Working as a sales representative abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a sales representative abroad like?

• Sales associates abroad connect with customers from all sorts of countries, learn different selling styles, and adapt to local customs.
• The work can vary enormously. As a sales representative you can work in a clothing store, supermarket, or souvenir shop or sell at markets, shopping malls, resorts, or duty-free zones.
• The work as a sales representative can also adapt to the seasons—for example, as a sales associate in a local ski shop.
• The basics remain familiar: helping customers, selling products, and ensuring everything looks neat. But culture, language, and pace significantly influence what the work entails in practice.
• Language skills are therefore often more important than experience.

Responsibilities of a sales representative

• Advising and assisting customers.
• Selling and billing products.
• Replenishing and presenting inventory.
• Handling complaints and questions.
• Rashing and basic administration.
• Occasionally contributing to promotions and special offers.

Working conditions of a sales representative

• Often temporary or seasonal work.
• Regularly full-time, sometimes part-time or flexible.
• Salary depends on country and sector. In tourist areas, tips or commissions are sometimes included.
• Employers sometimes offer housing or meals.

What are the reasons for working as a sales representative abroad?

• To develop communication skills: daily contact with customers sharpens listening skills and clear communication.
• To build self-confidence: selling in a different language or culture requires courage and conviction.
• To become flexible: no two days in sales are the same, and situations often require improvisation.
• To experience engagement: you are immediately part of local life and daily dynamics.
• To strengthen service orientation: helping customers is central, sometimes under challenging circumstances.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a sales representative abroad?

• To be able to communicate: interact with customers clearly and friendly, even when language is a barrier.
• To be service-oriented: customer satisfaction is always paramount.
• To be flexible: cope with varying working hours, busy periods, and unexpected situations.
• Have self-confidence: dare to promote products and show initiative.
• To be stress-resistant: Remain calm during peak hours or with difficult customers.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a sales representative abroad?

• Countries with high tourism and seasonal work: Spain, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Indonesia.
• Countries with large retail sectors: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea.
• Countries with resorts, cruises, and duty-free zones: United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Caribbean Islands, Australia, Mexico.

What are the risks of working as a sales representative abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as a sales representative abroad? It is not uncommon that:
  • there are long and irregular working hours, especially in tourist areas and during peak seasons.
  • physical complaints occur, especially during long periods of standing, lifting, and repetitive movements.
  • healthcare is expensive or limited, especially with temporary contracts or local work without supplementary insurance.
  • income fluctuates, depending on the season, commissions, or visitor numbers.
• Are you insured while working as a sales representative abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.