Travel Guides: All Countries, Europe.
 |  | Fact File : Europe |
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| | | Europe | | Did you know?
Tuesday is an unlucky day in Greece.
Language
English is spoken in most places but it's polite to at least learn a few local phrases such as "please" and "thank you".
Visas
None required but remember to take your passport with you even if you are just going on a day trip across the Channel.
Getting there
There are numerous ferry crossing points, or travel by rail, coach or fly direct. Budget carriers often use airports some distance from city centres — check before you travel if the inconvenience outweighs the bargain price.
Flying time from London
One hour to Paris, two hours to Rome, three to four hours to Greece, four hours 15 minutes to Tenerife.
Getting around
Depends where you are. In most cities, use public transport and taxis. Further afield, hire a car if you want to explore the area or if that's too daunting, take an organised excursion to help you get your bearings. In Venice, splash out on a gondola ride, in Paris, cruise on a bateau mouche along the Seine, island hop in Greece on local ferries, hire a bike in cycle-friendly Amsterdam.
Currency
All EU member countries now use the euro, which makes travelling between them much easier.
Costs
Prices are generally much in line with the UK, with the cost of living highest in the cities. Eating out can be cheaper in many Spanish, Greek and Croatian resorts.
Weather
The Mediterranean has the warmest climate with good winter sunshine levels, warm springs and milder autumns. The Canary Islands, being close to Africa, are the best bet for year-round good temperatures. Scandinavia and the Baltic states have much colder winters than the UK.
Time difference
Varies. France and Italy are one hour ahead of GMT, Greece is two hours ahead in winter, three in summer.
International dialling code from the UK
France 00 33 1, Italy 00 39, Greece 00 30
Voltage
220 volts with two-pin plugs though some smaller and older places may use the old 125v system, so check with your hotel or landlord.
Opening hours
Shops and banks are generally in line with the UK, although in some smaller Mediterranean resorts, shops may still close for a long lunch. Check locally for museum opening times as they vary. In France, most museums close on Monday or Tuesday.
Health — before you go
It's worth taking out adequate travel insurance. If you are planning to make several trips, it would be worth investigating annual cover as it can work out cheaper than taking out individual policies each time you travel. Make sure you are getting the cover you need, however, as the cheapest may not always be the best. The UK has reciprocal health agreements with many European countries, e.g France, so take an EHIC form with you (available from post offices).
Health — when you are there
Most tap water in Europe is safe to drink. More damage is usually done by the sun so remember to cover up and protect small children with a good sunblock and hat. Practise safe sex at all times — frenetic club culture may produce more than a headache.
Warnings
Pickpocketing is one of the chief crimes in Europe so guard your valuables. Credit card fraud is also on the increase so, when paying bills, make sure you don't let your card out of your sight. Heed local customs to avoid offence.
Emergency
Varies — check with your holiday rep or hotel reception. In France dial 17, in Italy 113, in Greece 166.
Customs
Vary greatly — just try to be aware and do some research before you go to avoid causing offence. For example, when visiting churches and monasteries abroad, dress appropriately, covering arms and legs and for women, take a scarf to cover your head.
Pets
Many countries are part of the Pet Travel Scheme — check with your vet as vaccinations have to be carried out well in advance should you wish to travel with your pet.
Tipping
Customary throughout Europe. Between 10 and 15% is usual.
Tourist Offices
French Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL Tel. 09068 244123.
German National Tourist Office, PO Box 2695, London, W1A 3TN. Tel. 020 7317 0908.
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes Street, London Tel. 020 7408 1254.
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP.
Austrian National Tourism Office, 14 Cork Street, London W1X 1PF.
Swedish Travel and Tourism Council, 5 Upper Montague Street, London W1H 2AG. Tel 00800 3080 3080.
Hellenic Tourist Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
Portuguese Tourist Office, 2nd floor, 22-25a Sackville Street, London W1S 3LY.
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