A Guide for First-Time Visitors to Europe: Money, Staying Connected and Everyday Life

To enjoy a relaxed first trip to Europe, you only need to sort out five things before you go: check your documents with official sources, get a card that works abroad and some local currency, set up a roaming package or local SIM for your phone, buy comfortable walking shoes, and make a habit of watching your belongings in crowded places. The rest falls into place with a little openness to local customs.

Before you go: documents

Documents are what first-time visitors to Europe wonder about most. Visa, passport and entry requirements vary by country, passport type and date, so we do not give a definitive rule here. Before travelling, check the current situation with the official sources of the country concerned and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Our overview of the Schengen Area can be a good starting point for understanding the concepts.

Keep a photocopy of your documents somewhere separate from the originals, and another copy on your phone or in your e-mail. If something like a lost passport happens, these copies speed things up.

Money: cards, cash and small surprises

Contactless card payment is very common in many European countries. Even so, do not assume you can pay by card everywhere; places such as small cafés, markets or toilets may require cash.

Things to watch out for:

• Make sure your card is enabled for use abroad. Letting your bank know about your trip can prevent your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
• Carry a spare card. Keep your cards in different places.
• Find out about foreign transaction fees. Ask your bank in advance how it handles spending abroad.
• Choosing the currency on the payment screen: Some terminals offer to charge you in your own currency. Decide knowing that this option may include an exchange rate margin.
• Different currencies: The euro is used in many countries, but not everywhere. Countries such as Czechia, Hungary, Switzerland and the United Kingdom use their own currencies.

Staying connected: phone and internet

You will constantly need the internet for maps, translation apps and group messaging.

• Before you go, check your operator's roaming packages and which countries they cover.
• Alternatively, you can get a local SIM or an eSIM in the country you visit.
• Make use of the Wi-Fi in hotels and cafés, but avoid doing your banking on open networks.
• Download maps and translation language packs in advance so they work offline.

Everyday life: how do things work in Europe?

Mealtimes

There are big differences from country to country. In Spain dinner is eaten very late, while earlier times are common in the northern countries. In Italy and France, some restaurants may close between lunch and dinner service.

Water

In restaurants, water usually comes in a bottle and is charged for. In some countries it is normal to ask for tap water; do not hesitate to ask.

Tipping

Tipping customs vary from country to country. In many places a service charge is included in the bill and an extra tip is not considered compulsory. If you were happy, leaving a small amount is seen as a courtesy.

Sundays

In some countries, especially Germany, most shops are closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping accordingly.

Toilets

In some countries public toilets may charge a fee. Carrying some coins makes life easier.

Safety: relaxed but careful

Europe's big cities are generally comfortable places to explore. However, pickpocketing is a known problem in tourist areas, on the metro and in crowded squares.

• Do not carry your wallet or phone in your back pocket.
• Wear your backpack on your front in crowds.
• Do not leave your phone on the edge of the table in restaurants.
• Keep your distance from persistent people who approach you asking for a signature, a ticket or help.
• Always carry your passport with you, in a bag close to your body.

Public transport and getting around the city

Europe's big cities are easy to get around by metro, tram and bus. Ticket systems vary from city to city; in some cities you must validate your ticket (scan it at a machine) before boarding, and forgetting to do so can lead to a fine. More and more cities also let you pay directly with a contactless card. Most historic centres are compact enough to explore on foot, so your most useful means of transport is often a comfortable pair of shoes.

Your first European trip on a group tour

On a first trip to Europe, arranging the route, transport and accommodation one by one can be tiring. Because a group tour organises these steps in advance, it lets you focus on the cities themselves.

Our website has options for different lengths of stay and interests:

• Classic Italy Tour: Florence, the towns of Tuscany, Rome and Venice in 4 nights, 5 days.
• Benelux, Paris and Germany Tour: five countries and a day at Disneyland in 5 nights, 6 days.
• Grand Europe Tour: a long route in 13 nights, 14 days, stretching from Italy to the Netherlands and from Prague to the Balkans.

We explain how to pack your suitcase, item by item, in our Europe tour packing list article.

Frequently asked questions

Is a credit card accepted everywhere in Europe?

Contactless card payment is common in many places, but not accepted everywhere. Carry some cash for small businesses, markets and toilets.

How do I use my phone in Europe?

You can buy one of your operator's roaming packages or get a local SIM or eSIM in the country you visit. Downloading maps in advance makes things easier if your connection drops.

Is pickpocketing common in Europe?

Pickpocketing is a known problem in tourist areas, on the metro and in crowded squares. Carrying your valuables close to your body and staying alert prevents most problems.

Which tour suits a first trip to Europe?

It depends on how much time you have and what interests you. Single-region tours of 5 to 6 days are good for a short introduction, while longer routes suit a broader experience.