WorldWide Drilling Resource

Overseas Travel Management by Ashish Rathi National Sales Manager, Shakti Pumps USA LLC Driving and Taxi Drivers e Carry an up-to-date driver license and insurance documentation. e Understand local driving practices and ask about bad driving habits, such as for giving way and overtaking (passing). Check on local police methods and carry money for fines. e Carry a local map, be aware of “no go” areas, and plan the route thoroughly. e Learn some useful local phrases in case you break down or have an accident. e Ask to inspect and try out a hired vehicle before accepting it - ask for a demonstration. Remember to check tires, brakes, oil, and water levels. e Make sure there is enough fuel for your journey and check ahead for petrol/gas stations on long journeys. e Drive unobtrusively and be observant, particularly of following vehicles. Note familiar landmarks. e Lock the vehicle even if you’re leaving it for only a few minutes, such as when refueling. Keep the passenger doors locked while driving. Leave nothing valuable inside. e Carry emergency equipment (e.g. fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs, and warning triangle) in the vehicle. In many countries, this is a legal requirement. e Don’t get out of the vehicle if you’re unsure of your surroundings, or if you’re involved in an accident which appears in any way contrived. e Be wary of locals pointing out ”problems” with the car. Go on to the next busy public place to inspect the vehicle. e The police in some countries aren’t always sympathetic to travelers. If possible, tell your office you’re going to the police station before you go. Don’t give the police your passport unless you have to - try to use some other form of identification such as an ID card or driver license. e Always leave enough room between you and the car in front to drive out if you’re approached by potential hijackers. e Don’t wind your car window down fully when speaking to strangers. e If you’re not confident about driving or there’s a high risk of carjacking or kidnap, hire a reliable driver. e If possible, book taxis through your hotel or a reliable local contact. e Make a note of the taxi company and the driver’s name, car registration, make and color, and the approximate fare when you book, and check them again before you get into the taxi. e Travel in a licensed taxi with a meter, and make sure the driver uses it. e Don’t get into a cab if there’s another passenger already there. e Taxi drivers could take criminal advantage if they see a passenger as a newcomer, so act naturally and don’t ask too many questions. e Always ask drivers who are to meet you at the airport to use your organization’s logo on the meeting card. (This makes it harder for other people to copy your name and try and get your attention before your official driver does.) Before getting into the car, make sure they know your name and either put your luggage in the boot/trunk yourself, or watch as the driver does it. Look for the final l ist of tips next month. Ashish Ashish Rathi may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 4< /*2'3* "& > > > > ,'< ? /2+ '6* /3+6 /3+6 ')1/3- " " !8=2+ /7843 4* 4* ')1/3- !+8 5)7 !8'3*'6* $'2:+ 9((+6 6':+2 $'2:+ 9((+6 !+'87 9((+6 $'2:+ 37+687 #6+8.'3+ $'2:+ 37+687 $'2:+ !56/3- ! ! $'2:+ 4:+6 '71+8 ? !;/:+2 ')1/3- ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 6/)+7 !9(0+)8 "4 .'3-+ %/8.498 48/)+ !@ @ < < < < < 53 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® APRIL 2018 Visit us online! worldwidedrillingresource.com