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john · 01-15-2006, 03:53 PM

The Basics

The Time
Visas are not required for American tourists on short-term visits (usually less than 90 days) by any member countries of the European Travel Commission covered on this site, except Turkey. U.S. citizens must obtain visas ($100 as of December 2002) before entering Turkey, either from a Turkish consulate abroad, or at airport and border entry points.

The member countries of the European Travel Commission are spread across three different time zones:

Greenwich Mean Time: Iceland, Ireland, Britain and Portugal are EST +5.

Central European Time: Norway, Sweden and the bulk of the Continent, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia to the east are EST +6.
Eastern European Time: Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are all EST +7. Most of Europe (Iceland is an exception) goes on Summer Time (daylight savings time) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. In the U.S., DST runs from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

Generally, for one week between last Sunday in March and first Sunday in April, the time difference is greater by one hour.
Use of the 24-hour clock is widespread, e.g., 1 p.m. is 13:00 and so on to midnight, 24:00.

Metric System

Europe generally operates on the metric system. Some equivalents:
1 gram = 0.04 ounces
1 kilogram = 2.20 pounds
1 liter = 1.06 quarts
1 meter = 1.09 yards
1 kilometer = 0.62 miles

For quick and easy conversion, visit http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm

Electricity

Most of Europe is served with 220-volt, 50-cycle alternating current, compared to the U.S. 110-volt, 60-cycle AC. The major exceptions are Great Britain, on 230-volt, 50-cycle and Northern Ireland, on 240-volt, 50-cycle (the Irish Republic is on 220-volt). Malta and Cyprus are also on 240-volt, 50-cycle AC.

If you plan to take appliances that work at home in the U.S., you'll need voltage transformers in Europe, which are available at most electrical stores.

Plug configurations vary from country to country: If you don't have the right adapter, your hotel may be able to provide you with one.

On Arrival

It's not a bad idea to arrive with a small amount of foreign currency for the first country you visit for taxis, tips, etc.
However, with very few exceptions, you will be able, upon arrival, to exchange dollars or traveler's checks for local currency at airport exchange bureaus, which open early and stay open late.

Money

First, use credit cards whenever possible. Credit-card exchange rates are the most favorable.

When exchanging dollars and traveler's checks for local currency, banks generally offer better rates and/or lower transaction fees than do exchange bureaus. Hotels will also exchange currency, but usually at less favorable rates.

To get the best rates, plan your exchanges ahead. In cases of sudden need, it's often better to pay a little extra at an exchange bureau than to spend valuable time searching for a better rate at a bank.

The Dollar and the Euro

The euro zone comprises Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.

Beyond the euro zone:

Three European Union nations have so far declined to adopt the euro: Britain (pound), Denmark (krone) and Sweden (krona).

All those nations outside the EU, including Switzerland, Norway and Iceland; and the Eastern European countries, continue to maintain their own currencies.

With the EU's recent approval of expansion eastward, the 10 new member nations could be eligible to join the euro (depending on their ability to meet economic guidelines). These include Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia; Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; and Cyprus and Malta.

ATM's

ATMs accepting U.S. bank debit and credit cards are available in many cities in most countries, usually with English-language instructions. Withdrawals from a checking or savings account, or cash advances against a credit card are dispensed in local currency.

You can save in two ways: the wholesale exchange rate (up to 5 percent better) applies; and you avoid transaction fees charged by exchange bureaus and banks. (Your home bank's ATM fee does apply, as will credit-card cash-advance fees. A local ATM usage fee may also apply.) A four-digit numeric PIN is standard for most European ATMs. Check with your issuing bank to make sure your PIN will work in Europe.

Travel Info

Tourist Information

When you arrive at an airport or railway station, you should seek out the 'i' sign for Information. You'll also find it in major squares. (In Holland, look for "V V V" signs.)
The 'i' sign usually indicates an office of the local tourist bureau, which generally will provide excellent services. Here you will get street and transit maps, basic brochures on the city sights, an up-to-date calendar of what's happening, and advice on restaurants and hotels. Talk to the people; they'll give you good leads. In many cities (not just the large ones), the local tourist offices can arrange accommodations for you on the spot.

Hotel Concierge

A major benefit of hotels is the concierge, usually an expert on the city you are visiting. He or she can make recommendations and reservations, place calls in the local language, and advise on tipping and other customs.

Dining Out

For the best buys, and a good way to meet people, seek out typical eating establishments, such as tavernas, pubs, bistros, tascas and trattorias - neighborhood restaurants patronized by the local citizens. Here is where you will generally find the best food of the region at the most reasonable prices. Also try the leading beverage of the region - wine or beer, or a local specialty.
Many countries have economical fixed-price tourist menus, offered by restaurants displaying the appropriate sign.

Tipping

In many countries, particularly on the Continent, hotel and restaurant bills include a service charge; any additional tipping is usually at the discretion of the visitor, generally small change but no more than 5 percent.
When service is not included in the restaurant bill, as is usually the case in Britain, a tip of 10 to 15 percent is customary.

Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10 to 15 percent. A tip of at least $1 is suggested per bag for porters and bellmen, for a doorman hailing a taxi, per night for the maid, for the parking attendant, for the cloakroom attendant and per day for the tour guide or the driver.

Note: In Iceland, there is no tipping at all.

john · 01-15-2006, 03:56 PM

Shopping

Whether it's making a once-in-a-lifetime purchase at a famous store or hunting for bargains at an open-air market, shopping in Europe is not only fun but often provides insights into a city's history and culture.

You'll be a savvier shopper abroad if you research the various specialties offered in the countries you will visit.

Stores in some Mediterranean countries close for two hours or more during midday or close in the afternoon some days of the week.

VAT Refunds

Most European countries levy value-added taxes (VAT), a form of sales tax that can run up to 25 percent of the total price. It is included in the purchase price of an item, not added on at the cash register, and so is virtually undetectable.
In most countries, foreign visitors may be able to receive a refund of the tax. Always ask at the store, which can also tell you what the country's minimum-purchase requirements are for a refund.

Usually, you fill out a form at the store, showing your passport. Upon leaving the country, you submit all forms to customs for approval. (They may ask to see the goods, so have them handy.) In some instances, you can get the refund before departure; otherwise, it will come by mail.

If you are visiting two or more countries within the European Union, you submit forms only on departure from the last EU country.

VAT rates and refund procedures vary from country to country. For individuals, VAT refunds generally are available on goods only, not services.

Look It Up

When you've decided which country or countries you wish to visit, contact the national tourist office(s) for free up-to-the-minute news, maps and information. Go to a library or bookstore for regional and special-interest guides as well as videos. The more you know, the easier it will be to make up your own "must see,do" list.

Passports

Passports are required of U.S. citizens visiting Europe.
First-time applicants 13 and over must fill out an application form (see below) and appear in person at a U.S. Passport Agency office, or at a designated courthouse or post office. Bring your birth certificate or proof of citizenship, a photo identification and two recent identical "head shot" photos, 2" x 2". Children ages 13 to 17 must appear with a parent. If you are applying for a child under 13, the child need not appear.

Most Passport Agency offices now serve only those departing within two weeks and require that you make an appointment in advance. Others will be directed to U.S. Post Offices and local courthouses that take passport applications.

Passport, visa and U.S. travel-advisory information is available from the State Department's Consular Affairs site at http://travel.state.gov. You can download passport application and renewal forms, and locate the nearest Passport Agency, or designated post office or courthouse.

You can also call the State Department's new automated National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.

Visas

Visas are not required for American tourists on short-term visits by most member countries of the European Travel Commission covered on this site. For an up-to-date listing of visa requirements and detailed explanations pertaining to visas, please refer to the Foreign Entry Requirements website. http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive travel insurance plan should include coverage for Trip Cancellation & Interruption, Medical Expenses and Emergency Medical Transportation, Loss and Damage to Baggage, and a toll-free, 24-hour travel assistance hotline. Travelers should read any policy carefully, know what is covered, and consider the following tips:

— Medicare does not extend beyond the borders of the United States — travelers on Medicare and other restrictive managed-care health plans can protect themselves with comprehensive third-party travel insurance.

— Weigh carefully any travel protection offered directly by a tour operator or travel supplier — a comprehensive third-party travel insurance plan will cover the traveler's travel investment in the event of a travel carrier's financial demise.

— Extensive weather and security delays can impact travel itineraries and baggage — travelers should look for coverage of Delayed Baggage and Travel Delays when considering any travel insurance plan.

For more information on travel insurance, and for a free travel advisory featuring travel, safety, health and weather information on a particular European destination, travelers can visit the site of Travel Guard International, America's largest travel insurance provider.

Travel Agents

Once you've decided where you want to go and how much you want to spend, consult with a knowledgeable travel agent. Computer systems and industry contacts give agents immediate access to a wide range of Europe's offerings, so they can quickly track down good deals and book your entire trip.

john · 01-15-2006, 04:13 PM

Weather Forecast

Although most of Europe lies in latitudes more northerly than New York, warm Atlantic currents act to moderate temperatures, even in Iceland.

The Alps can be used as a rough dividing line for the continent's climate. To the north, summers are mild, while winters can be cool and damp. To the south, from Portugal to Turkey, winters are mild and summers are hot (much like southern California), with rain most common in autumn and spring. As always, temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes. Take a raincoat or sweater, even in summer.

European countries measure temperature in Centigrade rather than Fahrenheit.

For five-day forecasts for any of 66 European cities, go to the Met Office, http://www.met-office.gov.uk/weather...eforecast.html
Britain's national weather service or check www.weather.com for more detailed forecasts.

You can also check U.S. newspapers for Europe weather information or call 900-WEATHER, a Weather Channel service that offers updated reports for 95 cents a minute.

Car & Rail

Most motorists rent a car. It is highly recommended that you reserve rental cars in advance, before leaving the U.S. Check around for good values, extra service and possible discounts and promotions, and you can save a significant amount of money.

Another option is to consider buying a railpass. These can cover many countries or just a single country, but most must be purchased before you leave the U.S. Check Eurail.com for current details.

Packages that combine car rental with airfare, rail passes and/or hotel accommodations are another way to save.

Paperwork

Leave a copy of your itinerary, with phone numbers, at your home and/or office.
Make a copy of the opening page of your passport with the number and date of issue (this will speed the replacement process, if necessary). If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and then take a copy of the report to the U.S. consulate for a replacement, usually issued within 24 hours.
Record charge-card numbers (and phone numbers for reporting any loss of cards). The same for traveler's checks and airline tickets. Leave a copy at home.

Jet Lag

Although it's difficult to avoid, a few precautions are worth taking. "Reset" your sleep patterns by going to bed early a few nights before you leave. On the plane, sleep as much as you can, and walk and stretch when awake. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and drink plenty of water in flight. On arrival in a new time zone, take a short nap, have a light meal at the appropriate local hour, and perhaps a brief stroll afterward. Eat lightly for two or three days, keep the first day's itinerary relaxed and allow about 24 hours to adjust.

Generally speaking, eastbound night flights are more fatiguing than return flights to the U.S.

Heading Home

U.S. Customs

Visitors who have been abroad at least 48 hours, and have not made a claim for exemption in the past 30 days, can now return home with $800 per person in purchases without paying any duty. The limit was doubled from $400 as of November 2002.

One liter of alcohol, and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (per resident 21 years or older) are allowed in duty-free.

Plants, fresh fruit, vegetables and meats from overseas are not allowed into the U.S. Nor are products made from endangered animal or plant species.

The next $1,000 worth above the base sum is subject to a straight 10-percent levy. After that, the levies vary according to the article. Articles at least 100 years old and original works of art may be exempt.

Keep a complete record of your purchases (with receipts attached) and have it accessible.

For complete details, see "Traveler Information / Know Before You Go" on the U.S. Customs Service site, www.customs.ustreas.gov.

Gifts From Abroad

A gift mailed from abroad, if less than $100 in value, is exempt from duty if the same person does not receive more than $100 in gift shipments in a single day. However, there is no limit on the number of persons to whom gifts may be sent in a day, or on the number of days in which additional gifts can be sent to the same person