Frequently Asked Questions
If I attend the Business Development Conference in Korea and do the mission stop in Taipei, does this count as two mission stops?
No, this would only count as one mission stop. A mission stop is determined by where you have business-to-business meetings.
Can I follow a different order for the mission stops than what is on the itinerary? (e.g. Go to Hong Kong May 16-17 and Taiwan May 9-10)
No, you must follow the established itinerary.
Is it possible to make mission stops in countries other than the ones listed?
Do I need a visa(s)?
- S. Korea: No visa for travel under 90 days
- Hong Kong: No visa for travel under 90 days
- Philippines: No visa for travel under 21 days. For more information: http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_9571450.pdf
- Taiwan: No visa for travel under 30 days. For more information: http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_1045101.pdf
- Japan: No visa for travel under 90 days
What are the time differences from the United States?
From Eastern Standard Time (EST) the countries are either 12 or 13 hours ahead.
- S. Korea EST + 13 hours
- Hong Kong EST + 12 hours
- Philippines EST + 11 hours
- Taiwan EST + 12 hours
- Japan EST + 14 hours
What are the currency conversion rates between the USD and the countries on the itinerary?
The rates vary. See the chart below.
- S. Korea 1USD = 1,082.43 KRW (S. Korean Won)
- Hong Kong 1USD = 7.75006 HKD (Hong Kong Dollar)
- Philippines 1USD = 40.849 PHP (Philippine Peso)
- Taiwan 1USD = 29.0814 TWD (Taiwan New Dollar)
- Japan 1USD = 82.5454 JPY (Japanese Yen)
How long are the flights from Korea to the other stops on the itinerary?
The flights range from one hour to 4 hours. See below.
- Hong Kong: 3.5 – 4 hours
- Manila, Philippines: 4 hours
- Taipei, Taiwan: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Tokyo, Japan: 1.5 – 2 hours
My company has some manufacturing outside of the US; can I participate in Trade Winds?
As long as your products have at least 51% U.S. content you are eligible to participate.
