walking around downtown even late into the night. Police officers can usually speak English. However, the U.S. Department of State has warned of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, and in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula in particular. Travelers should exercise caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.
Foreigners applying for entrance visas to the UAE must pay a deposit as a pre-requisite for obtaining the permit, equal to the value of a return air ticket to the visitor’s home country.
EMBASSY PHONES
Emergency: 999 U.S. Consulate: 313-115.
TIME ZONE
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Focus On Dubai
“From Pearls to Petroleum” is often used to describe the rise of Dubai from a backward community of pearl divers to a dazzling city of fabulous hotels, high rise office buildings and neatly laid out homes. It is a fascinating story.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
There is evidence of human settlement in the area that now constitutes Dubai from around 8000 BC, but little is known about the occupants. The history begins around the 17th century when the Portuguese occupied the area, followed by the French, the Dutch and ultimately the British. During these centuries, the people of Dubai made a living by pearling and through a small amount of trade with India and the rest of the Gulf.
Things changed drastically when 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe settled in Dubai in 1833 and turned it from a village into a small town. In 1894, it was declared a tax-free port. Unfortunately, Kokichi Mikimoto patented a pearl cultivation process in 1896. In 1899 he opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Eventually, in 1930, Dubai’s pearl trade collapsed.
The port became the next stepping stone to Dubai’s growth from 800 to 10,000 inhabitants. When Dubai Creek was dredged to enable larger trading vessels to enter. As the years progressed, Dubai became the main trading hub of the lower Gulf. In the past 40 years, Dubai has progressed from a town without power or water to a modern urban area with 1.5 million inhabitants, 85 percent of them expatriates. (Emirati, for the most part, don’t do manual labor so the functions of the hospitality industry and other basic services must be carried out by imported labor.)
In 1971, Dubai joined the United Arab Emirates and for the next 19 years Sheikh Rashid acted as vice-president and prime minister of the federation as well as the leader of Dubai. Upon Sheikh Rashid’s death, his son Sheikh Maktoum and his brother Crown Prince Mohamed have diligently worked to make Dubai an astoundingly progressive city.
Although Dubai’s economy was built on the oil industry, revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for less than 6 percent of the emirate’s revenues. Dubai’s oil reserves are expected to be exhausted in 20 years. Nowadays, real estate and construction, trade and financial services are the largest contributors to Dubai’s economy.
Someday soon pearls may once again be economically important as well. The establishment, in 2007, of the Dubai Pearl Exchange as a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre is expected to restore Dubai’s historic status as pearl center.
“Dubai has played a key role in times past as a pearling center. It’s interesting to note that today the city has once again positioned itself as the ideal location and the Dubai Pearl Exchange as the ideal platform to develop a strategic plan promoting the interests of the global pearl industry,” says Tawfiq Abdullah, chairman of Damas Jewellery.
Even Mikimoto is enthusiastic, expecting that it will help promote and sustain the development of new markets, new knowledge and ultimately new sales in these challenging times: “We are happy to be associated with a leading name such as Damas which has always played a leading role in several initiatives in the region and we are confident that our partnership will continue to return strong sales performance.”
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Focus On Dublin
Getting around Dublin is a matter of many acceptable options. Public transportation is good, taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, and the city is very walkable. Public transportation offers several alternatives.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
Dublin Bus operates a fleet of green double-deckers, single-deckers and minibuses (called “imps”). Bus stops, identified by big blue or green circles, are located every few blocks on the main streets. You can determine where the bus is going by looking at the street and bus number above its front window.
Dublin does not have a subway, but it does have an electric rapid-transit train known as DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). It runs mostly at ground level, but also on elevated tracks and links the city-center with the suburbs.
The newest addition to Dublin’s public transportation network is a light-rail tram known as LUAS. First opened in the summer of 2004, “LUAS” translated into English means “speed.” With trams traveling at a maximum speed of 45 mph and departing every five minutes in peak hours, LUAS has made at least a small impact on Dublin’s terrible traffic congestion. There is a 5-minute interval between each tram at peak times and up to 15 minutes during off peak times.
And of course, taxis are a reliable source of “getting around.” It’s very difficult to hail a taxi on the street. They line up at taxi “ranks” outside major hotels, at bus and train stations, and on major streets. Taxi rates are fixed by law and posted in each vehicle. Rates are higher at night and there is an additional charge if you order a cab by phone. At some hotels, staff members will tack on as much as $5 for calling you a cab, although this practice violates city taxi regulations. Ask if you’ll be charged before you request a taxi.
Dead center in the city, on the south side of the River Liffey, is the Trinity College Area. Radiating out from there are the neighborhoods of Dublin, each with its own unique character.
Temple Bar: Located between Trinity College and the Old City, Temple Bar is Dublin’s party-time place with lots of bars, discos, and pubs. Not recommended for a quiet night’s sleep.
Old City: Dating from Viking and medieval times, this area contains Dublin Castle, the remnants of the city’s original walls, Christ Church and St. Patrick’s cathedrals.
For the business traveler, according to Frommer’s, these three areas — Trinity College, Temple Bar and Old City — are probably best served by the highly rated but expensive Clarence Hotel. Although owned by U2’s Bono since 1992, it is not a “rock star hangout.” The Clarence is business-friendly, with big, well-lighted desks and interactive TV/DVD/broadband. The elegant Tea Room restaurant is known for its contemporary Irish cuisine. The Study has the feel of an old style gentlemen’s club where you can relax and read the papers.
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Focus On Dublin
September: Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is the home of the largest university in the nation, Trinity College. Consequently, the city is heavily populated with young people. Although small in contrast to major U.S. cities, Dublin is starting to face many of the same problems, in particular a housing shortage, due to immigrants seeking the benefits of a growing economy.
While Dublin has the highest crime rate in Ireland, it is still comparatively low. Much of it is brought on by unemployment and drugs; drug-related crime accounts for 66 percent of all offenses. The areas of Tallaght, Summerhill, Clondalkin, Ballyformat and northern Ballymon should be avoided if possible, as a result of higher crime threats. Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and also use caution around midnight, when bars close. Women should take extra care; sexual assaults have been on the rise in the past few years.
The police have also been actively involved in anti-terrorism measures since Sept. 11, 2001. They uncovered an alleged terrorist training camp used by the radical breakaway republican organization known as the Continuity IRA on Aug. 3, approximately 150 miles southwest of Dublin. Ten men were arrested in connection with the camp. The police believe the discovery is significant and will continue the investigation.
Much of Irish social life takes place in bars, where a favorite drink is the famous black Guinness beer, known as stout. Women should exercise additional caution if drinking in pubs as several incidents involving women having their drinks spiked with drugs have occurred in recent months.
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Focus On Dublin
May: Dublin's crime rate is significantly higher than other cities in Ireland. Petty theft is widespread, and pilferage is common even in restaurants and pubs. Travelers should exercise special caution near tourist attractions, where pickpockets and purse-snatchers target travelers. Avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry/watches, and use money belts. Auto theft and break-ins of parked cars are also common; avoid leaving valuables in vehicles. At night, stick to well-trafficked areas, and avoid the Northside area of the city.
Ireland's main opposition party, Fine Gael, proposed legislation on April 1 designed to crack down on corruption. The party says it is reacting to public indignation over scandals in recent years involving bribery and financial malpractice. This is the first bill dealing with corruption since 1916. The current code has been used to convict only one person in the past 13 years. Commerce Minister Noel Treacy unveiled legal measures on March 22 aimed at cracking down on foreign companies using Ireland as a base for fraudulent activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. The local media has estimated that 40,000 Irish-registered shell companies exist.
Irish exports to the United States are booming. According to Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, the country's sales to the U.S. surged to $8.54 billion in 1998 and should grow another 50 percent this year. He has noted that exports from Irish-owned information technology firms are expected to grow from $300 million in 1997 to more than $1.4 billion by 2001. There are now more than 100 Irish companies with offices in the U.S.; most of them were established after 1995.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Local police: 677-1156.
Emergency: 999.
Embassies -
U.S.: 668-8777.
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Focus On Edinburgh
Edinburgh (pronounced “Edinburra”) is Scotland’s second largest city and its capital. It is located on the east coast of the lowlands just north of the area known as the Borders.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
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Focus On Guadalajara
November: Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara, is renowned as the “most Mexican” of cities. The city’s friendly business climate has become home to many high tech and other multinational companies. Thus it has one of the largest colonies of foreigners (mostly U.S. and Canadian) of any city in the world.
With a combination of rich history and architecture, Guadalajara invested in preserving its old downtown during the 1980s. The urban-renewal plan created Plaza Tapatia — acres of shops, restaurants and offices beside fountain-studded malls — incorporating theaters, churches, museums and government buildings in a single grand open space. The five plazas that culminate in the Plaza Tapatia are bordered by the Mercado Libertad, the largest covered market in Latin America.
Formal business discussions typically are limited to meetings in the office. The long lunches and dinners often held in the name of business are primarily for relationship building; do not discuss business over meals unless a Mexican host raises the topic. Most Mexican business meals include alcoholic beverages; it is considered polite to accept a drink with your host.
Punctuality is not expected for most gatherings. This can be confirmed by inquiring whether the scheduled time will be “la hora Mexicana,” which is generally at least 15 minutes later than the allotted time, or “la hora Americana,” which means on time.
Handshakes are the customary greeting among men; women often pat each other on the forearm or shoulder. Men should wait for Mexican women to extend their hands. The use of titles is very important; use of first names is proper only among friends.
Secretaries do expect gifts, a businessman giving a gift to a female secretary should say his wife sent the gift.
Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International Airport (GDL) is 12 miles southeast of Guadalajara, a 35 minute drive into the city. Taxis and buses meet passengers outside the terminal. Make sure the taxi meters are on before departing. Buses provide service about every hour.
The airport has one terminal, with three banks, a post office, three cash machines, a currency exchange, a restaurant and some shops. Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar are all represented. There also is a small lounge that can be used for meetings. Mexicana Airlines has a lounge equipped with fax facilities; Air Mexico’s lounge offers fax and long distance telephone facilities.
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Focus On Guangzhou
October: The Western world once knew this city as Canton, but it also holds three legendary nicknames: Huacheng (the flower city), Yangcheng (the goat city), and Suicheng (the rice-ear city). However, the official name of the capital of the Guangdong Province is Guangzhou.
Located in southern China, Guangzhou sits on the mouth of the Pearl River, with access to Huangpu Harbor. So situated, it is the largest and most prosperous trading city in the region, and a center for political, economic, educational, cultural, scientific and technological activity. Guangzhou has two famous obsessions: eating and business. Very often the two are combined and create a social occasion. The city is solidly geared to business rather than tourism, making commerce its lifeblood.
The city can be overwhelming for travelers. Representing modern China, the city is filled with relentless chaos and horrendous traffic and pollution. In contrast to northern China, Guangzhou never slows down. Due to the constant trading and business, its citizens have become accustomed to travelers and are pleasantly indifferent to foreign faces.
Guangzhou is expensive compared with some parts of China, but is considerably cheaper than Hong Kong.
There are two major train stations. Guangzhou Train Station is the largest and busiest one in the southeast part of China, servicing an express railroad between Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Guangzhou East Train Station services the majority of the central and eastern traffic, including an express train from Kowloon.
The highway network around Guangzhou has been well developed en route to other cities. The city has very good roundabouts and elevated ring roads so traffic jams, though becoming more common, are largely limited to rush hours. The city as a whole is compact and easy to navigate. With a fair sense of direction, it’s possible to make your way around on foot, taking available back lanes.
Safety is not a great problem in Guangzhou. Foreigners are seldom the target of organized crime, but can become victim of small crimes. A new airport, Baiyun International, is due to open in June 2004. Located some 22 kilometers from the current airport, construction is on schedule for completion this fall, followed by six months of testing before the grand opening.
LANGUAGE
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Focus On Guatemala City
MAY: Violent crime is a serious concern in Guatemala. The number of police officers assigned to rural provinces is being doubled in an effort to stem criminal activity by the country's highly organized highway bandits. Military troops have begun to patrol the streets of Guatemala City in conjunction with civilian security forces, in an effort to combat crime. Officials from the national tourism agency have announced that they will more readily distribute safety information to tourists arriving in the county.
The increase in crime continues despite a peace treaty signed last year by the government and most of the revolutionary groups to end the Guatemalan Revolution. Recent studies indicate that the nation's murder rate is more than 40 per 100,000 people per year, twice that of the U.S. Street crime is on the rise; it is estimated that one person is kidnaped every 40 hours. Carjackings, armed robberies and petty theft remain problems due to high poverty and more crime gangs. Thieves are invariably armed and will use deadly force against people who resist.
Take precautions against petty theft, which is particularly high in tourist areas. Taxis are the best way to travel in the city; arrange to be picked up through your hotel. Consult the embassy before traveling in rural areas. Travelers generally should not venture into the country by themselves; hire a car and local driver, and whenever possible, fly to the destinations. Visitors should keep bags and purses in front of their bodies and carry wallets in their front pocket.
PHONE
Ambulance: 128.
Police: 120.
U.S. Embassy: 311-541.
PASSPORTS
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Focus On Hanoi
JULY: Hanoi, which celebrates its 990th anniversary in October, has a lower crime rate than Ho Chi Minh City, in the south. Most crime that affects visitors is nonviolent, such as petty theft and pickpocketing. It usually occurs on main streets, near major hotels, from cars, and in tourist areas, and may be carried out by children and adults working together. Visitors are sometimes victims of drive-by purse snatchings by thieves on motorcycles. Travelers who use common sense and take basic safety precautions should not expect significant problems.
Drug use and drug-related crime has grown in recent years with changing economic and social conditions. Authorities and international child welfare organizations are concerned about the increasing use of children in organized begging, drug dealing and pimping. Most are street children who have been sold to the gangs; others have been rented out by poor rural families. The problem is most pervasive in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A Vietnamese-Canadian woman was executed in April for drug smuggling despite the possibility she'd been duped into transporting artwork stuffed with heroin.
Regional travel is relatively safe during the day between cities. But avoid rural and border areas, military zones or other sensitive areas. It is common to be stopped by local police seeking bribes at illegal "control stations" on the north-south main road at night. Use a chauffeured car with trusted local driver arranged through hotel. Buses are often crowded and frequently break down; minibuses are more expensive, faster, more comfortable. Train service is extremely slow, and passengers are often targets for stone-throwing vandals.
PHONE NUMBERS
Embassies: US - 843-1500; Canada - 826-5840.
Intl. Hospital: 5740 740.
Emergency: 011
(have hotel make call).
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Focus On Havana
APRIL: Only two U.S. firms currently arrange charter service to Cuba, averaging between 8 to 10 flights per week. Two more have been licensed by U.S. officials to begin service. Other measures to ease U.S. policy towards the island nation have also been announced, including establishment of a direct mail service and allowing the sale of U.S. food and agricultural supplies to non-government recipients.
Transportation within Havana can be difficult. Walking is the best way to get around most parts of the city, but avoid walking alone after dark. Tourist Taxis are reliable for longer trips within the city.
Telephone service is poor. In late February, Cuba's telephone company carried out its threat to cut telecommunications services to the United States because of lack of payments by certain U.S. phone companies. People attempting to make calls from the island using those long distance services received a recorded message saying lines were congested. Calls routed through a third country went through.
Havana is generally safe although there are frequent reports of street crime, especially petty theft from international travelers. It's notably high in the district of Varadero and on the Malecon. Also avoid the RedZone (streets 4 to 20), and any noticeably run-down parts of the city. Hustlers offering goods and services, or simply asking for money, are aggressive and persistent; ignore all offers or solicitations. The government claims that crime in Old Havana has declined 25 percent in recent months as a result of increased police patrols. Parliament has revised the country's penal code, increasing maximum prison sentences.
USEFUL NUMBERS
U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy: 33-3550 through 33-3559. Canadian Embassy: 33-2516.
ENTRY
U.S. citizens must obtain a special license to travel to Cuba, as well as carry visa and passport.
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Focus On Ho Chi Mihn City
January 2006 – Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC - formerly, and still affectionately, known as Saigon) is located in the south of Vietnam on a large bend in the Saigon River. Saigon became the capital of the French colony of Coinchina, the southern portion of modern-day Vietnam. The French influence on architecture and the city’s layout are still visible today.
In 1954, following the struggle against the French, Vietnam was divided into North and South. Saigon became the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam. North Vietnam almost immediately tried to gain control of the south. The USA subsequently stepped in to prevent a Communist takeover, but in 1975, pulled out of Saigon and what the Vietnamese call the “American War” came to an end.
The Communist government, which took control in 1975, clamped down on the entrepreneurial instincts of the Saigonese. The city was in an economic depression until the 1990s but in 1986, the government introduced “doi moi,” the Vietnamese equivalent of “perestroika.” It eased controls and allowed the people to run their own businesses. Today, Ho Chi Minh City, with a population of just under five million, is the economic center of Vietnam, its largest city and a major port. Tourism also plays a major role in earning hard currency for the government and its weather makes it a year-round destination.
The Vietnamese language is kinh. The most widely spoken foreign languages are Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), English, French and Russian.
Doing business in Ho Chi Minh City requires preparation. Try to learn a few words in Vietnamese. It is also good to know something of the city’s history and its recent economic developments. Research the country and the marketplace and identify the business contacts who would be most meaningful.
It also requires patience. Be prepared to make a long term commitment to the country and to visit it. Business is expected to be done face-to-face. Bring a large supply of business cards; they are always exchanged at the first meeting. Use both hands to present or accept business cards and make an effort to pronounce the person’s name or acknowledge their title. These are good ways to demonstrate you appreciate the opportunity to meet with them.
Vietnamese business people are generally quite formal so protracted niceties are almost inevitable before getting down to business. You will usually be served green tea and something to eat. Failure to drink or eat at least a small amount would be considered impolite.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) derives its airport code from the city’s former name of Saigon. Located approximately four miles from the city, it is the country’s busiest airport with an average of six million passengers a year and is host to more than 20 international airlines. While the airport does not get rave reviews from travelers, it seems to fulfill their basic needs. It is small and overcrowded at times, but the facilities are considered adequate. One of the main complaints is that, depending on your arrival time, customs and immigration can take up to 50 minutes.
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Focus On Indonesia
APRIL: Against a backdrop of devastating economic crisis, tensions are running extremely high across Indonesia. There has been rioting, protests and bomb threats in various parts of the country, particularly in Java. The value of the currency, the rupiah, has fallen almost 75 percent against the U. S. dollar since July 1997, and in January the country's stock market tumbled to its lowest level in four years. Local authorities have maintained order thus far, but visitors to the region should avoid all public demonstrations, monitor the situation carefully and plan travel accordingly.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that it will delay the decision to release the next tranche in the loan package negotiated with the government until at least this month. The reforms President Suharto agreed to in January, under significant pressure from the IMF, require dismantling the financial and political empire he has developed over the past three decades. Since that agreement was reached, students have staged noisy but peaceful protests against Suharto and the government at the University of Indonesia campuses in Jakarta and across the country.
The U.S. Department of State has cautioned American citizens to exercise prudence and common sense and to avoid demonstrations and other situations that could turn violent, and encouraged them to register with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the U. S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 119.
Police: 525-0110.
Ambulance: 118
U.S. Embassy: 344-221.
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Focus On Istanbul
FEBRUARY: Istanbul is safe by world standards. Petty street crime is a moderate concern; pickpockets are active in crowds, but muggings and violent crime are rare. Avoid the Laleli and Aksaray sections and nighttime walks around the Galata tower, in the Fatih district west of the Sulemaniye Mosque, and in the Beyoglu red-light district north of Istiklal Cad. The U.S. Department of Transportation's security unit has forecast attacks on ships by the Kurdistan Workers Party; Istanbul would be at risk.
Atuturk International Airport is 15 miles southwest of the city. A taxi to Taksim Square takes 30-50 minutes, costs US$15; to Aksaray, 30 minutes for US$10. Rates increase after 11 p.m. HAVAS buses to Sishane and Aksaray cost US$2.
Avoid public transport. Buses are very crowded. Ferries cross the Bosphorus between Istanbul's European and Asian sectors for 40 cents, but are included in the DOT alert.
Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey; clashes between Turkish soldiers and Kurdish rebels are common, and about 50 people were killed by unknown assailants in December 1996. Air travel is recommended for those who must travel in the region.
Driving conditions off the main highways and in remote areas are dangerous. Europe-bound trains leave from Istanbul's Sirkeci station; Asia-bound, from Hayarpasa station.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 155.
US Consulate: 251-3602.
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Focus On Jakarta
January: Political instability and social unrest have led to high tensions throughout Indonesia, and sporadic outbreaks of violence, rioting and protests have become commonplace. Demonstrations occur frequently in Jakarta, especially near the Parliament building, National Monument and residences of government leaders. Visitors should monitor the situation carefully and plan travel accordingly. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Crime in Jakarta has increased amid lingering economic and political problems. Thieves, pick-pockets, con-men and illegal money-changers increasingly congregate at the airport. Keep car windows rolled-up, doors locked to guard against snatch-and-run theft in slow traffic. Do not leave valuables in vehicles. Dress conservatively. Watch for grab artists on motorcycles.
The U.S. Department of State's Nov. 23 Travel Warning was preceded by several incidents illustrating tension within the country. Some 50 police officers have been trained to respond to anthrax threats. The Dutch embassy turned over a suspicious letter to the police on Nov. 20; the Australian and British embassies reported anthrax scares earlier in the month. Tests in all cases were negative. The Nov. 23 advisory noted that bombings have struck religious, government and business targets throughout the country.
Nevertheless, the warning was a change from one in late September that discouraged all travel to Indonesia. Despite indications cited in the later advisory that extremist attacks may recur, radicals' threats to "sweep" Americans from Indonesia and intimidation of foreign-looking people have diminished. Embassy and consulate personnel and their families, who had departed earlier, have been authorized to return.
PHONE
Emergency: 119.
Police: 525-0110.
Ambulance: 118 or 334-030.
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Focus On Karachi
AUGUST: The U.S. State Department has warned against travel to Karachi, even en route to other places in Pakistan. The crime rate is high and violent political rallies, strikes and petty theft are common, although foreigners are not specifically targets. Violence between rival branches of the Mohajir National Movement (Urdu initials: MQM) has been increasing recently.
There is a visible military presence on the streets to combat crime. However, the police lack the resources to assist petty crime victims; contact the U.S. Consulate first.
Travelers should register with their respective consulates upon arrival, avoid night-time travel, avoid unnecessary trips around the city either by foot or in a vehicle and avoid all demonstrations and gatherings. Also, vary your routes and times of travel, and report suspected surveillance to the consulate.
Taxis (yellow or black with yellow roof) to the city center from the airport take 25-40 minutes. Most are metered but drivers don't like to use them. Negotiate fare in advance. Tip is expected. Be sure driver loads your luggage, or he may drive off while you're doing it. In the city, taxis can be picked up at stands, hailed on the street or arranged through the hotel concierge. Drivers speak little English: have concierge write out the destination and directions in Urdu.
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Consulate: 568-5170 (after hours: 568-1606).
Ambulance: 243-1010.
Police/Fire: 241-2222.
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Focus On Kiev
JUNE: As in many other Newly Independent States (NIS), travelers to the Ukraine may experience inconveniences when dealing with apathetic authorities and corrupt bureaucracies. Petty crime is on the rise in Kiev, also known as Kyiv. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night. Westerners are often looked upon as extremely rich and naive, and therefore are potential targets of criminal attack. If items are impounded by customs officials at the airport until departure, demand a receipt. On arrival, check into hotel and register passport with police - it's possible that a fee will be charged. Deposit flight tickets, money and passport in a sealed enveloped in hotel safe and, again, obtain detailed receipt.
Avoid traveling outside of Kiev if at all possible. Security conditions in many areas are high-risk and ground transport - including rail and road - is in grave disrepair. If travel outside of the city is necessary, consider flying or hiring a knowledgeable local driver. Self-driving not advised; traffic is heavy, road conditions poor. Avoid Western cars- they are targets for robbers.
Travelers should also expect frequent outbreaks of disease in the regions. Medical facilities and supplies are limited. Bring own medical supplies. Take precautions against cholera, diphtheria and typhoid.
The Ukraine is dealing with strong ethnic tensions - Ukrainians versus Russians - that have not yet erupted into violence. Yet a joint Ukraine-Russian action has apprehend a Ukrainian suspected of involvement in some 10 contract murders. He has been extradited back to the Ukraine, where 10 other alleged members of a criminal gang specializing in contract killings and kidnappings face criminal proceedings.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 02; Fire: 01; Ambulance: 03;
Medical asst.: 296-6668; American Business Center: 219-1168;
Embassies: Canada,
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Focus On Kochi
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
The city is one of the principal seaports of the country. It has an estimated population of 600,000, with an extended metropolitan population of about 1.5 million.
Kochi experienced a period of economic growth beginning in 2000 that has resulted in it becoming a growing center for information technology, tourism and international trade. It is now the commercial hub of Kerala. Like other emerging metropolitan areas in the developing world, Kochi struggles with urban problems such as traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
The economy of the city can be classified as a business economy with emphasis on the service sector. Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology (IT), tourism, health services, banking, shipbuilding and the fishing industry. The economy is mostly dependent on trade and retail activities.
Kochi is a major destination for IT and IT enabled services companies, ranked by NASSCOM as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services. Availability of cheap bandwidth through undersea cables and lower operational costs than other major cities in India has been to its advantage. Various technology and industrial campuses, including the government-promoted InfoPark, operate in the outskirts of the city. It is home to such companies as Wipro and TCS. Work on construction of a larger hi-tech business campus, the Smart City, is expected to start soon. Several new industrial campuses for research, trade and development in biotechnology, electronic hardware and information technology are in various stages of construction in the suburbs of the city.
The nine Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the outskirts of the city, sanctioned in the private sector by the Government of Kerala recently, are expected to further boost the IT investment in the area. These SEZs are to be constructed by firms like ETL Infra Services Ltd, Parsvnath, Unitech, TCG Urban Infra Ltd, Sutherland, Emaar-MGF, MM Techtowers Ltd and Cochin Technoparks Ltd. The Kochi International Trade and Exhibition Centre which is proposed at Kalamasserry, a suburb of Kochi, would rank among the tallest buildings in India, at 100 floors.
The list of major holidays and festivals held in Kochi is long and colorful. Next month, on August 15, India celebrates Independence Day. Kochi’s special take on that is the Nehru Cup Snake Boat Races, which commemorate the visit of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952. He was so impressed by the snake boat races held in his honor that he donated a silver trophy and the tradition began. Races of the long slender boats — with up to 100 oarsmen — is a popular sport in India; for instance, the Cochin Carnival that takes place in the last week of each year features the Indira Ghandi Race.
This year, the Attachamayam Festival occurs 10 days later, on August 25; it is the first of the 10 days of celebration leading up to Onam — September 2 in 2009 — which is roughly translated by Western terminology as a Harvest Festival. The exact dates of the 10-day festival varies year-to-year but is always in the August/September time frame.
In addition to taxis, a popular mode of Kochi transportation is an auto-rickshaw. Most rickshaws will refuse to take you between Fort Cochin and Ernakulum. For what they consider a long trip, you may be asked to pay for the return trip. Taxis are reasonable and charge only about twice the amount of rickshaws. For the business traveler, this would seem to be the best alternative.
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Focus On Lagos
JANUARY: Violent crime is a constant risk in Lagos and throughout Nigeria. Travelers should take stringent safety precautions. Avoid walking on Lagos streets except on Victoria Island. There are frequent reports of muggings, assaults and demands for payment to avoid trouble. Pickpockets/ jewelry thieves active in financial district. Ikeja and Apapa are safe but getting there requires travel through deserted stretches and can be dangerous, especially at night. Armed car hijackings are also common, even during daylight hours.
In September, the Information Minister announced that the Nigerian Police Force will mount 24-hour patrols in Lagos and the city of Abuja and that $25 million was budgeted for purchasing equipment.
Conditions at Murtala Muhammed Airport are extremely chaotic, with numerous bureaucratic problems and criminal risks. Scam artists pose as travel aides, airport staff, limo drivers, policemen, etc. Security is lax. Baggage theft and pilferage is a serious problem. Dress conservatively or expect to be questioned. Arrange for a travel aide (have a foolproof code for identification) to meet you, give him at least US$40 to discreetly handle problems with customs. Expect luggage searches, close examination of documents. Declare currency over US$5,000 or be sure to obtain a waiver.
For transport to the city, pre-arrange an experienced driver. Good drivers can recognize con-men who pose as policemen and lurk on road out of airport and beg for rides or money; politely refuse. Police themselves may set up check-points, demand money, or threaten arrest of travelers on trumped-up charges.
PHONE NUMBERS
U.S. Embassy: 261-0050, and in Abuja (9) 523-0916
REGIONAL TRAVEL
Flying is best but not all local airlines are safe. By ground, use convoys with extra gas and potable water; watch for armed bandits at checkpoints.
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Focus On Lima
JULY: Despite sporadic terrorist threats (including the 126-day hostage siege at the Japanese ambassador's residence early this year), petty crimes and muggings still pose the greatest threat to travelers in Lima. In addition, dozens of wealthy-looking individuals have been targeted in what has come to be termed "quickie kidnappings," spontaneous abductions in which victims are held for a few hours, robbed of their wallets and valuables and/or forced to empty their bank accounts. Also, armed men claiming to be police have abducted and robbed travelers on the way to and from the airport.
Recommended precautions against the petty criminals and the kidnappers are very much the same. Don't travel alone. Avoid wearing expensive- looking jewelry, watches and clothing, and minimize the display of valuables such as cellular phones and briefcases.
It's best to be met at the airport. Other choices: new Korean sedan "limousines" that go to all urban destinations for 40-45 soles; older black sedans ("remises") available for US$15 days, up to about US$30 nights; shared mini-buses for 20 soles; trans-hotel bus that stops at every major hotel for US$5. Tourist areas outside Lima are generally safe but often dangerous to get to; travel with organized groups is recommended.
MONEY
Long lines at airport currency exchange. Don't change money on streets; counterfeit U.S. bills are common among street money changers.
SHOPPING
Avoid purchasing goods from street merchants. Bargaining common even
in larger stores. Many stores close for long lunch.
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Focus On Lisbon
July: Portugal's rich history of occupation by the Moors and Romans is reflected in its architecture, mosaic sidewalks and façades. Despite its beauty, Lisbon's infrastructure is not up to par with other major European cities. The city is plagued by heavy traffic, smog and urban decay. However, bus and tram travel are extensive and safe. A high-speed highway linking Lisbon to the Algarve should be completed by 2001; by 2005 the country will have 1,900 miles of high speed roads compared with 600 miles in 1995.
Most areas in the city are safe. There is occasional petty theft, especially near busy shopping districts, tourist attractions and affluent areas. Dress simply, avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Walk in well-trafficked areas and in groups after dark. In particular, avoid the Docks (red light district), and the older Lisbon neighborhoods, such as Chiado, Baixa, Alfama (at night) and Praca do Comercio. Be cautious in the Bairro Alto, a working class area, at night. Women traveling alone may be verbally harassed, but are not generally in danger. Report crimes directly to the police, then inform the embassy.
Strike activity is increasing; wages is the main issue. Doctors, paramedics and university students were on strike in June; train engineers and pilots hold sporadic strikes related to the privatization of their companies.
After the UK, Portugal has one of the highest incidences of mad cow disease, which led the EU to ban Portuguese beef last November. The number of cases of the disease has dropped to 11 per month this year, a 40 percent decline from the same period last year.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Emergency: 115.
Local police: 346-6141.
US Embassy: 727-3300.
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Focus On London
London is a global financial center, hosting more than 500 foreign banks and representative offices of most of the Fortune Global 500 companies plus myriad others, especially business services, manufacturing and high technology. The businesses are concentrated mostly in the city center, London’s traditional financial district, but are also in East London’s Canary Wharf area, which is an emerging financial district.
As an international center of commerce, the city has a diverse culture. Just over 81 percent of the population is English, just under 10 percent Scottish, with smaller representations of Irish, Ulster, Welsh, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, etc. English is the main language; the most widely-practiced religions include Anglican, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Presbyterian, Methodist, Sikh, Hindu and Jewish.
According to the British Crime Survey, issued last October, London has England’s highest rate of recorded crime per 1,000 population. Its rates of robbery, assault, theft and vehicle crime were above the national average; rates for burglary and criminal damage were below that average. Violent crime on the railways is on the rise.
Four airports serve London: Heathrow International, to the west; Gatwick, to the south; Stansted, to the northeast; and City Airport, to the east, for business travelers to continental Europe.
The UK introduced 100 percent baggage screening in the mid-1990s, and counts a full third of airport Authority employees in its security force. Heathrow Airport is linked to London’s city center by the Heathrow Express rail link to Paddington Station, which takes about 15 minutes and costs £12. Several airlines now have check-in desks at Paddington.
Gatwick Airport is 28 miles (43 kilometers)south of London, with three rail services linking it to London. The Gatwick Express high speed rail service to Victoria Station takes about 30 to 35 minutes and runs around the clock, cost £10.20. A first class ticket includes fast track security check. The airport has two terminals and currently handles about 30 million passengers.
Stansted is considered the center for Europe’s low-cost airlines. The airport is 40 miles north of London. The Stansted Express takes about 45 minutes to reach London.
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Focus On London
JANUARY: LONDON is a generally safe city, despite the occasional Irish Republican Army attacks. As in any large city, petty theft is common. Be cautious in crowded tourist areas, where thieves take advantage of confusion, and take common-sense precautions, such as sticking to well-trafficked areas at night. Avoid the King's Cross area and deserted train stations at night. The London Underground, or "Tube," is safe and reliable during the day, but watch for pickpockets on crowded trains.
Intelligence information from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic indicate that the Real IRA has two units operating either full or part time on the UK mainland. Because of growing political tensions in Northern Ireland, police fear that the organization may want to derail the peace process either by striking at a senior politician or by bombing a major department store during the holidays. They believe a trailer loaded with 500 pounds of explosives seized near Belfast in late October was on its way to central London in preparation for a major bombing. Another dissident group, the Continuity IRA, claimed responsibility in November for a bombing in Northern Ireland that left a policeman seriously wounded.
But not all such violence can be automatically attributed to the IRA. Police believe that a bomb that exploded under a van in Nottingham on Dec. 11 was the work of animal rights activists. In September, the headquarters of the Foreign Intelligence Service (MI6) was struck by an anti-tank grenade; officials say it could have been the work of the IRA but MI6 could have been the target of any number of groups.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 999;
local police: 230-1212.
Embassies - US: 499-9000;
Canada: 629-9492.
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Focus On Managua
JANUARY: Petty thieves and grab artists are active throughout Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Robberies, armed and unarmed, occur on crowded buses and in open markets, particularly in the large "Mercado Oriental" Though not yet at levels found in neighboring Central American countries, carjackings and gang activity continue to increase. Gang violence, including robberies, assaults and stabbings, is particularly prevalent in poorer neighborhoods. Purse and jewelry snatchings from motorists occur at stoplights. Muggers frequent the markets after dark. Visitors should stay alert, keep wallets in front pockets, purses close to body, and avoid walking after dark, even in groups. Motorists should travel with their windows closed and car doors locked.
The city is difficult to navigate, either on foot or by car; its neighborhoods are spread out, and most streets are not named. Also, police often stop rental cars and demand bribes. Taxis are generally the safest and easiest means of transit.
Because of the risk of armed robbery, as well as health hazards in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, travel outside the city is not recommended. Isolated roads in northern and central Nicaragua, hazardous at night because of the risks of crime and land mines, have also contributed to local shortages of food, potable water and medical services. Electrical and telephone services have also been disrupted. By early December, officials had recorded some 17,000 cases of acute diarrhea, 554 cases of dengue, 459 cases of malaria and 190 cases of mosquito-borne cholera.
PHONE
Emergency: 118
US Embassy: 266-6010
Canadian Embassy: 268-0433
CURRENCY
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Focus On Managua, Nicaragua
May: Petty thieves, grab artists and pickpockets are active throughout Managua. Be alert at all times: carry wallet in front pocket, purses close to body. Women should dress conservatively; men should not wear shorts. Don't wear flashy clothes, jewelry, watches. Conceal cameras. Always carry a copy of passport; leave original in hotel safe. Muggers frequent the markets after dark. Avoid walking after dark, even in groups; have hotel arrange transportation to/from restaurants and entertainment spots.
The city is difficult to navigate, both on foot and by car; its neighborhoods are spread out, and many streets are not named. Licensed, radio-dispatched taxis are generally the safest and easiest means of transit. But keep the windows rolled up; do not stop to buy items from street vendors.
Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman announced plans in April to slash public sector working hours to save money and prevent mass layoffs. Public employees, who usually work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., will work only until 1 p.m. Aleman did not specify when the change would take effect.
Cholera and dengue fever are a concern. Use only bottled water for drinking and personal hygiene. Avoid seafood and uncooked meat. Hepatitis A and B shots are generally recommended; anti-malarials are often recommended. Medical care is limited. Consult with doctor before leaving for Managua, and bring necessary prescription drugs and needles.
Hire a local driver for excursions throughout the countryside but avoid isolated roads in northern and central Nicaragua at night. There are occasional military checkpoints outside Managua.
PHONE
Embassies: U.S.: 266-6010
Canada: 268-0433
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Focus on Manila
April: Manila, the capital of the Philippines, has a population of some 10 million and lies on the Manila Bay, Luzon Island. Travelers may encounter petty crime in Manila and should maintain a high level of awareness and security upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as well as in the city.
Watch for thieves and confidence men, particularly near hotels, the business district of Makati, and in tourist areas like Luneta (Rizal Park). Cab drivers have been known to drive off with passengers' luggage. Keep doors locked and windows shut to avoid having objects stolen through car windows in traffic. Beware of people who claim they have met you before. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and watches. Surrender valuables if confronted, as criminals often resort to violence. Do not leave valuables in vehicles. The "cloning" of cellular telephone numbers is a growing problem.
The Philippine National Police has warned that crime rates often increase during election periods. In the past two elections (1992 and 1998), bank robbery incidents soared to record highs. Police are looking into reports that politicians seeking campaign funds were behind a series of recent bank robberies. Elections are set for May.
Citizen Watchdog groups claim there has been an upsurge in kidnap-for-ransom, apparently by kidnap gangs seeking to take advantage of the transition between governments. Eleven kidnapings were registered between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 this year, two involving Taiwanese nationals.
Travel to Mindanao, Visayas, and Northern and Southern Luzon regions is dangerous.
PHONE
24-hour tourist emergency: 524-1415. Police/Fire: 524-0051. Embassies: US- 523-1001; UK- 816-7116.
LANGUAGES
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Focus On Manila
SEPTEMBER: Crime is a frequent problem for foreigners. Visitors should maintain a high level of awareness and security at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, tourist areas, near hotels and in the business district. Kidnaping is a growing and profitable enterprise although there's been a police crackdown. Forty-one people were kidnaped in the first quarter of 1997, compared to 241 last year. Usually the victims are wealthy locals or ethic Chinese, but the U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens of the threat, especially in Manila's Mandaluyong and Makti areas.
It is prudent to hire a chauffeured vehicle from a reputable company or through a hotel as overcharging taxi drivers and carjackings have become prevalent. Keep car doors locked and windows shut to avoid having objects stolen through the window in slow traffic. Credit card fraud is increasing; use them only in reputable places. Travelers checks are a more secure, though somewhat slower, method of payment.
Travel to areas in Mindanao, Visayas and Northern and Southern Luzon can be dangerous. Avoid public transit, which is frequented by petty thieves, and inter-island ferries, which have poor safety records. Avoid traveling off national highways and paved roads at night. For longer distances, flying recommended.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 501-660/728.
Police & Fire: 757.
US Embassy: 521-7116 (ext. 2246).
CUSTOMS
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Focus On Maracaibo
NOVEMBER: Petty theft and street crime are a constant threat in Maracaibo, the second largest city in Venezuela and the nation's oil capital. Visitors should take care in all parts of the city, even during the day. Hiring a car with a local driver is recommended, or arrange a taxi through your hotel.
Consult with your local consulate before embarking on any rural road trips. Criminals often stage accidents along highways; stop only for police check-points. Roads and highways are relatively well-maintained, but are often congested and poorly marked. Night driving is dangerous because of unmarked road damage, wandering livestock and unlighted vehicles. Caution is required for all regional travel: local police found a Senator unconscious in his car along a highway in Tachira state this past summer after he had been robbed. Of more immediate concern, Maracaibo is in the state of Zulia, which neighbors on Colombia; avoid all travel near the border due to guerrilla activity and the risk of kidnaping.
Flying is the safest means of transportation between cities; Caracas is a one-hour plane ride from Maracaibo. Ferries are available to Altagracia (fare is approx. VBO 200).
Malaria outbreaks were expected to increase by 37 percent this year. Travelers should consult a physician for antimalarial medicine prior to departure; cover most of body with clothing; use DEET insect repellent at all times; stay in well-screened areas at night and sleep under mosquito nets.
PHONE
Police: 169
Ambulance: 165
U.S. Embassy (in Caracas): 2-977-2011
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Focus On Mexico City
NOVEMBER: Mexico City is an extremely large and impoverished city with high levels of crime. Pickpockets and grab artists work crowded business and tourist areas; keep wallets in front pockets, purses and bags close to body. Don't wear flashy jewelry or clothing. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. The Zona Rosa district is increasingly dangerous at night, as is the Palacio de las Bellas Artes and Alameda Central. In nightclubs, order drinks at the bar and watch their preparation to avoid the risk of being drugged and robbed. Keep valuables locked in a hotel safe-deposit box. Women are often verbally harassed on streets; it is best not to respond. Avoid demonstrations; some have turned violent. Report crimes to embassy.
Taxi-related crime is a special threat. Avoid VW bugs, green-and-white or yellow-and-white taxis; never flag down taxis or use "curbside" cabs in front of restaurants or nightclubs. Instead arrange a Servitaxi (licensed taxi) by radio dispatch, a Tourismo taxi through hotel or buy advanced ticket at authorized stands in bus, rail and airport facilities. A hired car and driver is recommended, especially for nighttime transportation.
Transport from Mexico City to other cities is often unreliable. There are first class inter-city buses to Cuernavaca and other short distances are safe and comfortable; guard luggage carefully. Avoid traveling in rural areas, even to tourist attractions, unless accompanied by a local guide. Tabasco, Guerrerro, Oaxaca and Chiapas are especially dangerous.
Flying is recommended for regional transport, although delays are likely now because of stepped-up security measures in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police-08/ 588-5100
Emergency Info.: 658-111
Embassies: US 5-209 9100;
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Focus On Mexico City
DECEMBER: Mexico City is an extremely large and impoverished city with high levels of crime. The Zona Rosa district is increasingly dangerous at night, as is the Palacio de las Bellas Artes and Almeda Central.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police-08/ 588-5100.
Emergency Info.: 658-111.
Taxis: 276-9146, 271-9058.
Embassies: U.S.- 211-0042.
U.K.- 207-2149.
ENTRY/EXIT
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Focus On Mexico City
November, 2005: Mexico City is the second-largest city in the Americas, second only to New York City. Originally a municipality founded by Cortes in 1521 on the site of the capital of the Aztec empire, it ultimately became the capital of Mexico. At 7,350 feet, Mexico City can require an altitude adjustment of two or three days for travelers from cities at sea-level. The name “Ciudad de Mexico” is officially used by the “Distrito Federal” (D.F. or federal district) that serves as the capital of Mexico and is administered by the federal government. Used more broadly, “Mexico City” refers to the entire metropolitan area, which has a population estimated at between 18 million and 22 million.
When doing business in Mexico City, make appointments at least two weeks prior to arrival and then reconfirm after arriving. “It is best to do it via e-mail unless you speak Spanish well,” advises frequent traveler Janie Hansen of the Port of Portland. “Most switchboard operators do not speak English and you will have difficulty if they have an automated voicemail menu.” Hansen also recommends checking to see if your state has a trade office or representative in Mexico. “They can do everything from requesting appointments for you and providing translation to assisting with hotel and transportation arrangements.”
Business meetings often take place at breakfast or lunch. Hansen reports that she is seeing “more meetings being scheduled around 5pm followed by dinner from 9pm until midnight.” Many of her clients take lunch from 2pm-4pm and then return to work until 8pm. If you wish to invite potential or current clients to dinner ask them to make the reservation for you as the host, she advises. “My favorite saying of theirs is ‘para sirvirle’ which translates to ‘I am here to help you’ — such a nice term that we do not use.“
The business atmosphere may be relaxed and friendly, but titles such as professor and doctor are still very important and should be used when first meeting people. People who do not have professional titles should be addressed as “Senor “(Mr.), “Senora” (Mrs.) or “Senorita” (Miss) followed by their surnames. In Mexico, the surname of the father is commonly used when addressing someone. The father’s surname is followed by the mother’s surname, so Senor José Antonio Ramirez Garcia would be introduced as Senor Ramirez.
Men shake hands with each other when greeting, but may wait for a woman to initiate a handshake. A light grip is all that is required. Conversation takes place in much closer proximity than North Americans are used to. As the relationship progresses, a bear-hug, known as an “abrazo,” may take the place of a hand shake between men. If this occurs, it is a sign of acceptance.
If you are invited to the home of a Mexican business associate, this will enhance your ability to do business because it is an indication of friendship and trust. After being introduced to the other guests, shaking hands with each guest is customary; this is repeated upon departure.
When purchasing items in a store the polite procedure is to place the money or credit card in the cashier’s hand rather than on the counter. The same is true of paying a waiter for a restaurant meal.
If you hear a “psst-psst” sound, it is used to get the attention of another person and is not considered rude. However, men should avoid putting their hands in their pockets or their hands on their hips when in public. The “O.K.” gesture used in the United States is a vulgar gesture in Mexico.
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Focus On Monterrey
DECEMBER: The Lighthouse of Commerce, the red concrete tower in the city center, best symbolizes Monterrey. The bustling city is wealthier than most Mexican cities and known as the commercial capital of northern Mexico. Yet great economic disparity exists here as well. Resentment by the poor of the upper class is quite prevalent.
Still the crime rate is lower than that of Mexico City and Tijuana. Most crime occurs in lower-income neighborhoods. Petty theft is the most significant threat. Avoid walking at night, especially if alone. In addition, there has been an increase in carjacking and auto theft. The city’s proximity to the Texas border also makes it a principal transshipment point for illicit drugs bound for the U.S. Consequently, the city is also a center for money laundering and other organized criminal activity. While this calls for increased awareness, foreign visitors are rarely directly affected.
Although kidnaping has become a growing concern, Monterrey has not been affected as dramatically as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Nevertheless, it remains a concern. Monterrey’s authorities reportedly investigated six kidnapings during 2001. None were of U.S. citizens, according to the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s 2002 Crime and Safety Report. Neither statistic may be wholly accurate due to the number of crimes that go unreported.
General Mariano Escobedo Int’l has two terminals. A privately-owned firm provides security; guards patrol 24-hours a day, regularly check identities of those entering the tarmac. General aviation aircraft park in front of the tarmac’s main entrance, on the east side of the main terminal. The area has a 24-hour guard post and is readily observable from the tower. Emergency services are located nearby. New fencing and lighting were recently installed. Parking is congested and poorly organized; general aviation aircraft are frequently repositioned.
Del Norte Int’l, a relatively new private airport for general aviation, has one terminal. Security is provided by a private firm; all areas are patrolled 24-hours a day. Access to the tarmac is controlled through guarded gates; only those with ID cards are permitted entry. The perimeter fence is adequate; the airport is well lit.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 060.
U.S. Consulate: (52 81) 8345-2120
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Focus On Moscow
APRIL: Despite a reported 4 percent drop in crime in 1996, Moscow is a high-risk city. Travelers should take extra security precautions and avoid unnecessary excursions. Guard against petty theft on crowded streets, underground walkways, subways, train stations, airports and other tourist destinations, including hotels. Russian mobsters wage very public attacks against each other; businessmen and bankers are frequent victims of their turf battles.
Driving is not advisable. The State Automobile Inspectorate reported 160,523 accidents (and 29,468 fatalities) in 1996, blaming the high number on "badly maintained roads, poor driving and heavy drinking." Most cars lack safety features like air bags and seat belts. Foreign residents in Moscow say many traffic police (GAI) are corrupt and ask that fines be paid on the spot. Over two days in January, a GAI program directed at foreigners issued 200 citations for illegal parking, speeding, etc.
Diphtheria, cholera, tuberculosis, anthrax, syphilis and dysentery are becoming more frequent. An influenza outbreak detected in January was sickening 150,000 Muscovites a week by March; 26 had died. Several clinics in Moscow offer medical care that meets Western standards, but travelers should bring their own antibiotics and sterile syringes.
Rubles cannot be brought into Russia; pre-1993 rubles are no longer legal tender. Merchants and cabbies will bargain for U.S. dollars printed after 1992. Change a little money each day - inflation is high.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 02.
Medical Aid: 03.
Fire: 01.
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Focus On Muscat, Oman
March: Muscat, the capital of the country Oman, is located on the Eastern Arabian Peninsula, along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Though situated in the Middle East, right between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Oman as a whole is a peaceful desert country. There are no known active terrorist groups in Oman, in fact the greatest risk tourists run is falling victim to petty crime. Common sense that one would follow in any city should be observed: don’t leave personal property unattended, lock hotel doors and windows, and leave personal documents, valuables and cash in the hotel or room safe.
Most Omanis are Ibadi Muslims, belonging to one of Islam’s earliest fundamentalist movements. Oman Basic Law and Islamic Law preserve freedom of religion; however it is prohibited by government for non-Muslims to try to convert Muslims.
There are certain social customs that should be practiced in Oman. Avoid using your left hand when shaking hands, or offering business cards or gifts. Do not enter a house or room without an explicit invitation by the host; if you see that other guests have left their shoes by the door, remove your own shoes before entering. Avoid gifts containing alcohol or made of pigskin, as well as books containing realistic images of living creatures. Asking a Muslim man about his wife or daughters is considered too personal and inappropriate. Public behavior should be toned down in reference to jokes, laughter and affection. Aggressive, obscene, abusive language and gestures in public are illegal, subject to fines, deportation or imprisonment.
The work week in Oman is Saturday to Wednesday. Businesses are open 8am to 1pm, and 4 to 7pm. Appointments for business meetings must be made well in advance. It is common for Omani employers to ask foreign employees to leave their passports with the company as a condition of employment. Though this practice is not required by law, agreeing to the confiscation of passports may make business easier.
Seeb Int’l Airport (MCT) is 25 miles west of Muscat. Taxi service to Muscat is available; it takes 20-25 minutes to reach the city. There is also a bus that runs from MCT to downtown Muscat. Hotels are not permitted to pick up guests at the airport.
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 999
Police: 560-099
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Focus On Nagano
JANUARY: The 1998 Winter Olympics begin Feb. 7 in Nagano, northwest of Tokyo in the Japan Alps. They will be the final Olympic games of this century. Safety will not be a big worry here - Japan is considered one of the world's safest countries - but accessibility may be.
There were nearly 2.5 million crimes reported in Japan in 1996, the most since World War II. Most were nonviolent, 1.6 million cases were thefts. Another 654,000 were related to traffic violations.
Trains go to Nagano from Ueno station in Tokyo via the Shinkan-sen line's new bullet train, Asama. The ride (there will be 24 round trips daily) takes about 1.5 hours. Asama's facilities include luggage storage, handicap seating, phones and vending machines. There are no flights between Tokyo and Matsumoto Airport, the domestic airport 37 miles southwest of Nagano, but connections can be made through Osaka. The JR Shinonoi line from Matsumoto (seven miles from the airport) to Nagano takes about an hour; bus and taxi service connects the airport to the train station.
Travel in the Nagano-ken prefecture relies mainly on the JR train lines, which run parallel to the Japan Alps, from south to north. In mountainous areas, many roads are closed and bus service stops from mid-October to early May due to heavy snowfall.
Nagano itself has an extensive bus system. Taxis are another safe and reliable means of transportation.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 110.
Fire/First Aid: 119.
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Focus On Nairobi
NOVEMBER: Street crime is a serious concern in Nairobi; don't wear jewelry, watches or carry a camera. The areas to the west and south of the city are considered quite safe, while those between the capital and the coastal city of Mombasa are more dangerous.
Use taxis in Nairobi, especially at night, but still be cautious. There have been reports of thieves snatching objects through open vehicle windows while motorists were stopped in traffic or at intersections. Carjackings are on the rise. Foreign travelers are advised to stay in their hotels although so far none have been caught in the frequent political violence. Local police generally do not have the resources to help victims of petty crime; contact the embassy for assistance with any emergencies.
There are several important health considerations for visitors to Nairobi. The altitude (5,000 feet) may cause some visitors insomnia, lethargy or shortness of breath. Drink only bottled water, preferably imported - 75 of 78 brands sold in Kenya are reported to be tap water. Carry WHO health documentation. Watch for out-of-date medications and consider bringing your own syringes/needles. Take malarial prophylactics and use insect repellent when traveling outside the city. Avoid public hospitals. Private Nairobi Hospital offers an acceptable standard of care.
VISAS
Required for entry and can be obtained on arrival. The $20 departure tax is
payable only in US dollars.
MONEY
Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. Hotel exchanges open after hours. Don't change money on the streets.
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Focus On New Delhi
March: New Delhi is generally a safe city by day, despite petty theft on public transit and near tourist attractions. Muggers often work in pairs; one distracts while other pickpockets. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, watches. At night, travelers are advised to stay indoors, as street crime is common, particularly in the old city of Delhi. Dressing conservatively is important, particularly for women, as Indian men have been known to harass them verbally. Store all valuables, including passports, in the hotel safe.
Delhi Police officers assigned to patrol duty are being given special commando training in view of recent attacks. A patrolman was shot dead Feb. 4 by unknown assailants in the city's Central district.
Travelers also should be aware of extremely hazardous driving conditions throughout India. Taking photos is prohibited at airports, train stations, and other installations; ask permission before photographing locals.
It was reported in early January that security drills conducted during the past year by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) found that security practices at the nation's 69 airports have changed little following the December 1999 hijacking of a New Delhi-bound jet from Kathmandu, Nepal. Nearly 3,000 incidents have since occurred in which security procedures were breached; that includes a number of instances when BCAS officials managed to board aircraft with weapons concealed in the carry-on or checked-in baggage. The BCAS also found that the post-hijack decision to deploy police officers at 19 airports nationwide has made little difference in airport security.
PHONE
Ambulance: 102.
Police: 100.
Fire: 101.
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Focus On New York City
OCTOBER: New York City has a population of 7 million and measures 22.7 square miles. It is actually made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in Manhattan.
The city has a worldwide reputation for a high crime rate but after Rudy Giuliani took mayoral office in 1993, that dropped by 23.4 percent, and decreased an additional 3.7 percent from 1999 to 2000. The FBI ranked New York City as 163 out of 215 U.S. cities in total crime in 2000; in 1993 it ranked 88th.
Although New York City is considerably safer than it was just a few years ago, all types of crime occur in there, both day and night.
If mugged, immediately hail a cab and go to the nearest police precinct. The police probably will not do much more than file a police report, but this is needed for insurance claims.
Police assistance in emergency situations is generally good. Visitors may find officers to be somewhat unsympathetic to victims of minor crimes. While they will file a police report, do not expect much more.
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Focus On Nice
by Carol Ann Bakeman
July 2008: With its own airport and rapid train access from Paris, Nice is the capital of tourism on the French Riviera. After having gone through Greek, Roman, Barbarian and Saracen domination, Nice spent the next several centuries alternately being ruled by France and Italy. In 1860, Napoleon III and King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia signed the Treaty of Turin in which Nice officially became a part of France. In the early 1900s it became a popular tourist destination.
Nice is divided into two distinct areas. The modern section is in the center of the city and to the west of the old town. It features the Promenade des Anglais, considered the Riviera’s best beach boardwalk. Vielle Ville (Old Town) is charming with its winding streets, markets, shops and delightful cafes. Look for street performers in this section.
Taxi stands can be found at esplanade Masséna, Promenade des Anglais, place Garibaldi, rue Hôtel des Postes and the train station. To summon a taxi, call Allo Taxi Riviera at 04-93-13-78-78. Actually, you can walk to many destinations in Nice. Street names in the Old Town are written in French and in Nissart, which is a real language closer to Italian than it is to French. Older inhabitants still speak it and many young people learn it in school to maintain the Niçoise tradition.
The main tourist office is at 5 Promenade des Anglais and can be reached at 08-92-70-74-07.
Nice/Cote D’Azur Airport (NCE), only four miles west of the city, is the third busiest airport in France. Terminal 2 is the airport’s international terminal although Terminal 1 also accommodates foreign airlines. Over 10 million passengers have been processed through this airport in the past year.
Terminal 3 is the cargo terminal containing DHL service, locally operated by Exin of Marseilles. Both of the passenger terminals contain restaurants, shops, business centers, airline lounges and car rental facilities including Avis, Budget, National, Hertz and Sixt. Taxi vouchers are payable in advance and can be purchased inside Terminal 1 at the transport office and outside Terminal 2. Price is fixed, but fares are affected by number of bags, time of day and Riviera destination beyond Nice.
TIME — Greenwich Mean Time +1. Daylight savings time ends October 26.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS — US Consular Agency: (011-33) 04-93-88-89-55.
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Focus On Osaka
by Carol Ann Bakeman
November 2006: Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and Japan’s third largest city, with a population of more than 2.7 million. It is located in the Kansai region of the main island, Honshu, at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay.
Indications are that the Osaka area was first settled in 663. It has been an economic powerhouse on and off for centuries. In the Edo period (1603-1867), Osaka developed into a major city and is still one of Japan’s major business centers. Although some companies have moved their main offices to Tokyo, there are still several major international corporations based in Osaka including Capcom, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Suntory.
Doing Business: Osakans are a little less reserved than people in most areas of Japan. The city exudes an energy similar to Tokyo’s, but the traditional Japanese culture is still in effect. Formality plays a large part in the way business is done. Appointments should be made well in advance and punctuality is essential.
Business cards are taken very seriously. Your card should have your title upon it. It is always a courtesy to have your card printed in Japanese on the reverse side. You will find a substantial majority of Japanese business persons will have their cards printed in Japanese with English on the other side. Cards should be presented and accepted with both hands. Carefully study the cards you receive before putting them in a safe place.
Times of the year when its a good idea to avoid making business appointments include:
• New Year (two weeks),
• Golden Week (which usually occurs late April to early May),
• and O-bon in August when Japanese return to their home towns to honor their ancestors.
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Focus On Osaka
JULY: Crime rates are higher in Osaka than in smaller cities in Japan, Still, the overall rate is quite low and violent crime is rare. However the level of petty crime is rising as unemployment and homelessness become more of a concern. At night, stay on main thoroughfares and avoid traveling alone.
Osaka’s bus system is efficient and extensive, but most signs are in Japanese. To hail a bus, raise your hand as if hailing a taxi. Fares are JPY 200-250 (US$2) in exact change. Change machines are often onboard. For most, enter at the rear, take a ticket from the machine, then pay the fare as you exit at the front. Buses coordinate with the metro-rail and train schedules.
Subways are recommended. Signage is color-coded and in both English and Japanese. The Midosuji line, the most convenient, shuttles between most major points (Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi and Namba stations). At peak periods (“crush hour”), en masse boarding fills the cars to capacity; to make your presence felt, emulate the pushing and shoving of the local riders. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight.
After 1 a.m., it may be necessary to take a taxi. Hail on the street or at stands outside train stations. A red light means the taxi is available; a green light, it is hired or there is a surcharge; a yellow light, it is on call. When waits are long (usually on Friday and Saturday evenings), people hold up two fingers to signal they’ll pay double the fare, three for triple. Rates are JPY 600 for the first two kilometers, JPY 90 for each additional. Tips are already included. Most drivers do not speak English. Have your destination written in Japanese and a map or directions to avoid confusion.
Airports: Kansai International (KIX) is a 60-80 minutes from Osaka. Taxis, buses, and trains are all available for transport: luxury “limousine” bus service is the most convenient. Taxi stands are across from the passenger terminal, divided into at least six areas, depending on destination and requirement.
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Focus On Paris
October, 2005: Paris is known as the City of Light, the capitol of France, an architectural treasure, and of course a major tourist attraction.
But what of its business profile? France is the fifth largest industrialized economy in the world. It is a member of the G-8, the European Union and the World Trade Organization as well as hosting the headquarters for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and for UNESCO.
Paris is responsible for almost one third of Franc’s total GDP. If it were a country, Paris would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The Paris region is predominantly a service economy: pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, publishing and research and development are among the top industries. It is home to more than 2,400 international companies including Sony, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Siemens and Motorola.
Doing Business with Les Parisiens: Paris is divided into 20 districts known as arrondissements (“arrondeezemaw”). The main business district is in the 8th around the Avenue des Champs-Elysees (“Chawnseeleezay”). It is important to pronounce this and several other names correctly so that some familiarity with the French language is demonstrated. The effort to learn some basic French phrases and to use them whenever possible will be appreciated. Often if the effort is made to speak in French, a reply will be given in English. Using English does not evoke that same response.
French business protocol requires formality and reserve. Be polite and cordial, but keep in mind that the French tend to be suspicious of the overly-friendly too early in a relationship.
In France, you get information through people and networks, so time invested in long lunches and talking over coffee is time well spent. The American business meeting ideal is to end up with decisions and action items. For the French, ending with an action plan is not necessarily the raison d’être for a meeting. They prefer to spend time digesting and analyzing what has been discussed. If negotiations reach an impasse, the French will just politely keep restating their position and avoid risk-taking as much as possible. They will tend to treat the meeting as an intellectual exercise, so be ready to demonstrate that you are well-informed. If the focus of the discussion changes and strays from the original issue, understand that this is part of French business culture and may ultimately lead to the final decision being sought.
Paris Airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), also known as Paris Roissy, is the primary international airport for Paris and the second busiest passenger airport in Europe after London Heathrow. It is 14 miles north of Paris and has three main terminals offering a full range of services. Terminal 1 is the main terminal for non-Air France flights.
Terminal 2 has five separate halls and is being further expanded. Terminal 2A is for Air France and a number of foreign carriers. Terminal 2B is for Air France and many European carriers. Terminal 2C is for Air France and its Skyteam partners. Terminals 2D and 2F are for Air France and other European and Asian carriers. Terminal 2E is currently under construction for roof repairs.
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Focus On Phuket
Phuket — the name is derived from the Malay word “bukit,” meaning hill — is Thailand’s largest island, approximately the size of Singapore.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and to the rest of the world by an international airport. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Green hills dominate much of the island’s interior.
Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber and was on one of the major trading routes between India and China. There are still some rubber plantations and relics of the island’s tin mining operations remaining but it now derives much of its income from tourism.
“The people of Thailand are friendly and easy-going,” according to one ex-pat. “However, there are some traditions that travelers to Phuket should be aware of. The monarchy, especially the King of Thailand, is revered by the Thais and any form of disrespect, by word or by gesture, is regarded as a punishable offence. All visitors are expected to stand up for the Royal Anthem, even before the commencement of movies at the cinema. Coins and bank notes should not be stepped on as they contain the image of the king.
“The most common form of greeting in Thailand is called the ‘wai’ — pressing of the palms together in a prayer-like gesture. The younger person must always initiate the ‘wai’ when greeting, and the older person will then in turn ‘wai’ the younger person.
“Shoes must be taken off and revealing attire is not accepted when visiting temples,” he adds. “A hot climate prevails throughout Thailand and cotton clothes are the most comfortable form of attire. Dress modestly when visiting places of religious significance. Women should not wear revealing clothes.”
After almost five years, the impact of the 2004 tsunami, which struck a devastating blow to the resorts along Phuket, cannot be ignored. In the beginning of December 2006, Thailand launched the first of 22 U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys to be positioned around the Indian Ocean as part of a regional warning system against giant waves caused by earthquakes. Today, most resorts are back to full capacity; in fact many used the disaster as an opportunity to renovate and upgrade.
The hospitality industry is especially important to Phuket and it has several outstanding properties for meetings and conventions. The 700-room Hilton Phuket Arcadia at Karon Beach has the largest meeting facilities and space on the island and features five versatile meeting spaces plus seven breakout rooms. The grand ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 people; outside spaces are very suitable for 350-400 people. Rooms come in three types and every room in the resort has an individual balcony featuring outstanding hillside, garden and sea views. The layout of the hotel’s three guestroom wings is distinctive. Each is a partial circle. Located near each other, they form a compound of curved buildings.
Another very desirable meeting venue is Le Meridien Phuket Resort at Patong Beach. This hotel features six meeting rooms, 10 restaurants and bars which feature a gastronomic journey around the globe. The 417 superior rooms and 53 luxury suites are enriched with local Thai design, complementing the resort’s tropical setting. These, along with five-star amenities, provide creative meetings that are delivered with expertise. According to the hotel’s web site, events up to 980 persons can be catered in flexible indoor and outdoor venues. Meeting services include state-of-the-art audiovisual aids, a dedicated and a highly professional staff team providing outstanding contributions to each function in order to help ensure that your entire event runs smoothly. The resort is just minutes away from some of the celebrated sites of Phuket, including the lively shopping and restaurant district of Patong.
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Focus On Prague
SEPTEMBER: Prague (also known as Praha), the capital of the Czech Republic, is a rapidly developing city with public transportation equal to that of western Europe - inexpensive, clean, reliable and safe. Nevertheless, using a taxi is advisable since the streets are often poorly labeled, and buildings frequently have two addresses.
Although the city is generally safe, the U.S. Embassy reports that the crime rate has increased. Be aware of common scams. Thieves often dress as police officers and take identification, travelers' checks and credit cards. Visitors should carry a photocopy of their passports, and use credit cards at reputable establishments. Beware of swarming gypsies who are frequently involved in petty theft and pickpocketing. Overcharging foreigners is also common, especially among taxi drivers and some merchants. Refusing to pay for anything without receiving a receipt deters most unscrupulous merchants.
Public demonstrations are common and sometimes violent. Last spring, protesters against the impact of multinational corporations on the environment began throwing stones at police, overturned a police car and damaged two fast-food restaurants. In another incident, the leader of a political party was attacked by ethnic Gypsies after delivering a speech they believed was racially-charged. At least two cases of ethnic violence have been reported on the Metro. In one, an Algerian was stabbed; in the other, skinheads returning from an anti-neo-Nazi rally beat two Indian men. There have been no reported attacks against Americans, but it's advisable to keep a low profile.
PHONE
Police: 158.
Ambulance: 155.
Fire: 150.
Medical aid: 29 93 81
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Focus On Qatar
Qatar often gets overwhelmed in the press by Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but it does exist as a neighbor of the United Arab Emirates, not a member.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
It has its own corniche with the Palm Tree Island on one side and an array of interesting modern buildings on the other. It also has a collection of some of the best souqs and malls in the Gulf.
Qatar is an Arab emirate in Southwest Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the larger Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south; otherwise the Persian Gulf surrounds the state. An oil-rich nation, Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook. Today the nation as a whole produces more than 800,000 barrels of oil daily.
While oil and gas will probably remain the backbone of Qatar’s economy for years to come, the country seeks to stimulate the private sector and develop a “knowledge economy.” In 2004, it established the Qatar Science & Technology Park to attract and serve technology-based companies and entrepreneurs, from overseas and within its own boundaries. Qatar also established Education City for international colleges such as Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar; Georgetown School of Foreign Service in Qatar; Northwestern University Medical College in Qatar. For the 15th Asian Games in Doha (its capital city), it established Sports City, consisting of Khalifa stadium, the Aspire Sports Academy, aquatic and exhibition centers and many other sports-related buildings. In October 2007, following the success of the Asian Games, Doha kicked off its official bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Qatar also plans to build an “entertainment city” in the future.
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) provides financial institutions with various world class financial services. It was created with the long term purpose of supporting the development of Qatar, developing local and regional markets and strengthening the ties between the energy based economies and global financial markets.
It’s not surprising, then, that the demographics of Doha are unusual. The majority of residents are expatriates working on temporary employment contracts, often accompanied by family members.
Islam is the dominant religion and makes up 77.5 percent of the population of Qatar. Even though the official religion is Islam, the Emir allocated land in 2006 and 2007 to build churches. In March 2008, the first Catholic Church was opened — but out of respect for locals, Christian symbols are not displayed publicly. Five other churches are under construction.
On February 22, 2009, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker announced he was “delighted to see yet another capacity hike, which will facilitate closer ties between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — an important key feeder market for our upcoming new service to Houston.
“Houston is a very strategic route for Qatar Airways, as it opens up increased bilateral business opportunities for the energy sectors across the Middle East and the oil-producing southern states of America,” he went on. “Saudi Arabia’s rich financial and energy base gives Qatar Airways further reason to launch the route and establish this key international air corridor. Furthermore, there exist very close ties between the Arab business community and energy companies in the Gulf with those in and around the Houston area. More than 65,000 Arabs currently live in and around Houston.”
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Focus On Rio de Janeiro
FEBRUARY: Rio is unsafe by day and dangerous at night. According to a study conducted by the Department of Public Security, a violent crime is committed every 90 minutes in Rio state. On the other hand, police brutality is higher in Brazil than anywhere else in Latin America, and multiple levels of police corruption have stymied numerous efforts to stem criminal activity. Travelers should report all crimes to the embassy.
Foreign travelers should take greater-than-normal precautions on the streets due to frequent incidences of petty crime, muggings and armed robberies. Stick to major pedestrian thoroughfares and do not walk alone, even during daylight hours. Copacabana beach and district should be avoided due to high crime. Business centers and tourist attractions are numerous and easily reached from most parts of the city but travelers should sign up for regular commercial tours available at the major hotels rather than visit sites on their own.
This month, banks in Brazil will begin restricting the amount of money that can be withdrawn from ATMs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to US$90. It is hoped this will curtail "quickie" kidnappings, in which assailants take a hostage for a short time to force withdrawal of large sums of cash from the victim's bank accounts. For-ransom kidnappings are a serious concern for wealthy nationals but the kidnap rings rarely target multinational executives. As a general precaution, visitors should be on the lookout for surveillance, use common sense when traveling in major cities and familiarize themselves with defensive driving techniques.
TIME
Time is numbered military style from "zero hour" to 24, so 8 p.m. may be referred to as 20 hours.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 190 Fire: 193
Ambulance: 192
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Focus on Santiago
AUGUST: Although Chile has one of the lowest rates of crime in Latin America, crime is on the rise. Downtown shopping and business areas in Santiago are safe to walk around during the day, but pickpockets and grab artists are active on public transportation and crowded city streets, most notably in major shopping areas, including its crafts markets. Muggers are a threat in downtown business areas after hours. Police lack resources to help petty crime victims; contact embassy for assistance. Dress simply, and leave valuables, watches, excess cash in hotel safe. Conceal cameras. Carry purses and backpacks in front of body and put wallets in front pockets.
Avoid walking in deserted downtown areas in late afternoons, after dark and on weekends. Do not walk through parks alone and be especially cautious at Santa Lucia and Bella Vista, both beautiful hillside parks. Avoid parks altogether at night. Always avoid the outskirts of Santiago.
In response to increased international narcotics traffic moving through Chile, authorities are tightening controls at the country's entry and exit points, particularly at major airports. In early June, more than seven kilograms of Colombian heroin were seized at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago.
Intercity luxury buses are comfortable and efficient, but if traveling to/from Santiago by bus, be careful around the city's bus terminal, which is located in an area of high crime. Flights to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina and major Chilean cities available. Trains connect Santiago to Valparaiso, Temuco, Puerto Montt (summer only), and Concepcion.
Avoid discussing local politics and all political demonstrations. Some past protests have turned violent.
PHONE
Police: 133
(some English spoken).
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Focus on Sao Paulo
MARCH: Although the situation here is not as critical as in Rio de Janiero, Sao Paulo's streets can be dangerous. There were 1,815 murders here in the first quarter of 1996. A recent newspaper poll showed that about 45 percent of the residents have been mugged at least once, and 5 percent, four or more times.
Two U.S. business travelers reported witnessing a robbery and subsequent murder while stuck in a Sunday afternoon traffic jam last fall in Sao Paulo. However, armed robberies, carjackings and other assaults are common during traffic jams in all of Brazil's major cities. Visitors traveling by road in any major Brazilian city should consider a well-trained chauffeur familiar with the local environs and the security situation. Travelers should keep all doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Since tourist attractions are relatively few and far apart, regular commercial tours offered at the city's hotels are recommended.
Despite the crash of a TAMS flight in October, flying is the most reliable means of safe transportation between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero. The risk of criminal attack along the highways is great and the October accident was the first in 20 years.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 190.
Ambulance: 192
Tourist Police: 231-0044.
US Consulate: 881-6511.
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Focus On Sao Paulo
August: If your company plans to conduct business in Brazil, your travelers’ destination probably will be São Paulo. Most of Brazil’s major industries are based there. São Paulo is much larger than New York City and at least as expensive. In fact, it is the largest city in South America. Inhabitants of São Paulo are known as “paulistanos” and speak Portuguese.
Business travelers headed to Sao Paulo should make their appointments two weeks in advance. Avoid doing business during “carneval,” which occurs in the days preceding lent. It is best to book appointments between 10am and noon, and from 3pm to 5pm because of the relaxed enforcement of business hours.
When entering or leaving a meeting, it is polite to shake hands with everyone in the group. Since Brazilians expect to develop long-term relationships, never begin discussing business until the host does so. It may be helpful to hire a Brazilian representative who is familiar with your business and able to smooth any language difficulties. In Portuguese, this person is known as a “despechante.” Brazilians tend to approach problems indirectly and may resent outside legal presence. Be prepared to discuss all aspects of an agreement simultaneously rather than sequentially. Be as flexible as possible, but don’t make definite commitments.
At your first meeting, if you are dining, pick up the check for the meal and do not expect to discuss business. Home and family are usually not topics for discussion. Brazilians converse in very close proximity and may keep in physical contact by touching arms, hands or shoulders throughout the conversation; do not back away.
If invited to a party, arrive at least 15 minutes late. Dinner could be any time from 7pm to 10pm and could last until 2am. Use titles such as Dr. or Professor, Senhor or Senhora when addressing people. If a toast is offered, say “saude” (saw-oodhe) and take a sip.
When dining, don’t cut with a fork, always use a knife, and don’t smoke during a meal. Avoid using fingers to pick up food unless it is wrapped in a napkin; this includes sandwiches and fruit. Do not drink directly from a can or a bottle, or eat or chew gum on the street.
Do not discuss Brazil’s rival, Argentina, and do not refer to the United States as America. Brazilians consider themselves American also.
Gifts should be presented after a formal meeting and in a relaxed setting. Avoid black or purple because these are the colors of mourning. Also, avoid knives (cutting) and handkerchiefs (grief). If the dinner is hosted at a home, candy, champagne or scotch are appropriate gifts. If children are part of the family, a gift is appropriate for them as well. Give T-shirts from home or non-controversial local T-shirts.
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Focus On Seoul
April: Seoul is bisected by the Hangang River and further divided into 24 “gu,” or wards, of varying sizes and character. Visitors are most likely to see Itaewon, an international shopping district; the Samseong-dong, home to the Korea World Trade Center; and Yeouido Island, the city’s administrative and business center.
Although the city was virtually flattened by the 1950-53 Korean War, centuries-old temples, palaces and pagodas have been restored and exist alongside the city’s modern skyscrapers and 12-lane highways. Traffic is crowded, chaotic and fast; street signs are rare and buildings are not numbered consecutively. Seoul has one of the world’s highest traffic accident rates.
Korea has a temperate climate but Seoul has more rain than most of the rest of the peninsula. Most of it is concentrated in the monsoon season, from June through September, when downpours account for about 70 percent of the total annual precipitation. The winter is very cold from November to March.
Airports: It takes about an hour, depending on traffic, to reach the city from Incheon International Airport, which opened in 2001. It has supplanted Gimpo airport, which still carries the “international” designation, and is now used for domestic traffic.
A high-speed railway connection between the two airports is scheduled for completion in 2005. Similar service downtown is also under construction. Current choices include taxis; limousines; subway; and spacious 25-seat luxury buses that go to 18 deluxe hotels. Limousines and coach buses wait at the arrival level of the passenger terminal; information and tickets are available at transportation information desks. Nonstop limousine buses make round trips between Incheon and KCAT at the world trade center every 10 to 20 minutes. KCAT provides check-in service, passport clearance and airport departure tax tickets.
Declare valuables being taken into the country on the “Declaration of Temporary Imports Subject to Re-exportation” form to avoid paying taxes on departure. Departing travelers must present a passport, an immigration card (pick it up at check-in to save time); a “Foreign Traveler Purchase Certificate” for any duty-free purchases; an Airport Departure Tax ticket (at the security inspection counter); and a “Carry-out of Valuable Personal Effects” form, if applicable. Passengers with nothing to declare will undergo a security inspection after they have cleared Customs.
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Focus On Seville
October: Seville is a safe city with an active nightlife. In general, it's best to stay in well-trafficked areas after dark. Theft from cars common; don't leave valuables in view. Moped drivers often smash windows to steal objects. Bus and train travel are safe but watch for petty thieves; pickpockets and bag-slashers occasionally work bus routes. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Petty theft is rife throughout Seville, particularly in main tourist areas, such as the Barrio de Santo Cruz (the area around the Cathedral and Alcazar palace). At night, avoid areas east and north of the old city center (the Macarena area and the Alameda red-light district) which can be dangerous. In general, hold cameras and other valuables close to body to avoid bag-snatchers and moped thieves. In cafes, keep a close watch on bags, cameras and jackets. Con artists are active; avoid betting on street game played with three cups and a ball. Youth gangs linked to the ETA Basque separatist group have become aggressive again in the Basque country. In August, several people - including police - were injured in Bilbao, Pamplona and Guernica when firebomb attacks were mounted against a weapons factory, electric power installations and property belonging to a government official. The number of adherents to racist groups has grown to some 10,000, a five-fold increase in just four years, according to one report. In Andalucia, the number of "skinheads" has grown to between 1,500 and 3,000; they tend to prey on immigrants, the poor, homosexuals and prostitutes.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour
PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 091-2.
Medical Emergency: 061.
Police: 428-9300 or 461-5450.
Embassies: US, 423-1885; Canada, 422-9413.
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Focus On Shanghai
OCTOBER: The center of Shanghai, which is China's financial center, is divided into two areas by the Huang Pu River. Puxi, to the west, is the original business center and continues to expand. Pudong, to the east, is a new business district, classified as a tariff free zone, and rapidly growing with the construction of business offices, residential complexes and manufacturing buildings.
Shanghai is a generally safe city, with occasional incidences of petty theft in crowded tourist areas and around transportation stations. Travelers who remain alert and take normal safety precautions should not encounter significant problems. Store all valuables and passports in a hotel safe; carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Do not flaunt cash or valuables. Dress conservatively, particularly women. Refrain from discussing controversial topics, such as human rights, religion and politics. Do not photograph military installations.
Use only bottled water for drinking and per-sonal hygiene. Avoid eating food from street vendors; ask hotel for reputable vendors. Avoid fruits that don't require peeling, raw vegetables and domestic brands of soft drinks. Medical care is below western standards. Supplemental medical insurance with a provision for medical evacuation is recommended. Bring required prescriptions and syringes. Hepatitis A and dysentery are threats, as are cholera and encephalitis during monsoon season.
CUSTOMS
Passport must be valid for at least six months after visa's expiration. Declare cash in excess of $5,000 on entry.
MONEY
Credit cards widely accepted. Change travelers checks, foreign currency at hotels. Retain exchange receipts for re-conversion.
AIRPORT
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Focus On Singapore
If you are considering an international meeting venue, you should definitely investigate facilities in Singapore, one of three top convention locations in the world.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
Over the past five years, the city has steadily climbed up in the rankings compiled by the Union of International Associations, from 116 in 2004 to 502 in 2008.
Not only is Singapore one of the most attractive and safest places to visit, it offers numerous venues for meetings.
The largest of them is Singapore Expo, built in 1999. It offers 10 exhibition and convention halls, each measuring 10,000 square meters and able to accommodate 19,000 people. In addition, the MAX pavilion provides state-of-the-art lighting and video systems and auditorium-style seating for 7,000 people. The Expo’s collection of restaurants and bars offers 16 food outlets ranging from North Indian and Chinese menus to food for Western tastes, including a recently added Subway shop. In contrast, The Jazz Pub offers your choice of drinks and nightly karaoke if you are so inclined. The Singapore Expo is located at 1 Expo Drive, #01-01, Singapore 486150, tel. 65-6403-2160, and is only five minutes from Changi Airport.
Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Marina Financial District is another mega-sized facility that can accommodate groups of 10 to 10,000 in its 100,000 square meters of floor space. The convention halls feature the largest column-free meeting space in Asia. On a smaller scale, Suntec has 31 meeting rooms accommodating from 10 to 400 people. There is also a VIP Executive Suite featuring its own lounge and bar area that can seat up to 26 guests. Suntec City’s address is 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593, tel. 65-6337-2888.
There are a substantial number of excellent hotels very close to Suntec City. In order of proximity to Suntec are the following: Marina Mandarin, a 21-story atrium where caged song birds greet visitors; Pan Pacific, with a colorful lobby, large guest rooms and what “Frommer’s Singapore & Malaysia” has called the best business center in Singapore, citing its secretarial services, meeting rooms and the availability of snacks and cocktails; the Conrad International, Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont Singapore and Ritz-Carlton Millenia — all luxury hotels with excellent views from very large rooms; Swissotel The Stamford, cited by Frommers as offering great value and location; Naumi Hotel, a 40-room boutique hotel that includes one floor set aside for women only; and the legendary Raffles Hotel, founded in 1887. The comments in parentheses are from “Frommer’s Singapore & Malaysia.”
The Raffles City Convention Centre contains the two sister hotels: Raffles The Plaza and Swissotel The Stamford. The complex contains 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 16 restaurants and the Raffles City Shopping Centre. It is located directly above an MRT station hub that can take you to or from Changi Airport within 20 minutes. Raffles City is at 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, 65-6339-7777.
The Waterfront Conference Centre is located on the banks of the Singapore River, with its numerous pubs and seafood restaurants, with the Copthorne Waterfront Hotel as the ideal conference accommodation venue. Wireless broadband Internet is available in all of the Centre’s 34 meeting rooms, the Executive Club Lounge and the hotel’s common areas. Wired broadband connectivity is also available in all guest rooms. Copthorne Waterfront Hotel & Conference Centre, 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663, 65-6233-1029.
There’s always something going on in Singapore. It’s a good idea to research the current calendar before planning appointments and meetings.
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Focus On Singapore
December: The Republic of Singapore consists of the main island (called Singapore) and 63 offshore islands off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The main island is about 26 miles from east to west and 14 miles from north to south. Its total land area is about one-fifth the size of Rhode Island.
Singapore currently buys about half of its water from Malaysia at low prices under terms of a pact that expires in 2011. To prepare, the city has begun a waste water recycling program. Dubbed NEWater, it is being added to Singapore’s reservoir system (equal to about 1 percent of the city’s daily consumption) and distributed in bottles for free. By 2011, NEWater is expected to comprise about 2.5 percent of Singapore’s daily consumption, including non-potable purposes.
Singapore is the world’s busiest seaport and Southeast Asia’s center for building ships and oil rigs. It is also one of the world’s major oil refining and distribution centers, a major supplier of electronic components, a major regional convention and financial center.
But with its standard of living close to first world levels, Singapore is losing outsourcing revenue to China and India. To compensate, the government is orchestrating a transition from an investment-based economy to an entrepreneurial one, relaxing many regulations and fee structures in the process. The city has been known for its strict laws and penalties for a variety of offences that might be considered minor in the United States, including jaywalking, littering and spitting, as well as the importation and sale of chewing gum. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the U.S. can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and result in heavy fines and prison sentences. Vehicle use is limited through heavy fees, taxes and a surcharge on vehicles entering the central business district during much of the day.
In addition, the Marina Bay area is being redeveloped to create a global business and financial hub with prime office spaces, a full range of residential and convention facilities, shops and restaurants, surrounded by a ring of arts, cultural and entertainment activities.
Singapore Changi Airport is recognized as one of the best and busiest airports in the world, with over 50 airlines serving more than 130 cities. Currently, its two terminals can handle close to 44 million passengers a year. When Terminal 3 comes online in 2006, the airport’s handling capacity will exceed 60 million.
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Focus On St. Petersburg
MARCH: St. Petersburg, a city of five million, has been riddled with economic hardships. During the transition to a free market economy, most employment sectors suffered severe setbacks. Last fall, a report by the Corporate Resources Group ranked St. Petersburg low on political stability, personal safety and health issues. Then a fire on the Narvsky market in the Kirovsky district on Jan. 4 caused significant property damage, though no injuries. The city has become notorious for organized crime as Russian mobsters wage very public, violent turf battles in which businessmen and bankers are frequent victims.
However, a new mayor has restored hope that the city will regain its status as a reputable and successful city. The number of murders in the city has gone down by 12 percent since 1996 and the number of serious crimes, by 20 percent, according to the Interior Minister. On the other hand, street crime is on the rise and petty theft is a problem, particularly near tourist attractions. Robbery has increased by 35.7 percent, theft by 11.4 percent, and crimes committed with fire-arms or explosives by 20.4 percent.
Thus, travelers in St. Petersburg should continue to observe the usual precautions. Store passports and valuables in hotel safe. Limit night-time walks. Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times, and if problems arise, contact your consulate. Use hired drivers or taxis and inconspicuous vehicles. If traveling outside the city, check with the embassy about current security conditions.
LANGUAGE
Phrase book with Cyrillic alphabet useful. Most cab drivers don't speak English; have hotel staff write destination in Cyrillic.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 02.
Ambulance: 03
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Focus On Stockholm
JULY: Stockholm, the capital of Sweden as well as its largest and highest-profile city, is built on an archipelago — more than 24,000 islands, skerries and lumps of rock. Its location means the city endures up to eight inches of ice throughout most of the winter. Also, although people drive and walk over its bridges and streets, much local transportation is by boat.
The crime rate within the city is low and violent crime is infrequent. Neo-Nazis have an established presence here but, though still a concern, have become less of a threat in recent years. Biker gangs, notorious until late 1997, have recently begun to re-emerge. Nevertheless, the level of incidents remains low. Although protests and strikes are mostly peaceful and not targeted towards travelers, it is wise to stay away from demonstrations.
Stockholm has an excellent public transportation system comprised of buses, railways and the city subway. Because of the efficiency of public transportation, few people use personal vehicles within the city limits. Taxis are readily available, but an extra charge is sometimes assessed if a taxi is ordered in advance.
Airports: Arlanda International Airport (ARN) is about a 40 minute drive northwest of downtown Stockholm. Taxis and buses are available, as well as the Arlanda Express railway, which links the airport to the city center. This airport has four main terminals. International flights arrive in Terminal 2, while private/ corporate aircrafts use Terminal 5.
Bromma International (BMA) is about 15 minutes west of Stockholm. Taxis and buses are available for transportation into the city. Bromma serves flights to European destinations, treating them as domestic flights. Bromma has strict limits on the volume of air traffic, as well as the weight and noise level of the aircraft. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. aircraft are diverted to Arlanda. Corporate aircraft are parked immediately north of the terminal building.
Occasional strikes cause delays and cancellations, often with little advance notice, at both airports.
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Focus On Sydney
DECEMBER: Although it has a low crime rate, petty theft, as in all large cities, is frequent in many tourist areas. Take extra precautions in Chinatown, Kings Cross (Williams Street) and the Belmore Park and Elizabeth Street area near Central Station. The dockside areas are generally safe, but avoid those outside tourist areas. Also avoid areas around Redfern Station. Walk only in well-lit, populated areas.
Secure all valuables in hotel safe; theft from rooms is increasing. Don't leave valuables in cars. Women should secure handbags, particularly when eating at outdoor cafes; grab artists have been known to steal bags swung over chair backs. One problem in Sydney and throughout Australia is the increase in car thefts. Visitors should park in parking garages or well-lit areas and always lock car doors.
Stricter security procedures implemented in September have added up to one hour to international flight check-in and 30 minutes to domestic check-in. Counter-terrorism measures include tighter airport security, extra screening of passengers before boarding. Random deployment of plainclothes armed air marshals on select domestic and international flights is expected to be in place by Christmas. Since Sept. 11, there have been some 600 incidents involving hoax calls or suspicious packages. The state government has offered an award of up to A$100,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Police and security forces nationwide were placed on their highest state of alert on Nov. 2, following a declaration by Afghanistan's Taliban rulers that Australia was a target for its holy war. Local media report that about 100 individuals in Australia have links to Osama bin Laden.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Mean Time +11 hours from late October until early March, when the state of New South Wales is on daylight savings time.
PHONE
Consulates: US- 9373-9200; Canada- 9364-3000.
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Focus On Sydney
Perhaps the soul of Sydney is best expressed by the glorious billowing sails of its Opera House as illustrating its openness to trade and travel.
by Carol Ann Bakeman
The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), entered into on January 1, 2005, was the first FTA the United States executed with a developed economy since the US-Canada FTA in 1988. Australia also has FTAs with New Zealand-ASEAN, Singapore, Thailand and Chile, and is pursuing other FTAs with China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.
Since the 1980s, Australia has undertaken significant structural reform of its economy and has transformed itself from an inward-looking, highly protected and regulated marketplace to an open, internationally competitive, export-oriented economy.
The major corporate center of Australia is the eastern seaboard city of Sydney. “While other cities such as Brisbane and Perth have grown rapidly over the past decade in both population and business, Sydney remains the hub of Australian business and tourist traffic,” says Cameron McLeod, regional sales director for FCm Travel Solutions.
“Traveling into Australia via Sydney is a relatively smooth process,” McLeod says. “Sydney Airport is easily accessible to the city itself and as a hub to commute to other major cities. An efficient road and rail system provides visitors with rapid transit to the city center and surrounding suburbs. The largest volume of travel is down the eastern seaboard and the trunk route of Sydney-Melbourne is still one of the busiest in the world.”
Most business travel in Australia is done by aircraft rather than rail or road because of the vast distances. Security at airports is high, warns McLeod, and standard screening processes are in place throughout the major airports: “In particular, quarantine rules are strictly enforced for new arrivals to protect Australia’s export markets and its unique flora and fauna.
“The Sydney lifestyle is an easy combination of business and pleasure,” says McLeod. “Within 30 minutes of the heart of the city are secluded beaches, open parklands and bushland areas. Sydney also provides the gateway to the Blue Mountains beyond the western suburbs containing many national parks with a network of walking trails for the more adventurous. Australians have a very outdoor-oriented lifestyle and ‘Sydneysiders’ take full advantage of the weather and opportunities on their doorstep. The climate is temperate and the local temperatures range between 45F and 90F across the year.”
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Focus On Taipei
SEPTEMBER: Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a bustling and crowded city, and in general a safe, though expensive, destination. Taipei was ranked the sixth most expensive city in the world in January 2001 by the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. But Taiwan's official unemployment rate climbed to 4.51 percent in June, the sixth straight month of record joblessness. Unemployment and an economic slowdown have been major issues this year, and in May, a large demonstration by labor unions was held to call for government action on the problems.
Taiwan's crime rate is relatively low; travelers need only be concerned with the petty street theft common in all major cities and take appropriate precautions. Foreign women alone in bars may attract unwanted attention. Foreign men should be careful when talking to local women in bars; brawls are common and incited by seemingly innocuous behavior. But Taiwan has the second highest rate of credit card fraud in the world, and losses to the credit card industry amounted to some $50 million last year.
All modes of transportation are available for regional travel. Domestic airlines meet international safety standards. Train service is extensive, reliable; turn in ticket upon arrival. Three classes available. Chauffeur- driven cars a good option. Buses run to all major cities. Many roads in the central part of the island were blocked when Typhoon Toraji, called the worst to hit the island in decades, struck Taiwan on July 30. At least 77 people were killed, and another 133 missing. The eastern coastal province of Hualien and the central mountainous province of Nantou were the worst-hit. The storm also affected flights at Taipei's international airport.
PHONE
U.S. Representative Office: 709-2000, after hours 709-2013.
Canadian Trade Office: 713-7268.
English-speaking police: 311-9940/9816.
Ambulances: 721-6315,
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Focus On Tashkent
August: Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is the largest, most modern city in Central Asia, and has a population of two million. It is located directly over a faultline and is subject to intermittent earthquakes.
The Mafia has a strong presence throughout the city and is primarily linked to narcotic dealings; travelers are unlikely to be directly affected. Petty crime is common, especially theft. A strong government has not yet established protocol and clear regulations. Police (militsia) are helpful but not equipped to curb crime and are unlikely to speak English. Report crimes to the embassy.
The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent strongly advises Americans here to "avoid commercial establishments that cater to Westerners, which might be targets of terrorist attacks." All travelers should register with their embassy immediately upon arrival. To deter criminal and terrorist activity, proposed changes in the Uzbek penal code could add 20 years to sentences for "creating, leading and participating in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organizations." In June, the Uzbek Supreme Court pronounced six death sentences, long prison sentences and nationalization of property in the trial of 22 people suspected of involvement in February's bombings of government buildings. Others are still being sought. Police also have arrested two dozen children, suspected of distributing Islamic fundamentalist materials calling for the replacement of President Islam Karimov's regime.
Do not settle for bureaucratic solutions many officials offer - if you do not like an answer you received, ask someone else. But never offer to bribe the police.
USEFUL NUMBERS
American Business Center: 33-28-80
US Embassy: 77-14-07.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
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Focus On Tel Aviv
MAY: Tel Aviv is generally a safe city for travelers, despite the statistically rare yet unnerving suicide bus bombings. Crowded public places, such as bus stations and markets, are best avoided. There is a visible military presence on the streets. Police may ask for documents. Avoid photographing checkpoints, demonstrations and military installations. Be sensitive in discussions of political or religious topics. Visitors who feel uncomfortable using public buses in Israel can use regular or shared taxis.
Petty street crime is negligible; travelers who follow common-sense precautions to protect their personal property should not encounter problems. Do not leave valuables unattended at crowded city beaches. Store valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes. Avoid the area around the old central station and the juncture of Allenby and Ben-Yehuda Streets.
Tourism is increasing, especially in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and in kibbutz hotels. The city of Tel Aviv plans to invest $30 million preparing to bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, and another $10 billion to build infrastructure and related facilities.
There are frequent bus connections to Jerusalem and Haifa from both the central station and train station north. The Occupied Golan Heights can be safely visited with a reputable tour operator, but stick to well-paved roads. Limit excursions in the West Bank to well-trafficked tourist locations or use a recommended Arab guide. Avoid Gaza entirely. If planning further travel to Arab countries (except Jordan and Egypt), ask for an Israeli visa stamp on a separate piece of paper. Departure tax is NIS47 or US$19.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 100.
Ambulance: 101.
Embassies:
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Focus On Tokyo
DECEMBER: Tokyo is a modern metropolis, having been completely rebuilt following an earthquake in 1923 and World War II air raids. It is one of the safer cities in the world; street crime is very rare. However, travelers should take normal precautions. Watch for petty theft in crowded areas: Roppongi, the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku, Akihabara electronics area, Ueno Park, on public transit and at the airport. Avoid public parks, such as Yoyogi Koen, after dark. The city center is often deserted at night; avoid walking alone. Dress conservatively. Carry photocopy of passport; store original and other valuables in hotel safe.
The local police are reliable, with 24-hour posts throughout the city and a new multilingual squad. However, the Lower House of the Diet passed legislation in early November to increase oversight of the police after 38 percent of the citizens said in a survey that they were unhappy with police performance. Included in the new laws are provisions for local advisory boards and strengthening of public safety commissions to allow probes of alleged abuses. Reported crimes reached a record 2.17 million in 1999, much of the increase in high technology areas.
Regional travel is reliable, though often expensive. Railways are fast and comfortable, and run throughout the islands. So do buses but they can be slow. Domestic airlines meet international safety standards. Ferries have local and long-distance routes; expect delays in bad weather. It's best to carry cash outside Tokyo: credit cards are widely accepted in cities and increasingly in rural areas.
PHONE NUMBERS
Embassies - US: 3224-5000; Canada: 5412-6200.
English Lifeline: 3403-7106.
Police:110.
Fire/Ambulance: 119.
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Focus On Uruguay
June: Street crime is on the rise throughout Uruguay, and especially in Montevideo, the capital city. Main business, commercial and tourist areas are generally safe during the day. After dark, avoid walking alone, and stick to well-populated areas; main streets are usually busy until 1 a.m. Taxis are the best option for nighttime transportation; arrange through your hotel. Avoid public transit after dark.
Muggers work downtown as well as the areas near the Old City and the port. Pickpockets work crowded streets, especially the commercial district along Avenida 18 de Julio near the Plaza Independencia, which is just east of the Old City. Street criminals also operate in and around Plaza Cagancha, the city's main public transportation center. The Mercado del Puerto is generally safe, but again, watch for petty thieves in the crowds.
Keep passport and valuables in hotel safe; take only necessary cash, along with a photocopy of passport for I.D. purposes, in front pocket or in a pouch kept close to the body. Avoid displaying signs of perceived wealth, e.g., flashy jewelry.
The Senate has approved a 28-mile bridge that will cross the Rio de la Plata River and connect the Uruguayan town of Colonia to Buenos Aires, Argentina. When finished, it will cut road travel time between Buenos Aires and Montevideo from 24 hours down to three or four. The bridge is expected to help boost trade between Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
Many businesses close during the Southern Cone summer, November through February, or have limited hours of operation. Presidential elections are scheduled for this October.
USEFUL NUMBERS
U.S. Embassy: 203-6061
Canadian Embassy: 901-5755
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Focus On Vienna
by Carol Ann Bakeman
October 2006: Vienna, or Wien (Vee-en), is the capital of Austria and also one of the nine States of Austria. Situated on both sides of the Danube River, it is only 60 kilometers from Austria’s eastern border and is near the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Established around 500 BCE, Vienna was originally a Celtic settlement and by 15 BCE had become the Roman frontier city of Vindobana. By 1440, Vienna was the home of the Habsburgs, the longest-running European dynasty, which would last until 1918. During the world wars, Austria was annexed by Germany and Berlin became its capital. Following WWII, Vienna was reinstated as the capital of Austria.
Austria is a member of the Schengen Group, an association of European states that adhere to the ideals of the Schengen Convention, which eliminated passport controls at common internal borders in June 1995. Besides Austria, its members include Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway. Although France was one of the founding countries, it has not implemented the agreement due to concern about the possibility of drugs coming in from the Netherlands.
With a current population of more than two million, the city of Vienna is comprised of 23 districts. The first district, or Inner City, is surrounded by the Ringstrasse boulevard and corresponds approximately to the original walls of the medieval city. The Inner City contains Vienna’s most famous buildings (including the “Wiener Staatsoper” opera house, Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephan’s Cathedral) as well as the finest stores, restaurants and hotels.
Vienna’s four-digit postal codes, which always start with 1, indicate the district in which an address is located. For example, 1200 tells you that 1 is the Vienna, Brigittenau is the 20th district. The last digit is the post office code. Note that this system is not followed precisely through the rest of the country.
Doing Business: Be careful not to refer to Austrians as German. They are a Germanic people, and speak what is sometimes called High German, but are completely independent from Germany.
They plan their appointments weeks ahead and punctuality is crucial. German for “late” is “zu spät” — which means literally “too late.” Austrians view people who can’t manage their time as not dependable for handling their business. Preferred appointment times are from 10am to 1pm or 3pm to 5pm.
Men and women should dress very conservatively for business meetings. A dark woolen suit and a conservative tie for men, a tailored suit and blouse for women, is appropriate. The Viennese appreciate fine clothes and workmanship, but are not impressed by designer labels.
The Viennese are very polite and quite formal. Courtesy and protocol rank high and titles should be used if you know them. Shaking hands is expected when arriving at or leaving a meeting. The formality experienced in business dealings carries over into social relations. It normally takes a long time to get on a first name basis and seldom is a business associate invited to the home. On those rare occasions where a home invitation is extended, be sure to remove shoes before entering.
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Focus On Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, a prosperous and modern city, is generally considered safe, especially by African standards. At its center is Independence Avenue, which bisects the city and is the major shopping, administrative and tourist district. Streets leading off Independence Avenue are lined with small cafes and pavement shops. The city’s parks are safe by day, as are the many cafes located on the side-streets. Independence Avenue is safe well into the evening.
While the city appears peaceful, pick-pocketing is still a problem and violent crime is on the increase. Visitors should take common-sense precautions.
Even though walking around the city in the daytime is generally safe, one should not go around at night. Those who choose to rent a car are advised not to drive after dark. Public transportation is not recommended.
Windhoek townships which should be avoided at all times are Wanaheda, Hakahana, Goreangab and the southern area of Katutura, where unemployment and boredom are problems.
Rental cars are expensive but the best way of seeing the country. For local travel, Air Namibia services domestic flights from Eros Airport to and from Tsumeb, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Alexander Bay and Swakopmund and Oshakait. Train travel is not recommended, although the new Desert Express is considered safe.
Use caution when traveling near the Angolan border; there have been reports of banditry and the rule of law has broken down completely. Attacks by both UNITA rebels and Angolan soldiers on villages and towns in the area occur on a sporadic basis. Last year’s U.S. Department of State warning against travel to the northern border area is still relevant.
EMBASSY PHONES
US Embassy: 22-1601
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Focus On Winnipeg
It was 2 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) on a winter evening in Winnipeg shortly after Christmas. According to the local weather service, that’s a little warmer than usual.
And it’s reason enough for the existence of the Weather-Protected Walkway System — aka Winnipeg Walkway — a network of skywalks and tunnels that has helped keep pedestrians in the central business district warm and dry for the past 40 years. An extension that will connect City Place with the St. Mary office building, the Delta Hotel and the Winnipeg Convention Centre is scheduled for completion this spring.
Office space itself is increasing in the area. There are 30-some industrial parks already on the books, and more springing up in the city and its suburbs. Office rents are considered some of the most affordable in Canada.
At the edge of town, construction of a new terminal at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is also nearing its 2010 completion date. AirCanada, United, Northwest and WestJet all provide flights into YWG. There are also some airlines you might not have heard of, like Bearskin Airlines and Calm Air.
They could well become more familiar soon. Winnipeg, the capital and largest city in Canada’s Manitoba province, harbors prime potential for a future in outsourcing, according to analysts at KPMG. Location is one of its attractions. Winnipeg is at the halfway point between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a half-hou | | |
