Europe Travel Tips

Please note – stated below are for information only and we are not responsible for any legal reason.

FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

Wearing a face mask or covering may no longer be mandatory in some countries, it is however one of the most important things someone can do to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. Therefore, face coverings are strongly recommended. The visitors should continue to consider wearing a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces including on public transports where the virus can spread more easily. Keep some masks with you.

Face-Covering

LOCAL CURRENCY
UK: Pound (GBP) Great British Pounds
Europe: Euro (EUR) is the official currency of 19 out of 28 EU member countries – Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain.
Switzerland: Swiss Francs (CHF)

Don’t waste your time in looking for a money changer. So, for your convenience, change some money for local currency in Myanmar. In UK and Europe, there are a lot of money changers (known as Bureau de Change), but the rates are normally higher and you will also be charged for commission which varies from 2% to 3.5%.

CARRYING CASH
As from 15 June 2007, travellers entering or leaving the EU and carrying €10 000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets such as cheques drawn on a third party) have to make a declaration to the customs authorities.

PAY WITH CREDIT CARDS
All major cards i.e. Visa and MasterCard cards are widely accepted in UK and Europe. However, some shops/stores may accept the cards which Chip and Pin facility that needs the user to enter the pin digits on the machine. The signature only cards may not be accepted at some shops/stores due to the security reason. It’s a good idea to bring an extra card as a backup (especially if you plan a big spending shopping). But please note your bank may charge a fee on the use of card abroad i.e. transaction fee, foreign exchange fee because your card has USD currency but you pay for shopping in Euro or Pound Sterling.

ELECTRICITY POWER
A currency of 230/240 volts. If you are coming from almost anywhere, you will need a power converter.

UK use Type G (Type G is mainly used in United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.) uk plug

Europe use Type C and F (type-C plug is slightly thinner so it fits in both C and F. Type-F fits in F only) europe plug

Switzerland and Liechtenstein use Type J switzerland plug

MOBILE/CELL PHONE
In the UK and Europe, all mobile networks use GSM, so if you have a CDMA handset then you will not be able to connect. To use the local SIM, your phone needs to be unlocked. If you are unsure whether or not your phone is locked, try with the different network SIM while you are in your country. If it works, then your phone is unlocked.
Note: once you cross the border, you will be on roaming rate that means all calls/data usage are charged at cross-border rate which is normally higher than a local rate.

DRIVING
In UK, they drive on the left. In Europe, they drive on the right.
If you’re driving locally, make sure you know what side you are driving on!

DINING
Putting your fork and knife together in the middle of the plate is the only way to acknowledge you are finished eating. If your fork and knife crossed at the top of the plate, a waiter will presume you aren’t finished.

DRINKING AGE
Generally, the Drinking age limit in UK and Europe is 18. But a few European countries have different law with lower/higher age limit. Since most people drink, pubs are good for anyone over the drinking age of 18 (if legal by law), and you can find every generation enjoining a pint almost everywhere.

Drugs are highly illegal as a tourist you are taking a big risk in indulging in any drugs.

BAGGAGE QUANTITY
Your airline may allow you to carry as many bags as you like. But the advise is take just one big bag (baggage) and one hand-carry. Because you are travelling to many cities in Europe and you stay only a night or two in one place. baggage allowance That means you need to check in and check out every day. Also the coach or bus normally limit to only 1 bag per person and you may get charged for extra bags on per bag per day basis. Don’t forget you are going with more stuffs that is your shopping!

VAT REFUND (TAX REFUND/CLAIM)
You may be eligible to get VAT refunds on goods bought in the UK and Europe if you are a visitor and returning home. On every purchase especially the valuable goods, ask the shop assistant in advance to provide the necessary form/slip for tax claim. Please note that not every goods are refundable and not every shops provide the service. Also, tax rate varies from country to country.
note: UK no longer offers VAT refund following the departure from EU known as Brexit

MISCELLANEOUS & SAFETY TIPS
Like every other country, pickpockets are in operation at every tourist places. You are advised not to overly wear the valuable items such as gold and jewelleries or take them with you during the tours.

travel tips

Cash should be kept in different pockets. Try not to carry a large amount of cash for safety, instead take a Visa/Master cards. You can pay by card for some shoppings. But please note the card fees for transaction and exchange rate too.

Valuable handset like iPhones, iPad and tablets are also to be kept away while it is not in use.

A pair of walking shoes will be useful for a walk hence all sightseeing activities involve a good walking distance everyday.

Take a light windbreaker jacket, hence it can protect both rain and cold condition. The weather in Europe is unpredictable.

Smoking is not permitted on any premises.

Please note – stated above are for information only and we are not responsible for any legal reason.