Europe travel guide: what you need to do

When does your passport expire?

Most countries require that you have a certain amount of validity left on your passport. For Schengen countries, you'll need three months' validity from your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. In many other countries, the minimum limit is six months' validity from your date of arrival.

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have strict visa rules and time limits on how long you can stay.

Russian visa

To be issued a visa for Russia, you'll need a letter of invitation from a Russian travel agent, as well as proof of your itinerary or round-trip tickets.

Ukraine visa

To be issued a visa for Ukraine, you'll need a letter of invitation from a Ukrainian travel agent or a hotel reservation, as well as proof that you have medical travel insurance and enough money for your trip.

Belarus visa

To be issued a visa for Belarus, you'll need a letter of invitation from a travel agent and proof that you have worldwide travel insurance with cover of at least $20,000 for medical expenses.

Visa rules for cruise ships docking in Russia

Cruise ship passengers may be entitled to a 72-hour visa waiver while visiting Russian port cities such as St Petersburg. Check with your cruise ship operator to find out if you're eligible.

Vaccinations

The risk of contracting a dangerous disease in Western Europe is comparable to the risk in Australia, however the risk of water-borne and diarrhoeal illnesses can be higher in parts of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Rabies is still a problem in some parts of continental Europe, as are some diseases spread by ticks, mosquitoes and other insects.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Europe?

Your vaccination needs will depend on your own health status, where you're travelling to, and when, so speak to a doctor with experience in travel health. Always make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

More about health and safety in Europe.

Phone and internet

Global roaming and coverage

Phone coverage varies throughout Europe, but you should be able to stay connected in most places – unless you're climbing the French Alps or camping in rural Romania, for example.

Can I use my Australian phone in Europe?

Your Australian phone will usually pick up on compatible European GSM networks, but as most travellers know, the cost of phone calls and internet access can be astronomical if you use your phone overseas. Check with your telco for global roaming rates and tips on keeping costs low.

Tip: Switch off data roaming on your phone before you leave Australia. Likewise, switch off your voicemail and ask friends and family to text you rather than calling (you'll be charged if you answer incoming calls).

Cheaper roaming

Many Australian telcos offer travel packages with a set daily rate for global roaming on your existing account while overseas. They're not particularly cheap, but they'll save you from any nasty bill surprises and can be a good option if you're only visiting Europe for a few days or weeks and you want to keep your own number.

Local SIM

If you're planning to spend more than a few weeks in Europe, or if you just want cheaper rates and don't mind having a different phone number while you're on holidays, consider buying a local pre-paid SIM once you arrive in Europe. Companies, rates and set-up will depend on which country you're in. You may be required to show ID to register, so the easiest way is to find an (English-speaking) phone store employee who can help you. Or better yet, most major airports will have shops or booths ready to help you get set up.

Roam Like at Home

Global roaming rates don't apply to EU citizens travelling between EU countries. This exemption was introduced in 2017 and is referred to as 'Roam Like at Home'.

Although the exemption technically only applies to EU citizens, if an Australian tourist is using a SIM that was bought in an EU country, it's likely they'll benefit too.

Will Roam Like at Home still apply to UK mobiles after Brexit?

Once the UK officially leaves the EU, it's quite likely that UK mobile phones will no longer be exempt from global roaming charges in the EU. This looks particularly likely since the UK has committed to leaving the Digital Single Market – the alliance that created Roam Like at Home in 2017.

However, CHOICE's UK sister organisation Which? is putting pressure on the UK government to negotiate to keep the roaming exemption.

Travel SIM

Pre-paid travel SIMs can be bought from some Australian travel stores, phone stores and post offices, or ordered online before you leave the country. Rates won't be as cheap as a local SIM, but they can be a smart option if you're travelling to multiple (non-EU) countries and don't want to pay even higher global roaming rates or buy a local SIM every time.

Remember: Your phone will need to be unlocked to accept a SIM from another network.

Beat global roaming bill shock – our guide to unlocking your phone and changing your global roaming settings.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is plentiful in some areas of Europe and unheard of in others. Sometimes you'll be expected to pay, and in rural areas it often simply won't be available. Generally in the cities you'll find free Wi-Fi in all hotels and most franchises such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

Tip: Wi-Fi is pronounced "wee-fee" or "vee-fee" in much of non English-speaking Europe. In Germany it's called W-LAN (pronounced "vay-lahn").

Data

If you really want to stay connected, consider buying a local phone SIM with generous data, or a data-only SIM.

If you're travelling with a laptop you could consider a USB Wi-Fi dongle, or you could tether your laptop to your mobile phone's data.

The best place to find what you need is at the airport when you first arrive in Europe. Phone and tech shops at airports will have the best options for travellers who don't want to sign up to a long-term plan.

Power plugs

What type of adapter will I need for Europe?

Australian type I electrical plugs are incompatible with any sockets in Europe, so you'll need an adaptor. The type C plug - with two rounded prongs - is the most common in Europe. It's referred to as the 'Europlug', but as you can see from the chart above, plugs and sockets do vary from country to country.

• Type C plugs are compatible with types E, F, J, K and N, so the Europlug really is the only adaptor you'll need for most of Europe.
• If you're travelling to the UK, Ireland or Malta, you'll need a type G adaptor.
• If you're travelling to Switzerland or Liechtenstein you'll need a type J adaptor.

Tip: Consider a universal adaptor if you're travelling to a number of different countries or if you're stopping over in Asia or the Middle East.

Voltage and frequency

The electricity in European countries runs at the same (or very similar) voltage and frequency as Australia, so you can use your Australian appliances in Europe without fear of frying them.

Money

Which countries use the euro?

Not all countries in Europe use the euro - in fact not all countries in the European Union use it. The euro is legal tender in 19 out of the 28 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Some non-EU countries and territories also use the euro in agreement with the EU. These include: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Kosovo and Montenegro.

All other countries in Europe use their own currencies.

What's a euro worth?

The euro doesn't necessarily have the same buying power wherever you go. Prices still fluctuate between euro countries. For example, €10 will get you a lot further in Slovakia or Greece than it will in Finland or Austria, where the cost of living is much higher.

Important: Tell your bank about your travel plans two weeks before you leave. Card activity in a foreign country could be mistaken for fraud and you could find your account frozen.

What's the best way to spend Australian dollars in Europe?

You'll probably get the best exchange rate in Europe simply by withdrawing money from an ATM. Banks tend to have better exchange rates than money changers, and in EU countries those rates are regulated.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in Europe and almost all will accept foreign cards and offer instructions in English.

• Look for official bank ATMs and try to avoid cash machines labelled Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Cardpoint, and Cashzone. These independent ATMs have higher fees and can offer up a confusing choice of conversion options which could cost you more.
• If an ATM offers you the choice of paying in Australian dollars or local currency, always choose the local currency. Likewise, if asked to "lock in" or "guarantee" your conversion rate, choose "proceed without conversion".
• Don't use your credit card to withdraw cash. It'll be treated as a cash advance and you'll be charged high fees.
• ATMs aren't called ATMs in Europe. Ask for a "distributeur" in France, a "cashpoint" in the UK and Ireland, and a "bankomat" almost everywhere else.
• As well as the foreign bank's fees, your Australian bank will charge you a withdrawal fee and a foreign transaction fee. If your bank's withdrawal fee is a set amount, rather than a percentage of the withdrawal amount, it's more cost-effective for you to withdraw large amounts of money at a time.
• Westpac customers can avoid withdrawal fees by using Global ATM Alliance partner banks (a 3% foreign transaction fee still applies):
• Barclay's Bank in the UK, Portugal and Gibraltar
• Deutsche Bank in Germany, Spain and Poland
• BNP Paribas in France and Italy

Credit cards

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Europe, American Express is less common.

• Always have some cash spare, as credit cards may not be accepted in smaller shops, taxis and in rural areas.
• Remember you'll be charged a foreign transaction fee by your bank when paying with a credit card, and the vendor may add a surcharge too.
• Credit card surcharges are banned in EU countries, but some vendors may 'reinvent' those extra charges as 'booking' or 'service' fees.
• Talk to your bank about the best card to use overseas - some offer credit cards for travellers with no, or low, fees.

Money changers

You'll find money exchange counters such as Forex or Travelex at airports and in most tourist areas, hotels, banks and some post offices.

• You'll generally get a better exchange rate at banks and ATMs than with money changers.
• You're unlikely to get a good rate changing cash before you leave Australia, but if it makes you feel safer to have a few euros (or pounds, krone etc.) in your pocket when you land, go ahead. Otherwise, the airport ATMs are usually your best bet.

Travellers' cheques

Travellers' cheques aren't as popular as they used to be. They're becoming harder and harder to cash, and the fees are often much higher than for using credit or debit cards. If you like to use travellers' cheques for the money security, consider a travel money card or cash passport. They can be pre-loaded with foreign currencies, cancelled at any time if lost, and used just like a credit or debit card (although the fees may be higher).

Tip: Carry at least two cards and more than one currency (euros, pounds etc). Split your money and cards between separate bags. That way if you lose one, you have a back-up.

VAT (value-added tax) applies to goods and services in most European countries. This tax should be included in the advertised price. Foreign tourists can reclaim the tax paid on some goods, depending on the country and the circumstances. You'll usually need to shop in specific stores that can give you the right paperwork (look for signs reading 'Tax Free'), then use the paperwork to apply for a refund at the airport.

Tipping practices vary from country to country. Generally a tip at a hotel or restaurant is appreciated, but not compulsory. It's best to tip in cash rather than as an add-on to your credit payment - that way the server is sure to receive it.

For more advice on overseas spending, see our travel money guide.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential no matter which country you're visiting. Buy your insurance at the same time as you book your trip, that way you'll be covered if you have to cancel for some reason before you go.

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Slovenia and Norway but these are not a substitute for travel insurance.

For more information read our buying guide and to choose the best cover, see CHOICE's travel insurance reviews and comparisons.

Tips:

• If you're planning on skiing, bungee-jumping or doing anything else potentially bone-breaking, make sure your insurance covers it. Most policies won't, so you'll probably need to purchase extra cover.
• If you're planning on driving, check what your travel insurance policy covers so you don't end up paying for the same insurance again with the car hire company.
• Remember, anything that happens to you while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
• Keep a print-out of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip.
• Share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.

Handy apps

Consider adding these apps to your phone or tablet before you go.

Tip: If possible, choose apps that work offline so they won't chew up your mobile data or stop working when you're in remote places.

• Travel apps such as Triposo, Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor can provide you with maps, booking services, itineraries, recommendations and more.
• Currency conversion apps such as xe help you work out costs in Australian dollars.
• Translation apps such as Google Translate help with communication - some even include speech and text recognition.
• taxi.eu is the main taxi-ordering app in Europe, but that may vary by country.
• Uber is also active in more than 100 European cities.
• Moovit is a public transport planner app covering more than 500 cities worldwide. Google maps can also help you with public transport planning.

Tip: To save a map onto your mobile device for offline use, select the area on Google Maps then select 'Save offline map' from the menu and follow the directions on the screen. Your GPS positioning will still work on the saved map, even when you don't have access to the internet. Alternatively, go to 'Offline maps' in the menu and select a city.

Concerned about security? Check out our travel tech safety tips.