Congratulations on your first trip to Europe (or the UK)! I promise that it will be awe-inspiring and at times surreal. However, I know doing something new can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve compiled some basics to help you be prepared for this new (and awesome) experience.
Don’t get flustered by the size of this list. Review different sections at your leisure, before and/or during your trip. Or if you don’t read any further, just be flexible and open to doing things a little differently.
Jump to a section below:
- Before you leave
- Payments & cash
- Communicating
- Your home away from home
- Out & about
- Transit & getting around
Before you leave
Using your cell phone abroad
Unless you already have a plan with unlimited international data, you’ll want to check with your wireless carrier in advance of your trip. Typically they offer international roaming and data packages for an additional fee, but this is less than if you did not sign up in advance.
Most plans are not unlimited data, so to save this for times when you need it, turn your phone on airplane mode when you are at your Airbnb or hotel and connect to wifi. Usually phone calls, text, and apps will work via wifi without using your data.
Save places you want to go in Google Maps
If you are not already doing this in your everyday life, then this would be my #1 tip. When you search for a place in Google Maps, there is a button to save it. Prior to my trip, I will save places that friends recommend or that I find in guidebooks, blogs, or social media. To help get you started, I compiled lists of my favorite places for you already!
This might seem like extra work, but I’ve found it useful for times when I’m walking and did not plan where to eat. I can pull up my Google Maps and see what places I’ve saved nearby. It’s also a great way to save places that you’ve enjoyed so you can remember them later.
Google Maps can be downloaded for offline access if you do not want to use your data while you’re out and about. Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to do so (about 1-minute).
Air conditioning and elevators are not a guarantee
When researching places to stay, make sure to look at the amenities and read the reviews to see if it includes air conditioning or an elevator. Many older buildings do not have elevators, so if your Airbnb is on the 4th floor (this is the 5th floor in the US), you’ll want to know if there is an elevator in the building. And if there is an elevator in an old building, often it can only fit one person with one large bag.
Even if your accommodation has air conditioning, but you’re going somewhere warm, pack linen and loose fitting clothing as most restaurants and shops may not have A/C.
Try to pack light
I know this is a fruitless attempt, but once you’re rolling a giant suitcase across cobblestones or lugging it up flights of stairs, you’ll swear to yourself you’ll do better next time. We’ve all made that mistake and sometimes I am still cursing at myself, even after lots of practice. But all I can do is try to share this wisdom–no you don’t need that extra shirt, those high heels, or that second pair of jeans. And you certainly don’t need that hair dryer.
You’ll undoubtedly come across high-quality clothes and shoes for reasonable prices (Italian leather anyone?) which will make you wonder why you bothered to bring that extra shirt or sweater. Between gifts for you and gifts for others, you’ll wish you had more room in your luggage. So either leave room, or like I often do, pack a foldable duffle bag to carry back all your goodies.
Depending on your duration of the trip and frequency of places to visit, I also encourage you to buy basic toiletries once you get there to avoid packing them. Things like shampoo, lotion, soap, etc.
Payments & cash
Use bank ATMs to get cash in local currency
You don’t have to request Euros or Pounds from your local bank in advance. You can simply use your debit card at any major bank (such as BNP Paribas, HSBC, Credit Agricole) to get cash in the local currency. There will be a small transaction fee, but this is cheaper than using any money exchange service. In general, avoid all money exchange services, especially at the airport. Though you will not need a lot of cash, it is typically nice to pay cash for small transactions such as a coffee, baguette, or small meal in a café.
While it’s not really needed any more for credit cards, I still inform my bank for my checking account when I travel abroad (you can do this online).
Using your credit card, tap to pay
For most transactions, you can use your credit card. Tap to pay is the most common way Europeans pay using their card (they were years ahead of us here) under 100€ but sometimes American cards will require a signature. You’ll figure this out quickly and it’s always nice to inform your waiter or cashier that you need to sign. In restaurants, waiters will bring the credit card machine to you, rather than taking your card.
When using your card, you will often be asked if you prefer to pay in the local currency or in US Dollars. Select the local currency as it is typically a better exchange rate with your bank than to convert the transaction at the point of sale.
If you want to tip or round up (see note about tipping) using your card, tell the waiter the total amount to charge when they bring over the machine before tapping your card. They manually input the value into the machine prior to processing.
Tipping is different
There is some tipping in Europe and the UK, but it is nothing compared to expectations in the US. Do not tip the normal 20% in a restaurant–while you might think this is a nice gesture, this can come across as culturally ignorant even for the best service. For example, in France a service charge is already included at restaurants, so you don’t have to tip at all (or just round up to the nearest Euro).
Each country is slightly different, so my suggestion would be to do a quick Google search prior to visiting. Check out this tipping guide from Rick Steeves that outlines general tipping practices or this country-by-country guide from Travel + Leisure where you can easily save the image onto your phone for quick reference.
In general, Europeans are paid well, so don’t worry about tipping the wrong amount. It’s usually considered a nice bonus and not expected.
Communicating
Download WhatsApp
Most Europeans use WhatsApp to message each other rather than texting since this can work over wifi without using cellular data. If you are renting an Airbnb, your host will most likely want to communicate this way. Or if you make a new acquaintance along the way, you’ll be ready. 🙂
I also use WhatsApp to communicate to my family back home who do not have iPhones–again this works over wifi so no cellular data is needed. Also photos and videos are sent with better clarity than via text messages.
The golden ticket to good service in France: say bonjour EVERYWHERE
If you are visiting France, a rule of thumb is to say bonjour every time you enter a new place, from the pastry shop, to a boutique, to a café and everywhere in between. Seriously, even say it to the security guard at the supermarket. This is by far the easiest and most fool-proof way to avoid being the “rude American tourist” and receive good service. This rule is good for other countries as well, but none more apparent than France.
Even if you cannot say anything else in French, this at least communicates a sign of respect for visiting their country and that you’re trying. Another good rule to live by is to do as the locals do. There is some magic hour that bonjour transitions to bonsoir (good evening). Simply listen for it from others and repeat it.
And if you can manage, say “merci, au revoir” when you leave.
The Google Translate app is essential
Not just for speaking the language, the Google Translate app can use your camera to translate words right in front of your eyes. For example, you’re in a museum but everything is in German. Open the Google Translate app, click the camera button and hold it up to a plaque. You’ll see the words transform in front of you to English. You can do this for menus, groceries, signs…the list is endless.
You can also use this app to type or listen to a phrase and play it back in the language you want.
Your home away from home
Some differences you might find
Here are some quirks I have found; some make me laugh and some I wish we had here at home. Be open to living a little differently and perhaps you’ll have a laugh, too.
Floor numbers begin at 0, so the first floor in Europe and the U.K. is actually the second floor in the States.
If you’re in a hotel, you’ll probably need to put your keycard into a slot near the door of your room in order to turn on the lights, TV, etc. Also see my note about ice (I doubt there will be ice machines). And more often than not, your in-room fridge will not be cold. I have no idea why. Maybe someone can explain this to me?
Regardless of hotel or home rental, outlets typically have on/off switches on them to make energy conservation a little easier. If your phone charger isn’t working, make sure the switch is turned on. Speaking of outlets, you’ll need power adapters–Europe is different from the U.K. so if you’re planning on going to both, it’s best to buy a couple universal travel adapters.
Do not expect to find a top sheet on your bed, just a duvet.
Many places will offer Nespresso machines for coffee (love this!) but be aware they make espresso-sized drinks. In home rentals, it’s nice to replace the pods you used for the next guest.
If your place has a washing machine, it can take 2-3 hours for a load and air drying is most common. However, some washing machines are also a dryer in one. These are very cool but take a very long time.
Windows are big and open to bring the outside in, which I love so much. Most don’t have screens or guard rails so be cautious with children.
Every place I’ve been, tap water is safe to drink. If you want to be extra sure, just do an online search. But this saves you the hassle of buying and carrying jugs of water from the store.
Out & about
Take your time in restaurants
Eating out should be a time to enjoy excellent food and good company. You will not be rushed, and if you’re used to the American style, you might feel things are a little too slow. But take this time to be present and enjoy your time untethered to the stresses at home. It might be odd at first, but after coming home, you may find yourself wishing for the leisurely pace of a European meal.
In general, you will need to waive down the waitstaff once you’re ready for the check. They will not bring you the bill as this is seen as rudely asking you to leave. If you’re unsure how to ask for the bill in the local language, simply make eye contact with a staff member and use your hand in the air to make the universal sign for signing a check. Unlike in the U.S., it’s not rude to raise your hand or finger slightly to get a waiter’s attention. Just don’t do anything grotesquely and you’ll be fine.
When you are done with your plate, you can align your fork and knife in the 3 o’clock position on your plate. This is a non-verbal signal to your waiter that you are finished. Similarly to the check, waiters will not rush you and may not pick up your plate for some time (or at all). This is opposite of the way staff are trained in the U.S. that seem to pick up your plate the second you finish your last bite.
Also many restaurants have an English menu, just ask.
You’ll need to ask for ice
When you order a soda, you may get a glass with a cube or two of ice. If you want an iced drink, make sure to ask for ice. Coffee does not come in iced form and you may get weird looks if you ask for that, unless you find a Starbucks. However, in Germany, when you ask for an iced coffee, you’ll get coffee with ice cream (much to my surprise and delight!).
I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen an ice machine in a hotel, although maybe I just assumed they don’t exist, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. At one hotel in England, the reception gave small bags of ice upon request.
Using the restrooms
This can vary by country, but generally public toilets (including inside train stations) require a small fee for use such as 1€ or 1£. And you’ll most likely need to pay with a coin. So make sure to keep a small amount of change handy.
If you’re looking to use a restroom in a café or pub, it is generally best to at least order something at the bar. I typically find a café, order a coffee (espresso) at the bar for a couple of euros and then use the facilities.
Get tax refunds for large purchases
If you make a purchase over 175 EUR (or equivalent), you should ask the store clerk if they offer VAT tax refunds. If they do, you’ll need your passport and return ticket information for them to fill out the form. Have this form handy at whichever airport you’re using to return home. Prior to going through security, check signs or the airport website for the location of where you can process the VAT tax refund and you’ll get back some of the taxes you paid!
Shopping at grocery stores
Not only are grocery stores or markets the place to get your essentials during your trip, they’re also my favorite place for souvenirs. Who doesn’t love receiving a sweet treat or local speciality made of ingredients you can actually pronounce? (Please send all the Liège waffles and French madeleines my way. 👀)
And the prices compared to U.S. supermarkets will pleasantly surprise you. Wine, cheese, butter, eggs…you’ll be amazed at the difference.
Usually I use a hand basket, but just a head’s up, my aunt told me they were surprised they needed to pay a Euro deposit for the use of a cart.
Milk and eggs are not refrigerated here, so you will not find them in the cooler section. Also, if the produce is paid by weight, you’ll most likely need to weigh it in the produce area and it will print out a ticket for the cashier to scan. They don’t weigh and key in the code like in the States.
Often you’re required to bag your own groceries and some markets will require you to grab a plastic bag near the cashier prior to checking out–just look around and see what the process is. I use this as an opportunity to purchase a fun, reusable bag for another souvenir. It puts a smile on my face when I’m doing my mundane shopping at home.
In addition to grocery stores, pharmacies (identified with the neon green plus signs) are great for purchasing high quality skin care products, vitamins, and other healthcare items for cheap.
Transit and getting around
Leave time to wander
There’s no better way to get to know a place, than by walking. Embrace the way of the flâneur–the French word to describe someone who strolls without a destination, without a plan, but for the sole purpose of observing contemporary life.
If you’re a planner, this might be difficult for you. But even if you cannot walk without a destination, I encourage you to at least walk to your destinations. You’ll often find that it’s easier and more convenient to walk than try to get a taxi or Uber since city centers were built long before cars were invented.
And if you are someone who needs an itinerary to stay sane, please remember to include free space in your schedule for walking and exploring the town you are in. You may stumble upon a local artisan’s shop with one of a kind gifts, an open air market that wasn’t in your guidebook, or a breathtaking view without swarming tourists. Finding these hidden gems is half the fun!
Taking public transit or trains
Realistically you can’t walk everywhere. In those cases, I highly recommend using public transit. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk the best way to get to and from your destination using transit. Or use Google Maps by clicking the transit icon (looks like a train).
For buses, you pay upon entry and some allow tap to pay, but it’s always safe to have some cash on you just in case. For those of you not used to taking a bus, you need to notify the driver you want to get off at the next stop by either pulling the cord or pressing the button. Buses do not stop at every stop unless notified.
Trams, light rail, and trains usually require you to purchase a ticket via a kiosk prior to boarding. For trams and light rail, typically you’ll need to validate your ticket once you’re onboard (but sometimes you don’t). Watch what others are doing and follow suit. Train ticket validation varies. Sometimes you scan your ticket at the station, some may require validation after disembarking, and others may just rely on getting your ticket checked by staff while onboard.
If the train or light rail door does not open, don’t panic. Look for a button on or near the door, typically with a two arrow symbol ⇿ lit up with green lights, to open.
When taking a train long distances (high-speed rail, going to another country, etc.), you will probably have assigned seats. Make sure to look for the car number and seat number on your ticket and locate the proper car prior to boarding. Also, for such journeys, it is wise to purchase your ticket in advance, whether it’s at the station or online. You can most likely select your seats and avoid any issues if the ticket office is not open early morning or late night. My favorite website to use is Rome2Rio.com.
Local, regional trains probably won’t have assigned seats, but they could have a first class section which costs more. When in doubt, ask someone.
Last but not least, be flexible. Delays happen, strikes happen often, and any number of things can impact a trip. If you find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath, and find an alternative (and maybe better) plan or way to spend your day.
Train platforms (and sometimes gates for flights) are assigned last minute
At least it feels last minute for Americans. Don’t be alarmed if you’re at a train station 30-minutes prior to departure and you do not have a platform assigned yet. It can be as little as 10-minutes prior that you’re informed what platform to go to (this is why you see groups of people staring at the screens). However, if you’re nervous or unsure, you can always ask a train station employee to verify.
Sometimes smaller, regional flights are assigned gates in a similar fashion. Although not quite as last minute as trains, you may be in a general boarding area waiting for your gate to be assigned. Just keep checking the departure boards.
Also be aware that some flights may not have a jet bridge and require taking a bus out to the plane. Just follow the signs and don’t be afraid to ask airport employees or other passengers on your flight if you’re unsure.
Yes, you can Uber in Europe
Though Lyft is not available, Uber is very popular in Europe. While I highly encourage walking or using public transit, there are times when you just need a cab. If you don’t want to deal with a taxi, Uber is your best option.
Taking a taxi
Card payments are accepted and tipping is common (see tipping section). If you’re staying at a hotel, grab a business card so you can show it to taxi drivers for easier communication in other languages.
If you have a layover in another country, you do not need to pick up your checked luggage
Let’s say you’re going to Prague with a layover in Amsterdam. You do not need to pick up your checked bag(s) in Amsterdam–they will go all the way to Prague.
However, it’s different in the U.S. Let’s say you’re coming home to San Francisco from an international trip with a layover in New York. You’ll need to go through the customs line at New York, pick up your bag, and drop it off to continue onto San Francisco.
Save time coming back to the U.S. with Mobile Passport Control app
If you do not have Global Entry, download the Mobile Passport Control app. Prior to landing in the U.S., input the required information for your trip. This could save you hours going through customs–follow the signs for MPC. When returning from the U.K. last summer, my father used this app and he got through faster than I did with Global Entry.
Trace the World 
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