As a worldwide speaker and minister who has been to over 50 countries and 6 continents, the bulk of my travel has been to third-world and war-torn countries. My mother calls them "the hell-holes" on earth. Nevertheless there are some wonderful people there who are very kind, hospitable, and intelligent. Plus you can get some great deals and discover some huge economic development opportunities if you are skillful cross-culturally.
Beyond working at Ground Zero in NYC the first week of 9/11, abroad I have comforted genocide victims in Rwanda & Burundi; ministered in East Timor in the middle of a war (before the UN gave them new nation status); been to Pakistan twice since 9/11; worked at the tsunami epicenter in Indonesia; been so deep within the "bush" of Africa I saw people who had never seen a white man and freaked out in my presence. These are just a few of countless experiences I have had.
My advice to business travelers visiting such countries no matter what your purpose:
1. Never travel alone as this greatly heightens your security risk making you an increasingly "soft target".
2. Always stay at a reputable hotel where quality employees worthy of your trust can provide you help and information.
3. Put your money in the hotel room safe, or underneath the carpet or in an air conditioner unit in an inconspicuous place.
4. Always confirm all information asking someone else completely unrelated to the first person who counseled you.
5. Don't ever convey a habitual discernible schedule. Make people think you will be right back so they don't think they have time on their hands to rob you. Be a bit unpredictable intentionally.
6. Get peoples names, first and last, including any police or law enforcement who may stop you seeking a bribe. People are less bold about cheating you when they know you have their name.
7. Guard all of your personal information and don't give away money unless you want a swarm of people after you.
8. Beware of "friends" who want you to sponsor them or seek to visit you in America.
9. Always be friendly and leave the slight chance that you might be a financial contributor / sponsor so people will treat you right, but beware of committing to anything.
10. Avoid outwardly showing any fear or suspicion. Be a friendly person, but inwardly always be alert.
11. Watch out for social settings where alcohol is involved or you could be drugged and kidnapped.
12. Stay in safe and well-known areas particularly if you are alone.
13. Keep several copies of your passport with you should yours be stolen (and never give your passport to anyone to keep including the hotel front desk staff).
14. If necessary to get a police officer or immigration officer off of your back, give them $5 to $20 if your time is more valuable than the money and hassle. But this is only as a last resort after you resist them. I've never had to bribe anyone accept an immigration officer because my passport was near expiration. I didn't offer the money, he asked it of me - $5 which I paid him and was admitted into the country.
15. Beware of cute girls who may try to play you and come up with sudden "family emergencies" and problems asking you for money.
16. If you invite anyone back to your room, be sure all your valuables are hid and locked away first
