Hint on Tipping in Europe

Hint on Tipping in Europe

by | Sep 30, 2022 | Culture & Customs, Eating & Drinking, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

Updated: September 30, 2022

In the United States, we’ve been raised on a tradition of tipping cabbies, hotel staff, bartenders, waiters, and a variety of other service-oriented personnel.  Consequently, for Americans, it seems normal to provide a tip or gratuity for good service.   When traveling in Europe, tipping is not near as common as you might think, and it certainly is not as lavish. While nothing about tipping is concrete, I hope these guidelines will relieve some stress and help you fit in like a local when traveling through Europe.

 
The information provided here is based on my extensive travels in Europe and my conversations with restaurant and hotel employees as well as local patrons. I’ve found a few generalities, which I’ll discuss first, and then I’ll dive into a country-by-country account.
 

Generalities

Europeans tend not to be as generous with their tips as we Americans.  Most European restaurant servers are paid a salary, and tips are considered a bonus on top of their wages. When pondering your tip, keep in mind a 5-10 percent tip is normal.  Only well-meaning or lavish-spending Americans leave a tip of 15-20 percent.  This is unnecessary and may be considered culturally inconsiderate.  Anywhere in Europe, you’ll be safe by following the lead of Europeans and leaving a euro or two per person in your party.
 
In most cases, the tip should be given directly to your server, not left on the table.  Cash payments are fine, but since COVID-19, paying with a credit card is becoming the norm.  There is seldom an opportunity to add the tip to the final total, though.  If you are dining with a group, remember splitting the bill may be possible at the end of the service, not before. 
CONTACTLESS IS THE WAY TO GO!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, paying contactless with a credit card, phone, watch, ApplePay, or GooglePay is very common. 
If you are out dining with a group and want to split the bill, try this:
  1. Don’t worry about telling the waiter beforehand.  Everyone should order their meal “on one tab.”
  2. Enjoy your meal.
  3. Ask for the check when you are ready for it.  Don’t ask for it to be split!
  4. Look at the check, take out your calculator, and add up the total for what each person (or couple) is paying.  Add 5%-10% tip if you want.
  5. Ask the waiter to bring the “machine.”  He will show up with a portable credit card device.
  6. Tell the waiter how much you want to pay.  Swipe, insert, or tap the machine and that about will go on your card.
  7. Repeat the process with the others at the table.
 
 
If you take a taxi, it is appropriate to round up the fare a euro or two as the cabbie’s tip.  Be prepared to pay the fare and tip in cash, although many taxi companies and cabbies now take credit cards and contactless. 
 
In hotels, it is appropriate to leave a hotel housekeeper one or two euros a day for their service and provide a euro or two for portage to your room.  It is not necessary to tip a doorman or anyone who hails a taxi.
 

Austria

It is customary to give a 10%-15% tip at restaurants. Pay the tip in cash and hand it directly to the waiter when paying your bill.  There is a little trick to doing this in “Germanic” countries.  Let’s say the bill is €25 and you want to give a €5 tip.  Hand the waiter a €50 note and say, “30”.  The waiter will give you back 20 euros and keep 5 for himself.  You can walk away feeling like a local!
 

Croatia

Tipping is becoming popular in Croatia with the influx of mass tourism.  In a bar or sandwich shop, round up.  In restaurants with great service, leave 10%-15%.  Always give your tip to the waiter or waitress in the local currency.
 
If cruising on a private charter along the Croatia coast, plan to tip the captain and crew (collectively) about $50-$60 per person in your party.  If there is a cruise tour director, you should tip them about $12 a day per person.  This should be done in kunu (the local currency) or euros.
 

Czech Republic

Often a service charge is included in your bill.  If so, it will be clearly stated, usually in English.  Whether it is included or not you might consider giving an extra 5%-10% tip for good service.  Give your tip, in cash, directly to the waiter or waitress. 
 

France

Tipping in France is not common, nor is it expected.  Those in the service industry are paid a salary and therefore do not count on tips as part of their income.  If service is exceptional, rounding up a euro or two is plenty. Restaurants and cafés typically include a service charge in the price of your meal. It usually is noted on the menu as service compris and will not be a line item on your bill.  Some tourist restaurants do not include this (in hopes of getting a bigger tip from Americans).  This is noted on the menu as service non compris and in this case, a 15% tip is ok.
 

Germany

It is customary to give a 10%-15% tip at restaurants. Pay the tip in cash and hand it directly to the waiter when paying your bill.  There is a little trick to doing this in “Germanic” countries.  Let’s say the bill is €25 and you want to give a €5 tip.  Hand the waiter a €50 note and say, “30”.  The waiter will give you back 20 euros and keep 5 for himself.  You can walk away feeling like a local!
 

Greece

The general rule of thumb here is the more expensive the restaurant, the lower the tip.  If you dine in an inexpensive taverna and spend €20 or less per person, then tip 10%.  Anything over €20 per person, tip 5%.  
 

Ireland

The “old Irish people” never tip.  Tipping was never their custom, and theirs was a hard life growing up in the mid-20th century.  You’ll find them counting their pennies to the tee. The younger Irish, those under 40 years old, usually tip when ordering food but seldom when just having a drink.
 
Pubs – If you are simply served a drink by the guy/gal behind the bar, then no tip is expected.  In the countryside, if it is not busy and the bartender “chats you up,” then leave a 15% tip with each drink or at the end of your drinking session. If the bartender is the proprietor, then no gratuity is expected, however, it does not hurt to offer to buy him/her a drink.
 
Restaurants and Pubs that serve food – A 15% tip is standard for good table service. Up to 20% if exceptional service and extra “chatting up.”
 

Italy

Often you will find a cover charge and service charge included in the price on the menu.  This will be noted, usually at the bottom of the menu, by il coperto and servizio incluso. The cover charge usually includes tap water and bread on the table.  The two usually add up to 15%-20%, but you’ll never see that published anywhere.  It is considered a generous gesture to round up your bill by a euro or two for exceptional service. Occasionally, you may find servizio non incluso (service not included) at tourist restaurants. In this case, a 10% tip, handed to your waiter or left on the table, is fine.
 

The Netherlands

Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in every bill in the Netherlands.  It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver, hotel, restaurant, or anyone in the service industry.
 

Spain

Service is always included at every bar or restaurant in Spain.  A tip is not necessary.  However, it is acceptable to leave 5%-8% for exceptional service.  Give your tip directly to the waiter or waitress in euro cash.  Do not leave it on the table.
 

Switzerland

A service charge is automatically calculated into your bill at restaurants.  For great service, you can round up or tip 5%, but it is not expected.  Always give your tip directly to the waiter in Swiss Franc cash.
 

United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)

You do not need to tip in pubs when ordering drinks or food at the bar. In restaurants, often a service charge of 12.5% is added, so be sure to check your bill before paying. If no service charge is added, then a 10-15% tip will be appreciated, but it is not expected.  
 

Summary

When tipping in Europe, it is important to keep in mind that the tip may already be included in the bill. You can always round up or leave a euro or two for each member of your party as the Europeans do. A 5-10 percent tip is normal, but anything more is excessive since most servers receive a salary. Be sure to give the tip directly to the server in cash. It is also customary to tip cabbies and hotel staff a euro or two for their service.

Restaurant Survival Guide for Travelers

Restaurant Survival Guide for Travelers

by | Sep 30, 2022 | Adventures in Tour Guiding, Culture & Customs, Eating & Drinking, Essential Travel Resources

 

When traveling abroad, a good traveler expects to run into cultural differences. With a little planning, we can prepare for the big ones, like the language or local customs. But it is often the little things we take for granted and couldn’t fathom doing differently, that trip us up. So, to help you prepare, here is a guide to the little quirks of dining abroad, from ordering drinks to interacting with your waiter and everything you need to know about refills, ice, water, and tipping.

 

Drinks

 

Refills

Free refills on sodas, coffee, tea, or any other beverage are an American thing. In Europe, you purchase your beverages by the glass. In most places, there are no fountain drinks, so if you order a soda, you’ll get a can. And hopefully, it was refrigerated, which brings me to the next item…

 

 

Ice

Until recently, Europeans would look at you like you were crazy if you asked for ice with your drink, and then bring you one single cube. It’s not common, it’s not the custom, and it’s only for outsiders. Many restaurants don’t have ice on hand for cooling drinks. Instead, they use it to chill the fish. And you do not want that ice in your drink! The best outcome you can hope for is that the little cubes will lower the drink’s temperature by at least a few degrees before melting away. 
 
We Americans are obsessed with having ice-cold drinks. I recently saw someone put ice in a glass of wine, and I gasped in horror. I thought to myself, “If the Europeans could see you defiling that wine, they would die!” Let’s face it, that extra-large soft drink from your local fast-food joint is just a cupful of ice with a little bit of soda. But the fact is, ninety percent of the world’s population makes do without ice every day and don’t even know what they are missing. 
 

Water

A few years ago, I was hiking in the Alps near Interlaken, Switzerland. I was exploring on my own and checking out some new destinations for my tours. I decided to take on a rather challenging day hike high up in the mountains. Early in the morning, I took a train up to my starting point, and off I went through green meadows that seemed to cascade endlessly down the steep hills under a blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. It was a perfect day for hiking! 
 
Three hours into the hike, my water bottle was dry, and I was looking for anything to rehydrate my aching body. I came across a little restaurant at one of the highest points on the trail and went in to buy a liter or two of water to get me through the next five hours of hiking. Well, all they had was water with gas! At the time, I hated water with gas, but weighing the possibility of no water for the next five hours or water with gas, I purchased the water. That’s the day I learned to like the stuff.
 
Europeans have been purchasing their water for as long as I can remember. Originally this stemmed from the idea that tap water was unsanitary or that the natural minerals which bottled “spring water” contained were good for you. Whatever the reason, whether at a grocery store or in a restaurant, it is customary to purchase “bottled mineral water” when dining out. It is even customary to purchase water at the grocery for consumption at home.
 
Bottled water comes in two varieties: with and without gas. The gas is simply carbonation, CO2, the same stuff that makes a cola fizzy. But drinking it and enjoying it requires an acquired taste (It’s a lot like when you get a fountain drink and the syrup is running low). In North America, two popular brands of “water with gas,” or sparkling water, are Perrier (from France) and San Pellegrino (from Italy). You can find these at most grocery stores and fine-dining establishments in the USA.
 
When traveling throughout most of Europe, you should plan on paying for a bottle of water with your meal. Doing so will ensure you get fresh and clean water that is reasonably chilled. It will come with glasses but no ice. Two varieties are readily available: with gas, and without gas. It’s not a problem to request either, and most often the waiter will ask which you prefer.
 

How to request water:

ITALIAN – acqua natuarale senza gas (no gas); acqua con gas / acqua frizzante / acqua gazzata (with gas)
GERMAN – wasser no gas (no gas); wasser mit gas (with gas)
SPANISH – agua sin gas (no gas); agua con gas (with gas)
FRENCH – de l’eau plate (no gas); de l’eau gazeuse (with gas) 
Good news! In France it is customary to order a pitcher of fresh tap water at no charge. Simply ask for it! In French, it goes something like this: un carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît.
 

Interacting with your Waiter

 

Rule #1: Be kind to your waiter. 

This one may seem obvious, but the pressure of interacting with a language barrier tends to make people forget their manners. No one expects tourists to be fluent in a language before they travel, but learning the basics will go a long way. I can’t tell you how many times a simple Buongiorno has prompted Italians to shower me with compliments on my “beautiful Italian.” At the very least, learn how to say hello, please, and thank you, and you will find a lot of friendly people willing to help you struggle through the rest of the conversation.   

 

Rule #2: Be aware of local dining customs. 

We Americans are always in a rush. So much so that we eat a lot of our meals on the go. In Europe, eating is a social event. And a 30-minute lunch is unheard of. Don’t expect your waiter to come by every five minutes to see if you are done. In Europe, this would be considered extremely rude. If you want something, chances are you’ll have to flag your waiter down. He isn’t being lazy or bad at his job; he’s giving you privacy to enjoy your meal in peace. This is great if you want to spend three hours catching up with your friends but can be frustrating when you are pressed for time. 

 
If you don’t have much time to eat, consider ordering from the “take away” counter. Many restaurants and cafes near busy tourist sites offer the same menu to go. Just pick up your lunch and take it to a nearby park. This is a great option when the weather is nice. Don’t forget to grab a few napkins!
 

Rule #3: Reward your waiter for good service. 

Tipping rules vary from country to country, so you’ll want to do some research before you travel. Unlike in the United States, in many countries, waiters must be paid at least the minimum wage. In those countries, a tip is appreciated but not expected, and an excessively large tip can even be seen as an insult. 
 

 

Here are a few guidelines for tipping.

In France and Italy, a service charge is usually already included in the bill. If you stop for drinks, it is customary to leave the change, especially if the service was good. For example, if your bill is 3.50, you can leave .50 on the change tray. However, this is not required. If you are paying with a credit card, there probably won’t be a line on the receipt to leave a tip, so just leave some change on the table. For dinner, a tip of 5-10% is sufficient for all but the fanciest restaurants.
 
In the UK and Ireland, a service charge may be included in your bill. In the UK, the standard is 12.5%. If you can’t tell if it has been included, don’t be embarrassed to ask the waiter. In Ireland, this policy should be listed on the menu. You can still leave an additional tip for particularly good service. If there is no service charge, plan to leave between 10 and 15%. In the pub, people generally do not leave a tip. But here again, if the service was exceptional, the bartender filled several orders, or was very friendly, you can leave a small tip.  Here are some more in-depth hints on tipping in Europe.
 

Summary

 
Dining abroad doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re aware of a few key differences. There are no free refills on drinks, soda usually comes in a can, no ice for drinks, and you have to purchase water. Remember to specify whether you want still or sparkling water. Being friendly to your waiter will make for an enjoyable experience. Try to learn a few words in the language, because this gesture is much appreciated in non-English-speaking countries. Understand the local customs. Your waiter isn’t ignoring you, he’s giving you privacy to enjoy your meal without interruption. And finally, know the local tipping customs so that you can reward him for good service. With this in mind, you should be all set. Bon appétit!
Packing Tips and Tricks

Packing Tips and Tricks

by | Sep 26, 2022 | Destinations

Updated: October 2025 – by David & Charlotte McGuffin, Dawnielle Jacobson, Audra Dupuis and Natalie Kelly

Packing can sometimes be the worst part of a trip: spending too much time deciding what to take and then regretting bringing too much. Here are some packing tips, travel “hacks” and a few suggested packing lists to help you pack quickly and efficiently and get on with enjoying your trip.

My number one tip

RobertaKellySuitcasePack light! I usually travel with one carry-on suitcase (9x14x20) and a small backpack (This may seem impossible, but all you have to do is follow the tips in this blog). On my group tours, everyone has to lug their bag around, over uneven cobblestone streets, and up several flights of stairs. Don’t make yourself miserable by bringing an oversized bag. As a bonus, bringing a carry-on means you can be sure that your bag will show up at your final destination. If your checked bag doesn’t make it on the plane, it may take several days for your bag to catch up with you, especially if you are on tour. Check with your airline for carry-on size restrictions and measure the bag yourself (wheels included).

If you’re worried about having room for souvenirs, consider packing a duffle or foldable bag in your suitcase to check on the way home.

What type of clothing to pack for Europe

Bring comfortable clothing. There is no need to buy a new travel wardrobe. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that are travel tested.

Pack items that can be layered for the varied climates. Sweaters or a light jacket should suffice, except for winter travel. Jeans, pants, and skirts are fine.  In recent years, Europeans living south of the Alps and in hot climates wear shorts much more often.

Years ago, I’d suggest no shorts, but that has changed.  I wear shorts in Greece, Spain, Italy, and at the seaside.  In the summer, I pack one pair of shorts that can do double duty for jogging/exercise and swimming and one pair of very lightweight cargo shorts.  I also bring a pair of jeans and a two pair pair of lightweight slacks.

Bring shirts and blouses that can be mixed and matched so you can make multiple outfits out of a few staple items. For an extended stay, you can also wash items in your bathroom sink or go to a laundromat if needed.

Most European churches require respectful dress; knees and shoulders must be covered. Make sure you plan for those days or bring a scarf or shawl to cover your arms.

Making it fit

Pick out your clothes, shoes, and accessories for the trip. Then put a third of it back. Most people are over-packers. Put back the shoes that look nice but are not warm or comfy. Put back that “just in case” outfit. All makeup should fit in one little sandwich baggie. Pick your favorite makeup look and only pack the stuff for that.

Most hotels have a hair dryer, but they usually are less powerful than what we are accustomed to at home, so you might consider bringing a small travel-sized blow dryer.  Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase an inexpensive dual voltage (120/240 VAC) blow dryer from Target or Walmart.  These usually sell for less than $20.  A bonus is you’ll not need a voltage converter to use it, just a wall socket adapter.

Plan to wear the bulkiest items on the plane.  Wear your biggest pair of shoes, your thickest scarf, maybe a sweater, and your coat.  You can remove these items as soon as you board, but this will free up space in your bag.

Roll your clothes. This is a big space saver. If you are pressed for space, you can put your clothes in gallon Ziploc bags and push the air out as you seal them. Consider filling bags by outfit so your luggage is well organized and you don’t have to search for things.

Fill your shoes (and bras) with socks and underwear to use every available space.

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Give yourself time to make sure it all fits and that your bag won’t be too heavy for you.

A few more packing tips

  • Put dryer bounce sheets in between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh
  • Pack the heaviest items in the bottom of your suitcase (by the wheels) so that it is easy to roll
  • Use a contact case to store liquid makeup, like foundation.
  • Keep powder makeup from breaking by putting a cotton ball or pad in the compact
  • Use a pill case to separate jewelry
  • Put your shoes in a shower cap or plastic grocery bag to contain any dirt
  • Roll up your belt and put it in the collar of a dress shirt to keep the collar stiff
  • Use an old glasses case to store your chargers and/or headphones so they don’t get tangled.
  • To prevent liquids from spilling, unscrew the lid, cover with a small piece of plastic wrap and then screw the lid back on
  • Use a large binder clip to cover your razor, or bring a few disposable razors.
  • Store cotton swabs in an old medicine bottle.

Winter travel tips

If you are traveling in the winter, make sure you are prepared for the “worst” weather. You will probably encounter snow and ice. The sun reflects off the snow, so don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring warm socks and shoes and clothing you can layer. Wear your heavy winter coat on the plane and stow it in the overhead bin. This will save a lot of space in your suitcase.

Charlotte and I use the following packing lists for winter travel:

Charlotte’s Winter Packing List

  • One Heavy Winter Coat – hip length or longer;
  • Gloves;
  • Earmuffs;
  • Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
  • At least one hat;
  • Small travel umbrella;
  • Boots/shoes that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel-tested;
  • Thermal socks;
  • Five pairs of pants and/or jeans;
  • Long-sleeved fashion tee shirts;
  • Sweaters and Turtleneck shirts;
  • “Cuddle-duds” (long underwear);
  • Underwear and bras for the trip’s duration.

David’s Winter Packing List

  • Lightweight Puffy jacket for warmth;
  • Waterproof outer jacket;
  • Gloves;
  • Earmuffs;
  • Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
  • At least one hat;
  • Small travel umbrella;
  • One pair waterproof Gortex boots that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel-tested;
  • three pairs of light-weight, moisture-wicking socks;
  • two pairs of pants and/or jeans;
  • Four moisture-wicking long-sleeved tee shirts;
  • Four long-sleeved cotton button-down shirts;
  • Two lightweight cashmere sweaters;
  • Underwear for the trip’s duration;
  • One pair of lightweight silk “long-johns.”

Packing List

Here are some additional packing suggestions, which can be adjusted based on the time of year.

The Essentials

  • Passport (valid at least six months beyond the end of your tour)
  • Debit/Credit cards (inform providers of your travel dates)
  • Insurance cards (just in case)
  • Driver’s license (as an extra ID)
  • Photocopies of the above (in case they are lost or stolen)
  • Medications (enough to last through the tour)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Moneybelt (to keep your important documents safe)

Clothing

  • Underwear/Socks
  • Leggings/Tights
  • Shoes (well broken-in)
  • Pants/Skirts
  • Shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Light jacket
  • Pajamas
  • Scarf
  • Bathing suit

Winter Clothing

  • Thermal socks/Underwear
  • Boots
  • Heavy winter coat
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Gloves
  • Earmuffs/Hat
  • Scarves

For the Outdoors

  • Umbrella/Raincoat
  • Sunglasses/Hat
  • Chapstick/Sunscreen

Toiletries

  • Makeup/Hair products
  • Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Brush/Comb
  • Additional items (Cotton swabs, nail clippers, tweezers, razors, hair ties, bandages, dental floss, etc.)

Other Items to Consider

  • Earplugs/Eye cover
  • Glasses/Contacts/Contact solution
  • Headache/Stomach ache/Motion sickness medication
  • Alarm/Watch
  • Camera/Memory cards/Charger
  • Batteries (and charger)
  • Phone/Charger
  • Tablet/E-reader/Charger
  • Adapter/Converter
  • Travel journal/Pens
  • Snacks for the plane
  • Foldable duffle/Tote bag (if you plan to buy many souvenirs)

Summary

With this information, I hope you are ready to grab that suitcase and start packing. Remember to pack light, bring appropriate attire for the location and the weather, don’t bring too much, and use your space efficiently. I hope you find my packing lists useful.

Spending Money in Europe… Contactless in king!

Spending Money in Europe… Contactless in king!

by | Sep 26, 2022 | Daily lfe, Essential Travel Resources

 

contactless

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, Europeans tended to use cash for their day-to-day spending much more than Americans did. Back in the early 2000’s Europeans carried lots of cash in their pockets on a daily basis.  Even as recent as 2019, I would deal mostly in cash when making purchases less than €50.  But, that has all changed with “social distancing” and the Covid-19 Pandemic panic.  

In 2022, CONTACTLESS payments are the way to go.

igenicoMachine Either TAP your contactless credit/debit card to the MACHINE or your WRISTWATCH to the machine.  However, you must set this contactless system up with your bank and credit card provider before leaving home.  ApplePay and GooglePay have similar systems for phones and portable devices.

And, by the way, the MACHINE is portable.  It comes to the table at a restaurant, and your credit card never leaves your hand.

 
 

 

 

If you need CASH, use a BANK ATM Machine

Using your debit card from your local back home is still the best way to get cash while traveling in Europe.  There are ATMs (often called Bankomats) everywhere, and you treat them like those in the United States.  Insert your card, type in your PIN code, and choose the cash amount. The machine makes noise and then spits out cash in the local currency.   

EuroNet ATMAVOID EURONET ATM MACHINES! – These machines have popped up all over Europe in the last year.  The machines are typically in storefronts and advertise “free cash withdrawals.”  Those traveling with me have reported high fees and exorbitant exchange rates combined into 20% or more markups.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you have cash to spend, get to know the currency, both notes, and coins.

Bank NOTES 

Paper currency (notes) are very easy to identify in all European countries.  They all have a number in the corners denoting the value of the note.  To make it even easier, European notes have different sizes and colors for each denomination.  A €50 note is larger than a €5 note and is a different color.  This holds whether you’re spending UK Sterling, the EU euro, or any other currency.  Other than it looks like Monopoly money, you should have no trouble working with paper currency.
 
I still carry a small daily supply of banknotes in my front pocket, secured with a money clip.   Each morning I take inventory of my banknotes and load up with what I think I might need to spend during the day.
 

The remainder of my stash of cash (and passport and credit cards) goes in my money belt tucked neatly and safely inside my pants.  Now, of course, I know this is not living like a local, but it does give a peace of mind knowing that in unfamiliar circumstances, I don’t have to worry about my important stuff being taken from me.

 

COINS

You’ll likely use a few coins in Europe, like for doing laundry. It’s a good idea to do a little homework before your trip and study the different coin denominations, colors, and sizes.  Here are some hints:
 

I like to lay all the coins out and do a mental and physical quiz each time I arrive in a new country.

Here is how I begin this quiz in the European Union.

 

Here is how I begin this quiz in the United Kingdom.

 
I like to use two pockets to sort out my coins; one for small coins under €1/£1 and another for large coins over €1/£1.
 
Before going into a shop, I take inventory of the coins in my pocket so that when the merchant gives me the total, I’ll know if I have enough coins to make the purchase or need to pay will bank notes.
Gone unchecked, coins can be overwhelming.  It is a good idea to use many coins as you can on a daily basis.  
 
After your trip, spend or cash in the coins before leaving the airport.  Since many European coins are high-value, it can be expensive to fly home with a pocket full of change.  Before heading home, spend them, trade them in or give them away.
 

Plastic Credit Cards 

Europeans don’t make a distinction between credit cards and debit cards. I don’t believe I’ve ever had anyone ask “debit or credit.” I use my plastic (credit card) for larger purchases such as hotel bills, airline tickets, car rentals, and other big-ticket items.  It makes perfect sense to use a credit card for online and telephone purchases.  Credit cards also come in handy for purchases at unattended self-service machines in train and bus stations and at those unmanned European gas stations. Unfortunately, you’ll most likely need a chip-and-pin card for these.  See my chip-and-pin card article for more information.

American credit cards work throughout Europe and are widely accepted at major hotels, stores, and attractions, especially in tourist-oriented areas.   In smaller towns and mom-and-pop operations, credit cards may not be accepted because the merchant must pay the credit card company a hefty fee for the “privilege” of accepting credit cards.  Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.   The American Express card, although a well-known name in the travel industry, is often not accepted due to the higher transaction fees the merchants must pay American Express.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is a service offered to credit cardholders that offers to convert a foreign transaction at the point of sale into the home currency of the cardholder.  This is never a good idea for the consumer because it comes with inflated exchange rates that benefit the merchant.  An unsuspecting cardholder can lose up to 7% by opting into this feature. Since DCC works against the purchaser, never say you would like your purchases to be converted to dollars.

Passports… You can’t travel without one!

Passports… You can’t travel without one!

by | Aug 29, 2022 | Blog, Essential Travel Resources

USPassportYou’ll not get beyond the check-in counter at the airport without a valid passport… if your destination is outside the United States of America. Americans are even required to show their passport when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Applying for a US Passport is the most important item to consider once a decision to travel has been made. The US also issues a “passport card,” which is about the size of a credit card. This card can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border crossing and sea ports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel, so we’ll not discuss this option any further here.

If you have a passport, it must be valid for six (6) months after your travel is complete, that is, the day of your return to the USA. Rules differ by country, but for European countries, this is the case. Additionally, your air carrier will not allow boarding for an international flight unless your passport is valid for six (6) months beyond your travel dates.

I have witnessed several passport-related events that have caused stress and even canceled trips. I recall a young lady signing up and paying to travel to Europe with her French teacher and friends. She (and her mother) waited a long time to apply for her passport and then worried daily when checking the mail, hoping it would arrive shortly. Unfortunately, her passport did not arrive before her travel date, and she had to stay behind and watch her friends go to Europe without her. On another occasion, a friend realized his passport would expire during his scheduled trip to Europe. To make matters even worse, he realized this only a couple of days before his trip was to begin. Thankfully, he called the National Passport Information Center, made an appointment, and drove 500 miles to renew his passport in person.

Applying for a new US Passport
Applying for and obtaining a US Passport, or even renewing an old one, can take some time. The average standard delivery time is 4 to 6 weeks. For an adult (18 years or older), the application and service fee is $165 for a passport with a validity period of 10 years. Children under 16 are only eligible for a passport with a validity period of 5 years, and the application fee is only $130.  Forms and Information are available at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

When applying for a new passport, it must be done in person at an Acceptable Facility or US Passport Agency. Applicants must complete Form DS-11 and bring it with an approved original document showing evidence of US citizenship, a photo identification document, and two recent passport-sized photos. Full details and online printable forms can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.

There are many agencies where you can apply for a passport. Some include:
Federal, state, and probate courts,
Clerk of the Court Offices,
Post offices, and
Some public libraries.
For a complete list, search here.

When applying for or renewing a passport, why not asked for extra pages? You can request 52 pages instead of the usual 28, and it won’t cost a dime. This can only happen when requesting a new passport. See the details here.

Renewing a US Passport
If you have a current passport no older than 15 years, you can renew it by mail without having to visit an agency in person. You will need to complete Form DS-82, pay the application fee ($130), include two recent passport photos, and send it by mail to the passport agency. There are restrictions to this process, so it is a good idea to read all the applicable information at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html

Name Changes and Errors
If you find spelling or date errors on your passport or have had a legal name change, you’ll need to get a new passport. This is an easy process and can be completed by mail. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/correction.html

Faster Service on the Application
For an extra $60, passport renewal or a new application can be expedited. See the websites mentioned above for rates and details.

You have your passport, so now what?
Once you have received your passport, there are a few things you should consider.

  • Make copies of the first couple of pages of your passport. Give one copy to someone at home and bring another copy with you on tour stuffed in an inner pocket of your suitcase.
  • It is also a good idea to keep two extra original passport-sized photos on hand with you when traveling.
  • When traveling, keep your passport with you at all times. The safest and best way to do this is to keep it in your moneybelt. I put mine in a small plastic sandwich bag to keep it dry. Keeping your passport safe is very important. If it is lost while out of the country, you’ll be stuck for several days trying to get a replacement. Replacing lost passports requires a trip to the U.S. Embassy, which will take precious time away from your tour experience.
  • Many countries, especially outside of Western Europe, require a VISA. A VISA is an official document attached to one of your passport pages. It takes some time to apply for and receive a VISA, and it requires that you send in your passport to have the VISA officially attached to your passport. This means that your passport will not be in your possession for some time. Be sure to do your homework, check the US Department of State to find out if you need a VISA, and leave yourself plenty of time to complete the VISA process before your departure date.
  • Be frugal with your blank passport pages. Often an immigration office will open a passport to the first blank page he encounters and stamp it. This is ok if you seldom travel and have plenty of blank pages. But for frequent travelers, this wastes a lot of useful passport “real estate.” Consider placing sticky notes on blank pages to help direct the agent away from the useful blank pages.
  • If you are a frequent traveler, consider applying for Global Entry. This is a program for US citizens to expedite their re-entry back home at a US airport. There are fees and an extensive application process, but if you travel a lot, it is worth the effort.
  • Enroll in the S.T.E.P. program, an acronym for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a free service for US citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Their motto is “stay informed, stay connected, stay safe!” Enrollment is a simple process. Each time you leave the USA on a trip, visit the S.T.E.P. website and register your trip, destination, and duration. Should a problem arise, you’ll be contacted by the Embassy in your destination country. Additionally, the Embassy will contact you or family members in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

Traveling Americans and Passports
There are about 340 million people in the USA, and according to the US Department of State, there are 149,359,051 American citizens who possess valid passports. That’s only about 48% which means there are a whopping 52% of us that have never left the USA! Just imagine the cultural shift if those numbers bumped up to 75% or more. We might have a better understanding of other people groups and a more tolerant outlook on the varied cultures in the world today.

US passport Map 2022

http://www.theexpeditioner.com/

If your Spouse or Travel Partner has a Passport… you should too!

Recently, we were touring with a group around London, and one of our passengers became so sick he had to be admitted to the hospital. This gentleman had a US Passport (obviously) and travel insurance.  The hospital wanted to keep him for several days. We contacted his wife at home in the USA and suggested she take advantage of the travel insurance feature and fly to London to be with her husband. To our shock, she informed us she could not fly over because she did not have a passport. Luckily, the gentleman was in good care at the hospital and flew home in a few days.

Summary
A passport is essential to travel outside the USA, and it takes a bit of work to jump through all the hoops to get one. Apply for or renew a passport as soon as you think you might travel internationally. Passports must remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel period. For a fee, expedited service can get your passport issued in as little as 2-3 days. It is a good idea for all US citizens to hold a valid passport just in case an emergency arises. Unfortunately, only about 37% of us do. Once you have a passport, keep it in a safe place, make several copies, never carry it in your back pocket, and consider getting extra pages with your application.