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Travel Facts & Tips · US Passport Information · Packing Tips
US Customs & Duties · Value-Added Tax
Travel Facts & Tips
Climate
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Europe. The more popular sights are not so crowded and the weather is pleasant. Be prepared for unexpected cool days and rain – a warm jacket, a sweater, and an umbrella should cover every weather contingency.
Crime
Avoid flashing expensive jewelry or camera equipment, which only attracts unwanted attention. Baggage should never be left unattended. Cash, credit cards, traveler's checks, and passports should be carried in a belt or pouch on your person, under your clothing, at all times! It is just too easy to forget a purse or have it or a fanny pack snatched from you. It is an excellent idea to have photocopies of your important documents (passport and traveler's checks) and to keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals. In London & Paris especially, pickpockets target tourists at historic sites, restaurants, on buses, trains and the Tube/Metro. In London, travelers should use only licensed "black taxi cabs." Because Americans have been targeted at home and abroad by terrorists, it is a very good idea not to mark yourself as an American by wearing sweats, tennis shoes, blue jeans, or articles of clothing displaying an American flag or a facsimile of one.
Customs (US)
You may bring home $800 worth of goods duty-free. So can each member of your family, regardless of age, and your exemptions may be pooled, so one of you can bring in more if another brings in less. Dolls and toys may be brought home duty-free. So can bona fide antiques 100 years old or older. Gifts valued at less than $50 may be mailed to the US duty-free, with a limit of one package per day per addressee, and do not count as part of your exemption.
Electricity
If you plan to bring an electric hair-dryer or other electrical devices, buy travel-sized, dual-voltage models and the appropriate socket adapters. Adaptors are available at most luggage shops and at Radio Shack®. If you don't have dual-voltage appliances, you will need a converter in addition to the socket adapters, and we do not recommend it – even if you get it right, chances are you'll cause a power outage in the hotel. Hotels sometimes have 110-volt outlets for low-wattage appliances near the sink, marked FOR SHAVERS ONLY. Don't use them for high-wattage appliances like blow-dryers or curling irons. If you can find battery-powered appliances, make sure they run on AA batteries, which are readily available.
England: The British current is 220/240 volts, 50 cycles AC. Wall outlets take a socket adapter with three square pins.
Continental Western Europe The current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Wall outlets take Continental-type socket adapters, with two round prongs.
Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel protection plan that provides, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical evacuation and repatriation, and lost luggage coverage. If your existing health insurance does not cover out-of-country hospital visits and procedures, your travel insurance plan should also include medical coverage. Call us at 1-800-692-1148 for further information and to order a travel protection plan enrollment form.
Film & Videotape
Airport screening of checked baggage will damage your undeveloped film. Never place film in your checked baggage. Place film in your carry-on baggage (carry-on screening equipment might also damage film if the film passes through more than 5 times) or request a hand inspection (non-US airports may not honor this request). None of the screening equipment will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed. Be sure to bring plenty of extra film, videotape, and batteries because these items can be quite pricey abroad.
Language
England: The language of England is English, which is more or less understandable to Americans, depending on how much slang is used.
France: The language of France is – you guessed it – French! A well-known character is the American or lapsed Canadian who returns from a trip to France and denounces the ever-so-rude French. But it is amazing how a word or two of halting French will change their dispositions. At the very least, try to learn a few numbers, basic greetings, and, above all, the life raft – "Parlez-vous anglais?" As it turns out, many people do speak a passable English and will use it liberally if you demonstrate the basic courtesy of greeting them in their language. Don't be bashful! French for Travelers
Germany and Switzerland: The official language of Germany is German. Most Germans in the western half of Germany also speak English, but fewer do in the east. Germans really appreciate any attempt to speak their language, even if you don't get it quite right – so have some fun with a few phrases! German for Travelers
Laundry
Take hand-washables! Laundromats are few and far between, and very inconvenient.
Money
The value of your native currency relative to the British pound and the Euro fluctuates daily. We provide a handy Puppentour™ Currency Converter so you can easily evaluate prices in terms of your own currency.
We recommended that you buy at least $100 US per person worth of each of the currencies of the countries in which you are traveling, so that you have some local currency available until you can get to a bank. Call your local bank to inquire if they offer this service. If not, you can order foreign currency online from Travelex or American Express®. Their exchange rates may not be as favorable as a bank's, assuming you can find a bank that offers the service; but the convenience and safety of having your foreign currency delivered to your home via Federal Express are often worth the slightly higher expense.
Traveler's checks are the safest way to carry larger amounts of cash. However, you will find that they are not readily accepted directly for purchases, even if they are in the currency of the country in which you are trying to use them. You will therefore need to cash them at banks.
A credit card is an asset to travel abroad. In our experience, the VISA credit card is the most useable credit card to carry in Europe. It is a good idea to call your credit card company in advance to advise them of your travel dates and destinations. Otherwise they might assume it has been stolen when they see charges coming in from Europe and disable use of your card.
Many ATMs are tied to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, and Visa. You can use your bank card at ATMs to withdraw money from an account and get cash advances on a credit card account if your card has been programmed with a PIN. Check in advance on limits on withdrawals and cash advances within specified periods. Ask whether your bank card or credit card PIN will need to be reprogrammed for use overseas (commonly 4 digits). If you know your PIN as a word, learn the numerical equivalent since foreign keypads sometimes show only numbers, no letters.
Cash in the form of the local currency is, of course, the most efficient method of payment everywhere we go on the Puppentour™.
England: Britain's decimal monetary system is based on the pound (£), which is made up of 100 pence (p). There are £1 and £2 coins, as well as coins of 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50. Britain, though a member of the European Union, has not adopted the Euro.
France and Germany use the currency of the European Union – the Euro (€) – a decimal-based monetary system. One € is made up of 100 cents. There are eight coins denominated in 2€ and 1€, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are seven € notes. In different colors and sizes, they are denominated 500€, 200€, 100€, 50€, 20€, 10€ and 5€. € notes and coins can be used in any participating European Union country.
Opening & Closing Times
England: Banks are generally open Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm. Some branches stay open until 5:30pm, and a few are open Saturday morning. Most banks will have an ATM outside the bank where you can draw money with a debit or credit card. Many of these are available 24 hours a day, but some still close for a few hours during the night. Pubs and restaurants are not restricted as to opening and closing times. Retail shops are generally open 9am to 5:30pm, Monday through Saturday, and some shopping centers stay open until 9pm or later. Sunday shopping has become popular in recent years and most large shops in towns are open for business. Shops are allowed to trade for only 6 hours on Sunday, and are generally open 10am to 4pm, or 11am to 5pm. Large supermarkets are open 24 hours except on Sundays. Many supermarkets and superstores are otherwise open from 8am until 10pm from Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 4pm (or 11am to 5pm) on Sundays.
France: Generally, banks are open weekdays from 9:30 to 4:30, and some are open on Saturday. Most take a one-hour, or even a 90-minute, lunch break, except for those in Paris. Museums are usually open from 9:30 to 5:00 or 6:00. Most are closed one day a week, generally Monday or Tuesday, and on national holidays. Large stores in big towns are open from 9:00 or 9:30 until 7:00 or 8:00. Smaller shops often open earlier and close later, but take a lengthy lunch break. Many museums and shops close two hours every day for lunch (noon-2:00). Paris stores are beginning to say open on Sunday, although it's still uncommon.
Germany: Banks are generally open weekdays from 8:30 or 9 until 3 or 4 (5 or 6 on Thursday), sometimes with a lunch break of about an hour at smaller branches. Banks at airports and main train stations open as early as 6:30 AM and close as late as 10:30 PM. Most museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10-5. Some close for an hour or more at lunch. Many stay open until 8 or 9 on Wednesday or Thursday. Department stores and larger stores are generally open from 9 or 9:15 to 8 weekdays and until 4 on Saturday. Smaller shops and some department stores in smaller towns close at 6 or 6:30 on weekdays and as early as 1 on Saturday.
Passports & Visas
US citizens need only a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for stays of up to 90 days. Whether you're applying in person or by mail, you can download passport applications from the US Department of State website. For general information, call the National Passport Agency (202-647-0518). To find your regional passport office, either check the US Department of State website or call the National Passport Information Center (900-225-5674) – the fee is 55¢ per minute for automated information and $1.50 per minute for operator-assisted calls.
If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate, and to the local police. If you can provide the consular officer with the information contained in the passport, he or she will usually be able to issue you a new passport promptly. For this reason, keep a photocopy of the data page of your passport separate from your money and traveler's checks. Also leave a photocopy with a relative or friend at home.
Phone Calls
Phone rates on the continent have gotten so cheap that the best and most convenient way to call home is to dial directly from your hotel room. Dial the necessary number to get an outside line. Then dial 001 (the country code for the United States and Canada), the area code, and the number.
Caller Beware!: Some UK hotels routinely add outrageous surcharges onto phone calls made from your room – inquire before you call! It may be a lot cheaper to use your own calling-card number or to find a pay phone.
Safety
Use common sense, especially after dark and particularly in large cities. Don't go out alone. Walk on well-lighted, busy streets. Look alert and aware – a purposeful pace helps deter trouble wherever you go. Store valuables in a hotel safe or, better yet, leave them at home! Keep a sharp eye (and hand) on handbags and backpacks; do not hang them from a chair in restaurants. Carry wallets in inside or front pockets rather than hip pockets. Use ATMs in daylight, preferably in an indoor location with security guards.
Shipping & Mailing
We recommend that you pack and carry with you your most precious and fragile acquisitions to avoid breakage and theft. For everything else, you can buy or scrounge a shipping box. Take along a good roll of shipping tape. Newspapers are readily available for packing material.
England: Post offices and sub-post offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9:30am to noon. Sending an airmail letter to North America costs 45p for 10 grams, and postcards require a 40p stamp. British mailboxes are painted red and carry a royal coat of arms. All post offices accept parcels for mailing, provided they are properly and securely wrapped.
France: Most post offices in Paris are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 8am to noon. Airmail letters to the United States and Canada cost 65 cents. You can also exchange money at post offices. Many hotels sell stamps, as do local post offices and cafes displaying a red TABAC sign outside. You can mail small packages home using a Jiffy bag or box – Warning: French do-it-yourself boxes can't be reopened once closed!
Germany: It costs 1.50€ for the first 5 grams to send an airmail letter to the United States
or Canada, and 1€ for postcards. To mail a package home, purchase a PACKSET – they come in small, medium, and large sizes, and include a box, tape, label, and declaration form.
Shopping, Best Buys
England: Antiques, books, maps, engravings, cashmere and woolens, bone china, glass, silver, vintage and secondhand jewelry
France: Beauty products, crafts, fashion, food, kitchenware, perfume, porcelain, wine and champagne
Germany: Porcelain, toys, handcrafts, timepieces, cutlery, optical products
Tipping
It is customary to tip the tour bus driver the equivalent of $2.50 US per person per day at the end of the tour.
England: For cab drivers, add about 10% to 15% to the fare on the meter. However, if the driver loads or unloads your luggage, add something extra. In hotels, porters receive 75p per bag, even if you have only one small suitcase. Hall porters are tipped only for special services. Maids receive £1 per day. In top-ranking hotels, the concierge will often submit a separate bill showing charges for newspapers and other items; if he or she has been particularly helpful, tip extra. In both restaurants and nightclubs, a 15% service charge is added to the bill, which is distributed among all the help. To that, add another 3% to 5%, depending on the service. Waiters in deluxe restaurants and nightclubs are accustomed to the extra 5%. Sommeliers (wine stewards) get about £1 per bottle of wine served. Tipping in pubs isn't common, but in wine bars, the server usually gets about 75p per round of drinks.
France: The law requires all bills to say service compris, which means the tip has been included. But French diners often leave some small change as an additional tip, especially if service has been exceptional. Some general guidelines: For hotel staff, tip 1€ for every item of baggage the porter carries on arrival and departure, and 1.50€ per day for the maid. In cafes, service is usually included. Tip taxi drivers 10% to 15% of the amount on the meter. In theaters and restaurants, give cloakroom attendants at least 75 cents to 1€ per item. Give restroom attendants about 30 cents in nightclubs and such places. For guides for group visits to museums and monuments, 75 cents to 1.50€ is a reasonable tip.
Germany: If a restaurant bill says Bedienung, that means a service charge has already been added, so just round up to the nearest €. If not, add 10% to 15%. Round up to the nearest € for taxis. Bellhops get 1€ per bag, as does the doorperson at your hotel, restaurant, or nightclub. Room-cleaning staffs get small tips in Germany, as do concierges who perform some special favor.
Toilets
England: Toilets are marked by PUBLIC TOILETS signs in streets, parks, and Tube stations. Many are automatically sterilized after each use. The English often call toilets "loos." You'll also find well-maintained lavatories that can be used by anybody in all larger public buildings, such as museums and art galleries, large department stores, and railway stations. It's not really acceptable to use the lavatories in hotels, restaurants, and pubs if you're not a customer, but we can't say that we always stick to this rule. Public lavatories are usually free, but you may need a small coin to get into the toilet or to use a proper washroom.
France: If you're in dire need, duck into a café or brasserie to use the toilet. It is customary to make some small purchase if you do so. Paris Métro stations and underground garages usually contain public toilets, but the degree of cleanliness varies. Be forewarned that France still has some "hole-in-the-ground" toilets.
Germany: Ask for the "toilette" (pronounced twa-LEH-teh). Women's toilets are usually marked with an "F" for Frauen, and men's toilets with an "H" for Herren. Toilets often have attendants who expect a small tip, usually 30 cents. If you need soap and a towel, give something extra.
Travel Guidebooks
Travel guidebooks are always useful and can only enhance your Puppentour™ experience. We encourage you to purchase one or two. We like Frommer's and Fodor's guides the best. The Eyewitness Travel Guides are fabulous, in-depth guides for the major cities. You can order guidebooks at discount prices from our web site at www.puppentour.com/guidebooks.html.
Water
England: London's water is safe to drink. Tap water is free in restaurants, so be sure to ask for it if you don't want to pay for bottled water.
France: Drinking water is generally safe, though it has been known to cause diarrhea. If you ask for water in a restaurant, it will be served bottled – for which you'll pay – unless you specifically request tap water, or l'eau du robinet. Some restaurants will not serve tap water.
Germany: Drinking water is generally safe. If you ask for water in a restaurant, it will be served bottled – for which you'll pay – unless you specifically request tap water, or Leitungswasser. Some restaurants will not serve tap water. If you want ice, you'll have to ask for it.
Packing Tips
Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions
In order to prevent injury to baggage handlers, manage limited cargo space, and expedite porterage, each passenger is allowed only two pieces of luggage. One piece may not exceed 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and a maximum packed weight of 50 pounds; and the other piece may not exceed 50 inches (length plus width plus height) and a maximum packed weight of 40 pounds. You may pack a third, empty bag inside one of your two allowed pieces of luggage in which to pack your souvenirs for the return trip home. However, you may not stow it in the cargo hold of our tour bus (it may be stowed under your seat), and you must carry it yourself into and out of our hotels. Puppentour™ assumes no responsibility for any excess luggage/weight charges assessed by the airline. The airline considers a briefcase or back-pack a carry-on. All carry-on bags must be properly stowed. The carry-on baggage allowance may be restricted due to lack of space.
Choose the Right Luggage
Good quality, soft-sided luggage is lightweight, durable, washable, and absorbs shock better than hard-sided luggage. It is also a little more forgiving if you over-pack it! Look for durable, waterproof nylon with a high-density weave, strong double zippers, comfortable handles and shoulder straps, and wheels. It's good to have removable shoulder straps so checked bags don't get caught in luggage carousels.
What to Bring
Take it from a seasoned, European traveler – the most important rule of packing is TRAVEL LIGHT! People tend to pack far more than they need or even use. If you have to think twice about it, don't bring it. I take a carry-on bag containing my prescription medications, all my essential, can't-live-without-it items, and at least one complete change of clothes. In the event my checked bag is delayed or lost, I have what I really need. The rest, including a collapsible bag in which to carry home the souvenirs I purchase along the way, goes into my checked bag. I leave the US with a carry-on and a checked bag (2); and return with a carry-on and two checked bags (3).
Clothing
Pack separates that coordinate with other items in your wardrobe. Choose two or three colors that work well together, and take only clothes in those colors so everything will work well together. Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics – cotton/polyester blends, knits, jersey, lightweight wools, gaberdine and washable silks, are all good choices. If you're not sure about a fabric, crush a handful for a minute and then let go of it. If it's full of tiny wrinkles, leave it at home. Choose durable clothes that can be hand-washed. Plan to dress in layers if the weather is cool rather than bringing bulky clothes. Look for versatile items that can serve more than one purpose. Bring one nice outfit for evening wear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Make sure you've broken in your walking shoes before you leave home.
Electrical Appliances
Buy travel-sized, dual-voltage models and then get the appropriate adapters for England, France and Germany. Don't mess with voltage converters – even if you get it right, chances are you'll cause a power outage in the hotel (which I have done!) If you can find battery-powered appliances, make sure they run on AA batteries, which are readily available. Dual-voltage, travel irons/steamers are a good investment for getting wrinkles out of your clothes.
Toiletries
Use sample-sized toiletries whenever possible, or put your toiletries into small leak-proof containers. You should leave some room in them, then squeeze the air out before you put the lid on. This will keep the contents from leaking out in flight. Pack these in a waterproof bag.
Miscellaneous
If you need a washcloth to feel clean, bring your own – they are not standard issue in many European hotels. A few plastic, zip-lock bags will always come in handy. Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses (and lens solution – it's expensive in Europe) in your carry-on luggage. If you have a health problem that requires a prescription drug, pack enough to last the duration of the trip. Always carry prescription drugs in their original packaging to avoid problems with customs officials. In case your bags go astray, don't pack prescriptions in luggage that you plan to check.
Packing
When packing your clothes, you don't want to neatly fold them individually as you would in a dresser. If you do, they will crease when compressed. Rolling works well with pants, skirts, and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up. Take two or more garments – slacks, for example – and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
Securing your Luggage
Since "911", the newly-formed TSA has the authority to inspect the contents of your luggage and will break locks open, so don't bother with locks. Using a luggage strap provides a degree of secuirty, is easily opened and replaced by TSA personnel, and assists you in identifying your luggage at baggage pickup. Luggage is not insured unless you have purchased tour insurance. Puppentour™ assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen personal effects.
Luggage Tags
Put your name, home address and phone number inside your luggage. Prior to departure, you will be supplied with two, special Puppentour™ luggage tags per person to facilitate porterage. These must be attached to the outside of your luggage.
Packing List (suggested)
GENERAL:
__Adapters, electrical
__Address Book
__Air Tickets
__Alarm clock
__Aspirin, Advil or
Tylenol
__Cameras, batteries,
film, videotape
__Cash
__Credit card
__Documents, copies
__Fabreze, spray
clothes freshener
__First Aid Kit, just
the basics
__Flashlight, pocket
__Hair Dryer, dual-
voltage
__Itinerary
__Laundry soap for
hand washing
underwear, etc.
__Packing tape, roll
__Phrase books
__Plastic bags
__Sewing Kit
__Sunscreen
__Travel Guidebooks
__Traveler's Checks
__Vitamins
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HIM:
__Eyeglasses, extra
pair
__Money Belt
__Hat
__Jacket, warm
__Pajamas
__Passport
__Prescription
medications
__Shaver, dual-
voltage
__Shirts, 2
__Shoes, walking
__Socks, 2 pairs
__Sunglasses
__Sweater
__Toiletries
__Toothbrush
__Trousers, 2 pairs
__Umbrella
__Undershirts, 2
__Undershorts, 2-3
pairs
__Washcloth
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HER:
__Bras, 2
__Eyeglasses, extra
pair
__Money Belt
__Jacket, warm
__Nightgown
__Panties, 2-3 pairs
__Passport
__Prescription
medications
__Shirts or Blouses, 2
__Skirt & Slip
__Shoes, walking
__Slacks, 2 pairs
__Socks/Stockings,
2 pairs
__Sunglasses
__Sweater
__Toiletries
__Toothbrush
__Umbrella
__Washcloth
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US Customs & Duties
As an international traveler, you should be aware of the rules for bringing items back from your trip. For the latest US Customs information, visit the US Department of Homeland Security's Know Before You Go Online Brochure.
 Towards the end of your flight home, flight attendants will provide you with a Customs declaration form. It is helpful if you keep the receipts for your purchases in an easily accessible place for the purpose of filling out your declaration form and to provide proof of your declared values in the event they are questioned by US Customs officials.
Provided you haven't already used the exemption, or any part of it, in the past 30 days, you may bring home $800 worth of goods duty-free. So can each member of your family, regardless of age; and your exemptions may be pooled, so one of you can bring in more if another brings in less. Dolls and toys may be brought home duty-free. So can bona fide antiques 100 years old or older.
Gifts valued at less than $50 may be mailed to the United States duty-free, with a limit of one package per day per addressee, and do not count as part of your exemption; mark the package "Unsolicited Gift" and write the nature of the gift and its retail value on the outside. Larger stores will handle the mailing for you
By the way, don't forget to convert foreign currencies into US dollars when you make your declaration!
Value-Added Tax (VAT)
The prices on consumer goods in England, France, and Germany include a VAT – Value-Added Tax. The amount on the price tag is exactly what you pay – the VAT is already included. VAT rates vary from country to country. The current rates are 17.5% in England, 16.38% in France, and 16% in Germany.
As a foreign visitor to these countries, you are, under certain conditions, entitled to a refund of the VAT on the purchases you take back to the US (export), but the procedure is complex – arrangements must be made at the time of purchase and there are forms to be filled out.
 Retailers subscribing to the Global Refund Service have vastly simplified the refund process. When you make your purchases in shops that display the Tax Free Shopping sticker in the window, simply ask for your Tax Free Check. Then, when leaving the country, show your purchases, receipts, and passport to customs officials and have your Tax Free Check stamped. You may immediately collect a cash refund at one of the Tax Free Cash Refund Offices in the airport, or mail your Tax Free Check to a Tax Free Refund Office after your return home – your chosen credit card or bank account will then be credited.
For the most current information on VAT rates and refund procedures, visit the Global Refund website.
US Passport Information
Stays of up to 90 days in England, France, and Germany require only a valid US passport. For the latest information concerning US passport applications and renewals, visit the US Department of State website.
Best Time to Apply
Passport application processing time varies with passport agencies workloads. It is best to apply in the fall when workload volume is at its lowest. Processing time normally is about two weeks, but you should apply at least 6-8 weeks prior to any scheduled international travel. The spring and summer months are the busiest, so the application process may take longer during these months.
Keep Your Passport in a Safe Place!
When traveling abroad, carry your passport with you at all times in a safe place. It is a good idea to take a photo copy of your passport with you and keep it in a separate safe place along with copies of your credit cards, traveler's checks, and plane tickets. If your passport is lost or stolen, US embassies will usually accept this as proof that you're a US citizen and can quickly issue you a temporary passport. It's also a good idea to leave a copy of your passport with someone at home in case of emergency.
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