Travel Tips

Money Matters
Tipping Customs
Electricity
Customs
Medical Matters
Calling from Overseas
Weights & Measures

Money Matters
Credit cards, with the exception of Discover, are widely accepted for purchases. The most convenient way to get CASH is through ATM machines which are very common throughout the world. We recommend using a DEBIT card (must have one of the network logos e.g. “Pulse”, “Plus”, or “Cirrus” imprinted) which is linked to your checking account. Even though your bank will charge you a small “out of network” fee and the debit card a small percentage of the withdrawal, it is a reasonable safe way not to carry huge amounts of cash on you.

The second best thing, or if you do not have a debit card, are still traveler checks. They can be replaced in case they are lost or stolen. You depend on opening hours of banks and exchange offices to cash them, which sometimes can create a problem especially on weekend when banks are closed.  

Tipping Customs
If you are on an escorted motor coach tour the tour company usually suggests the customary gratuity for the motor coach driver and your tour director.

If you are traveling on your own please know that gratuities and service charges are usually included in restaurant and hotel bills. If a restaurant (especially in Italy!) adds a service charge it will be clearly noted on the menu. That does not mean that a waiter would not appreciate a gratuity. Please remember, a gratuity should be a sign of appreciation for better-than-average service. If you feel it is deserved, you might want to add 3% to 5%.

Most airports overseas provide luggage carts for your convenience (some for a small fee, some are for a deposit - you have to insert a coin and get the coin back once you return the cart). If you find one of the rare airports which still provides porter service, look for the current tariff which is posted in the luggage claim area.

Taxi’s in most European countries are metered. If you are in doubt please ask the taxi driver before you or your luggage get into the taxi. Taxi drivers also appreciate gratuities of approximately 5%.

Electricity
To use your U.S. purchased electric powered equipment you must bring a converter AND adapter. The electric current in most countries is 220 volt, 50 cycles.

Medical Matters
Medical treatment is available in all European countries and at the same standard as in the U.S. If you need medical treatment either notify the tour escort on an escorted tour or the front desk of your hotel. They will make all necessary arrangements. Since you are liable for all charges please check with your health insurance company before you leave  home if medical treatment outside the U.S. would be covered. We recommend taking out  travel insurance before your depart since most travel insurance companies do provide coverage for medical expenses.

Calling from Overseas
Most cell phones do not work from overseas. Either your phone does not have the correct SIM chip or your plan does not provide service overseas. Please call your plan provider if you can use your phone overseas.

The best and most convenient way to make calls from overseas is to use pre-paid phone cards bought in the U.S. prior to your departure. Cards are coming in in $ 10, $ 20 etc. increments, some are country specific. Read the card description to make sure that the card you are going to buy is going to work in the country you are traveling to. If you use your hotel phone for placing your calling card call, your hotel will charge you a connecting fee.

IMPORTANT - The cost for international phone calls placed from your hotel (without a pre-paid card) is astronomical!

Customs
During your return flight to the U.S. you will receive a custom declaration form which has to be presented upon re-entry to the immigration officials. Generally speaking, the personal, custom free exemption is $ 800 per person (other exemptions apply if you return from any one of the U.S. insular possession). There are limits on alcohol and tobacco products. For a detailed explanation consult the web site of the U.S.Customs and Border Protection. You might want to download the brochure “Know Before You Go.”  

Weights & Measures

Weights Metric Equivalent

Temperatures
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Multiply Celsius by 1.8 and add 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Subtract 32 from Fahrenheit and divide by 1.8
Examples:
0   C    32 F
10 C    50 F
20 C    68 F
25 C    77 F
30 C    86 F
35 C    95 F