Tips for Visiting Europe

In my previous post, I was writing about things to keep in mind while organizing a trip to Europe. 
As a follow up, in this post I want to mention more about the things to consider during your visit. Enjoy!

1. Money exchange

- It is the same thing as visa: even though most of Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland and many more) uses Euro, many other countries (Iceland, UK, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Croatia and many other more) use their own money: study your destination. 
Edinburgh, Scotland

- Using your debit or credit card might be the best choice when abroad. Most of the places in Europe accept cards - especially cities like London or Madrid (I literally managed to live in Madrid using only 300€ cash for 6 months!) but still keep in mind that a bakery in Paris might not accept your card for a coffee that costs 1€. Most of the time, taxis accept only cash and there are many countries without Uber, Always have some cash in your wallet - just in case. 
Madrid, Spain

- No matter where you go, do not think about exchanging your money in the airport. Try buying your transportation ticket using your credit card or try to withdraw money with your ATM (check the rates). If you have to, change enough to reach the city and change more once you reach the city center. Most of the banks also exchange money, but they take a large amount of commission. You can simply google an exchange office in the city you travel and it is for sure you will encounter one in the center. 
Bruges, Belgium


2. English is not international as you might think

- It is true that English is the common tongue between countries in Europe. Still, it doesn't mean that all countries have amazing English education for students or people in the street would be able to speak English even in the basic level. Try to download an offline translator app on your phone to use when in doubt. 
PS: Most of the time, body language tells more than any possible words - do not be shy to put your thoughts in motion!
Krakow, Poland

- For native English speakers, this might sound weird but try to speak slower and plainer for non-native speakers. Try to avoid phrasal verbs as much as possible. Communicating in a language that you're not that comfortable might be really intimidating and confusing (a friend of mine was having hard time understanding "how did it go" actually means "how was it"). Simplify your words - especially if you need help. 
PS: Americans love using acronyms in the sentences, but keep in mind that those acronyms work only in America. Try avoiding them as much as possible - unless you are talking about obvious acronyms, like USA. 
Berlin, Germany

3. City sightseeing

- As I mentioned in my previous post about organizing your trip, you should plan to visit cities just walking around and most of the times (unless you are interested to have a road trip) you don't need to rent a car. Even though public transportation mostly work pretty efficiently (especially in the big cities) you might want to stay in the old town or city center - mostly all the attractions are located around, so you might skip the transportation. 
Prague, Czech Republic

- Again, most of Europe has functional public transportation (subways, buses, trams, etc.) and it is perfectly common to use them! Buying daily tickets or 10-use tickets might be cheaper. 

- The same thing applies for airport travel: almost all the airports have pretty cool and convenient transportation to the city center and if you choose your accommodation well enough, you might be fine also without a taxi. 
Budapest, Hungary

- Southern Europe has a real siesta culture! If you visit Italy, Portugal, Spain or Greece, do not expect all restaurants, shops, supermarkets or bars to be open all day. Especially in the little towns, you might want to check the working hours for literally everything! For bigger cities, you might find the shops open, but restaurants still close during the day. It is not something to be obsessed, but to have in mind while making strict plans for the day. 
Monterosso (Cinque Terre), Italy

- In most of the Europe, the traffic runs from the right side of the road, except for the UK, Scotland, Malta, Ireland and Cyprus. If you decide to rent a car, be super cautious. Well, even if you don't, be extra careful while crossing the road and try looking at the right side of the traffic. 
Iceland

- I know, there certain destinations in Europe, like London, Rome, Paris or Barcelona that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. But don't limit your travel to these cities. Try to extend your stay for surrounding cities - even for daily trips sometimes. Or even better, you can mix some countries together: I wouldn't suggest you to visit Rome and London, but once in Rome, you can also visit Florence or Naples. 

- After visiting the main attractions, search for little gems to keep coming back! Europe has more to offer than just the big capitals - explore Valencia, Puglia or Budapest.
Vienna, Austria

4. Eating 

- Europe doesn't have a single culture - so every country you will visit will have their own typical food. Even further, some countries might have certain regions with own typical food! You should try different pasta in different regions in Italy, different paella in different regions in Spain or different sausages in different regions in Germany! So, you should study well what to taste and what to expect in advance.
Barcelona, Spain
- Around the most popular attractions, restaurants assume that unprepared tourists will end up eating there even if they put unreasonable prices or quality. For instance, if you would like to get a coffee in famous squares, you might need to pay about 4$! (the average price in Italy is 1$) Either study well before to go - or allow yourself to get lost in smaller streets and explore more local neighborhoods. 
Paris, France
- The only issue about the touristic spots is not the price but the quality. Never order a touristic menu, or have your meal in a place where they offer touristic menu. It means that a local would (almost) never go there for a second time and tourists are their only hope. 

 - Europe has really high food regulations and supermarkets offer really quality food with reasonable prices. The supermarkets mostly don't have a huge gap when it comes to the food quality or the price; but they might have little differences among them. If you travel on budget,  just pay a visit. 
San Gimignano (Tuscany), Italy
- Most Europeans tend to eat cleaner (and simpler) - so if you order a sandwich with ham and cheese, it is possible that you will not receive anything else than ham and cheese: no mayo, no ketchup, no mustard. Even if this is not your regular choice, give it a try. The European products have richer taste, so you might be satisfied and your body will thank you!

 - Europe doesn't have a mandatory tipping. The prices on the menu includes the tax and most of the time, your bill will not surprise you. You don't have to tip for the waiter, but if you want to tip, reach for the tip box next to the cashier. 
Seydisfjordur, Iceland
- Since Europe doesn't have a regular tipping culture, some restaurants add up a service fee (a couple of euros mostly) per person. This should be written in the menu; presumably in smaller font. 

 - I know that in Turkey when you order food, they offer either some authentic sauce or simple olive oil and some bread as you wait. This appetizer is mostly for free, but it is also likely that you will pay a service fee. On the other hand, in Italy, you will have to order bread and you have to pay for it. So, you might want to be aware of what's coming up. 
Fethiye, Turkey
- Some hotels offer free breakfast. In that case, I always try to prepare some sandwiches or pack some bananas on the road, so I can save something as I travel. 

 - On the other hand, some hotels offer visitors a choice to purchase a breakfast; mostly for about $10-20. In that case, I would suggest you to skip it: even in Rome, a simple breakfast with a croissant and a cappuccino costs less than $4 and you can have your breakfast in a setting that you wish. 
Dublin, Ireland

5. Feeling safe

 - Compared to US, Europe is much safer just to walk around during the day and the night if you think about the serial killers or major crimes, especially in the center - but you can never be too careful, right?

Paris, France

- In Europe, pick-pocketing is a bigger deal, especially in the touristic regions! So, always have an eye on your belongings. Always have an ATM card and some cash  (just in case) and always leave your passport in your hotel room. Most of the time, having a copy or a photo of your passport in your pocket should be enough to have while you're out. 
Frankfurt, Germany
- Luckily, thing's seem to get better from the terrorism point of view - but I don't think that this should stop people from traveling, because you never know what's gonna happen and where!

In 2013, I was traveling to South Korea for a conference and those were the days that North Korea was threatening South Korea with a bomb, so many visitors from US decided not to visit. During the days of the conference, everyone was nervous but enjoying the events. And then one of those days, we were shocked by the breaking news: there was an attack during the Boston Marathon! Since then, I decided not to change my travel plans for the political threats or the fear of terrorism. 
London, United Kingdom
As a Turkish citizen who lived in Istanbul for many years, I know that whenever embassies in a country sense a potential danger, they try to inform all their citizens and ask them be careful. If you feel insecure, you can always contact your embassy and ask for information - they are there to help you! 
Budapest, Hungary
Do you have any additional tips you would give for someone to visit Europe for the first time?




Labels: