In a land of imploding bank, and a distinct lack of ATMs that support withdrawals on an international card the man with cold hard cash is king. Which presents a risk when you’re running a study and need to monty up for all local expenses including salaries.

Hence the pile of cash before stepping on the plane. Expensing this kind of work can be real bitch, but as every SOX compliant worker drone knows you gotta account for it all.