EUROPE

EUROPE  ...   general travel info for Europe

Before You Go...

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. (Nearly 49 million Americans hold passports today; A record 7.3 million passports were issued in 2000 alone.)

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", and apply well ahead of your trip. Children ages 13 to 17 must appear with a parent. If you are applying for a child under 13, the child need not appear.

Note: 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. The fee for first-time applicants 16 and over is $60 (10-year passports). The fee for children 15 and under is $40 (five-year passports).

Passports of adults can be renewed by mail for up to 12 years from issue date. All passports obtained in 1991 are up for renewal. Renewal fees are $40. Processing time is about three weeks, excluding mailing time, longer during the spring and summer months.  If you wish expedited service (delivery within two weeks), there is an additional $35 fee, plus overnight delivery costs.

Web: Passport, visa and 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 automated (35 cents per minute) or operator-assisted services ($1.05 per minute) at 900-225-5674. You can also call the Federal Information Center toll-free at 800-688-9889 (passport information is No. 1 on the automated menu). 

Visas
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 ($45) before entering Turkey, either from a Turkish consulate abroad, or at airport and border entry points.

Health Certificate
Health certificates are not required for entering any of the countries covered here (unless you are coming from an officially declared "infected area"). Nor are they required for your return to the U.S. from these countries.

While you are there ...

Time:

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

·        Greenwich Mean Time: Iceland, Ireland, Britain, and Portugal are five hours ahead of New York (Eastern Standard Time).

·        Central European Time: Norway, Sweden and the bulk of the Continent are six hours ahead. This includes Spain, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia.

·        Eastern European Time: Finland, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey are seven hours ahead.

Most of Europe (Iceland is an exception) goes on daylight-saving time, generally from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September. The 15 European Union nations are considering harmonization and extension of DST to the last Sunday in October. If they do so, non-EU countries may follow.

In the U.S., DST runs from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. 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:

Electricity:

Virtually all of Europe is served with 220-volt, 50-cycle alternating current, compared to the U.S.'s 110-volt, 60-cycle AC. (Exceptions are Malta and Cyprus, both on 240-volt AC.) If you take appliances that work at home, you'll need voltage transformers, as well as plug adapters, in Europe.

Plug configurations vary; if you don't have the right adapter, your hotel may be able to provide you with one that fits.

Money:

First, use credit cards whenever possible. (MasterCard, for instance, is among the most widely accepted cards in Europe.) 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.

In some cities, banks direct all currency-exchange requests to ATM machines (see below).

On Currency Exchange:

With the introduction of the Euro dollar, currency can be exchanged in Euro Dollars or, in some cases, in the currency of the country you are visiting.  Current rates of exchange, both Euro dollars and by country, are available on the web at universalcurrency.ca.  The American dollar continues to perform well - good news for American visitors.  Retail rates are somewhat lower, and a commission is also charged. It must be noted that exchange rates have fluctuated widely in recent years and are likely to continue to do so.

Arrive with a small amount of foreign currency (at least for the first country on your itinerary) for taxis tips, etc, Also, take some U.S. cash in small bills. These can be exchanged at your hotel when banks are closed. Make sure you have some U.S. dollars for your return.

Traveller’s cheques and charge cards are widely accepted. You can exchange currency and travelers checks at exchange bureaus and authorized banks. The latter usually offer better rates.

After working hours, foreign currency can be obtained at exchange windows at airports and major railway stations. Hotels will exchange currency and travelers checks, but usually at a less favorable rate.

The Dollar and the Euro

The U.S. dollar held its basic strength versus the euro through the runup to introduction of euro banknotes and coins on Jan. 1, 2002, when it was buying 31 percent more euros than when the Single Currency was actually inaugurated three years earlier.*
     The dollar is thus strong in the 12 European Union nations in the euro zone: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.
     While the euro is the common currency of these 12 countries, all paper money transactions were in national currencies (francs, marks, lire, etc.) until Jan. 1, 2002. These national currencies are being withdrawn from circulation and will no longer be legal tender as of March 1, 2002 (earlier in France, Holland and Ireland).
     For more on the historic changeover in banknotes and coins,  click here. 
     Beyond the euro zone: The dollar is also strong in the non-euro countries of the European Union: Denmark, Sweden and Britain.  Outside the EU, the dollar is strong against the Swiss franc and against most currencies in Eastern Europe.

*Interbank rates are cited here. Typical rates on credit-card transactions would be -2 percent of interbank rate; on cash exchanges, -4 percent.

Automatic Teller Machines:

ATMs accepting U.S. bank and charge cards are available in many cities in most countries, usually with English-language instructions. Contact your bank or charge card issuer for a list of ATM street addresses, then look for machines which display symbols matching those on your card. Withdrawals from a checking or savings account, or cash advances against a charge card are dispensed in local currency.

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

Mail From Home:

You can receive mail at General Delivery (the generally used term is Poste Restante) in any European city, usually at the main post office. Mail should be addressed: Name, Poste Restante, City, Country.

The Media:

Time, Newsweek, the International Herald Tribune, the European edition of USA Today and the weekly European are widely available at newsstands and hotels. A number of capitals have weekly English-language newspapers.

Broadcasts of the U.S. Armed Forces Network from Frankfurt can be heard through most of Western Europe (873 AM). The BBC World Service is broadcast on short wave throughout Europe. Check with your hotel concierge or the local tourist bureau.

Many major hotels are tied into TV cable service offering English-language programming, including Cable News Network.

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.

The 'i' sign usually indicates an office of the local tourist bureau, which generally provides 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.

Note: In many cities (not just the large ones), the local tourist offices can arrange accommodations for you on the spot.

GETTING AROUND

Travel by Car

If you plan to drive in Europe, it is highly recommended that you reserve rental cars in advance, before leaving the U.S. This invariably saves a significant amount of money.
Americans often prefer midsized, automatic-transmission cars over smaller compacts and minis. Check Hertz’s Affordable Europe Program before you go for good value and extra services.

Driver's License
You can drive anywhere in Europe with your home-state driver's license.
Travelers from the U.S. who wish to drive in Austria, Greece, Poland or Turkey are technically required to have an International Driver's Permit in addition to their license.
The permit, which translates basic information into nine languages, is recommended in other countries to expedite dealings with traffic officers. (In much of Europe, officers are empowered to fine motorists on the spot.)
International permits are available from the American Automobile Association and affiliated clubs for $10. Applicants must submit two recent identical color photos, 2"x 2".

Train Travel

People in Europe count on trains far more than do most Americans. So trains run on time and frequently. Each day in Germany alone 33,000 trains carry 4 million people. Fares are very reasonable, generally speaking, and high service levels are maintained.

HIGH-SPEED  TRAINS

Europe’s newest trains are also the world’s fastest, as exemplified by the sleek Eurostar that runs through the 31-mile long Channel Tunnel and cruises at 185 miles an hour on the open straightaways. The Eurostar is just one of the high-speed trains recognized for their outstanding services as well as their dash.
Most famous are France’s TGVs (Trains à Grande Vitesse), which first began running between Paris and Lyon in 1981. Today, TGVs serve more than 150 cities throughout France and run beyond to Zurich and Milan.
Others include Germany’s InterCity Expresses; Italy’s Eurostar Italia (also called Pendolinos); Spain’s Trens de Alta Velocidad Español (AVE), Talgo 200s and Euromeds; Sweden’s X2000 and France’s Thalys.

EUROCITY EXPRESSES

The glamorous high-speed trains make up only a small part of Europe’s overall rail network. Standard trains are excellent as well, particularly the network of 90-plus EuroCity express trains, with dining cars and sleepers that link major cities. Some EuroCity running times: Frankfurt-Milan-Rome, 14½ hours; Vienna-Venice, 8 hours.

Within individual countries, InterCity trains link the major metro centers.

RAILPASSES

A wide variety of railpasses, include:

§         The famous Eurailpass and the Eurail Flexipass good in 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland).

§         New in 2001 is the Eurail Selectpass, valid for unlimited first-class travel within any three adjoining countries among the 17 Eurail countries above. The selected countries must be connected by rail or ferry.

§         The Europass, good in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. "Associate" countries can be added, including Benelux (Belgium/Holland/Luxembourg), Austria/Hungary, Greece and Portugal.

§         Regional passes:

§         Balkan Flexipass (Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey and Yugoslavia).

§         Benelux Tourrail Pass (Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg).

§         Britrail Pass + Ireland.

§         European East Pass (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia).

§         Iberic Pass (Spain and Portugal).

§         Scanrail passes (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden).

§         Single country passes for each of these 15 countries: Austria, Britain, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland.
See individual country pages.

§         City transit passes for London and Paris.

TIPS ON TRAINS

§         Always make seat reservations on major routes. This is in addition to buying railpasses or tickets.

§         Always ask about ticket prices for children and seniors. In most countries, small children ride free; older children and seniors 60 and over pay half-fare. Exact age limits vary.

§         Always make certain that you are headed for the correct station for a departing train. More than 70 European cities have two or more terminals or stations.

Check the internet for details at   http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en

Europe without Borders
Europe took another big step toward unity March 25 with the elimination of passport controls between the Scandinavian countries and the Schengen Agreement countries of the European Union.

This greatly increased the area in which people can freely move across borders. One can now drive, fly, ferry or otherwise pass from one of the 15 "Schengen" countries to another (in pink) without being stopped to show a passport.

IMPORTANT: Americans still need passports. Passports must be shown when entering any Schengen country from the U.S. or from any other non-Schengen country. The latter include Britain and Ireland, the only EU countries maintaining full controls; and non-EU Switzerland, a sort of hole in the Schengen doughnut.

This "Borderless Europe" has evolved over the past decade. As recently as 1992, crossing borders between most countries involved customs checks as well as passport examinations.

Then the 15-nation European Union eliminated customs controls under the Single Market. The long lines of trucks and autos that built up at the busiest crossing began to evaporate.
Several EU countries followed up this success in 1995 by implementing the Schengen Agreement on their common borders. Today, "Schengenland" includes all the EU nations except Britain and Ireland, as well as two non EU-members, Iceland and Norway.
The Scandinavian countries had previously dropped controls among themselves. The latest development ends controls between them and the other Schengen countries to the south. The agreement is named for the small Luxembourg village where it was first negotiated.

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 up to 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.

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 not only can be 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 and do some comparison-shopping before you leave.

If you charge your purchase to a card, the price you pay will be based on the currency-exchange rate when the transaction is posted to your account, not on the day that you bought the item. Charge card exchange rates are generally favorable. Stores in some countries, notably in the Mediterranean region, are closed for two hours or more during midday.

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.

Heading Home...

Not Allowed

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.

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 return home with $400 per person in purchases without paying any duty. One liter of alcohol, and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (per resident 21 years or older) are allowed in duty-free.

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 when you return. For complete details, obtain a copy of the instructive booklet, Know Before You Go, from U.S. Customs.

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.