Live Your Best Lives
Back in school, my friends and I would often chat about travel, moving from our immediate surroundings to China, from China to Asia, and then from Asia to Europe. Gradually, I discovered that everyone had a remarkably consistent impression of Europe: To university students, Europe was romantic, a developed country with high prices. Compared to life in China, Europeans lived a slower pace, and their relaxed nature was perfectly reflected. Consequently, for university students who had never been there, Europe naturally took on a unique, beautiful quality.
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The boundaries of the whole of Europe are difficult to define, so before we start the guide, we will make a division of Western Europe to give everyone a general understanding.
Western Europe can be divided into narrow and broad definitions. The narrow definition refers to the region bordering the Atlantic Ocean in western Europe and the nearby islands, including the seven countries of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Monaco. The broad definition also includes developed capitalist countries in Europe, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Malta, Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, and the Vatican. The broad definition of Western Europe can be further divided into four parts: Northern Europe, Western Europe, Central Europe, and Southern Europe.
Next, I will describe this entire guide based on the broad concept of Western Europe.
I believe that not only college students but also many people who haven't been to Europe have a certain yearning for it, especially for popular Western European countries like France, the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. For example, my first impression of Paris was the romantic Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, while Rome was known for its Audrey Hepburn-inspired holidays and ancient ruins.
But is Western Europe really as beautiful and sophisticated as you imagine? Of course not! As the saying goes, "You see what others want you to see." If you're planning your first trip to Western Europe soon or someday, and you don't want to be disappointed on your first visit, then this pre-trip guide is a must-read; it's sure to help!
This article is full of useful information, promise me not to skip it!
Popular tourist destinations in Western Europe are generally developed countries, with high per capita GDPs and high prices. These are indeed true. However, Western European countries are relatively small in size, resulting in small populations. People there are accustomed to a slower pace of life, which makes them less diligent. As a result, even though these countries are developed, their economies have not seen significant growth and are even in decline. This is a common problem in Western European countries.
Europeans think differently from us, and this difference in thinking leads to many different systems and customs. China is known internationally as an "infrastructure madman," and our infrastructure is improving year by year. When you travel in China and book a pricier hotel, the experience is generally not bad. But Western Europe is different. Its infrastructure is truly mediocre!
Therefore, the first thing to do before traveling to Western Europe is to lower your hotel expectations. Don't expect to pay the same price for a decent four-star hotel in China and book a hotel in Western Europe that's just as comfortable as yours! Of course, this doesn't apply to remote destinations. If you want to stay close to the city center and still get a good hotel, there's only one way: use your money!
Most hotel rooms are relatively small, with small beds. Ordinary rooms are around 20 square meters, and the TVs are relatively old. The air conditioner will only start when the windows are closed, and the control panel at the head of the bed is also relatively old, etc. These are the epitome of most hotels in Western Europe. If you book a hotel according to the budget of a normal European tourist, then you will probably book a hotel like this; if there is no upper limit on the budget, that’s another story.
I don't know if you've noticed, but the picture above is actually of a twin room! Western Europe has many twin-bedded rooms where the two beds are pushed together without a gap in between. This is also called a "German twin" in the local area, so it's very different from a standard room in China!
Hotels in Europe don’t provide as many things as hotels in China. Before you leave, you must prepare slippers, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and shower gel. European hotels basically don’t provide these. The room only provides toilet paper rolls, so you need to bring your own toilet paper. Some hotels have kettles, hair dryers, and hangers, but some don’t. If your suitcase is big enough, it is recommended to bring your own. Conversion plugs are something we must bring ourselves!!!
Speaking of security in Western Europe, it's truly hilarious. Things that seem unacceptable back home are now commonplace in Western Europe. So, encountering thieves and pickpockets seems inevitable when traveling in Europe. In crowded places like tourist attractions and train stations, one must be especially vigilant. Scammers here are so skilled in their deception that many people only realize their belongings are missing afterward. And in crowded places, there's no need for deception; they can simply use their "tricks" to steal items.
The top three Western European countries with the worst public safety are: Italy, France, and Spain. You'll notice they're all popular destinations, but of course, they're easier to target with tourists.
station
At major train stations in Italy and France, such as Rome Central Station, Milan Central Station, and Paris Nord Station, many thieves are eagerly looking for their prey.
car
Thieves in subway cars and other carriages will use various methods to attract their target, that is, your attention. For example, someone may drop something, almost fall, or pretend to ask you, etc. Then their helpers will take advantage of the moment when your attention is attracted to steal your bag, and rush out when the car arrives at the station and the door opens. Most people cannot react in time, and by the time they react, the door has already closed. At this point, they are really powerless and cannot chase them.
tourist attractions
1. Italy: Popular attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon
2. France: famous attractions such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and open-air restaurants or cafes
3. Spain: Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona, Puerta del Sol in Madrid, etc.
1. Thieves who love to act: Thieves will attract your attention by creating various situations, such as couples pretending to quarrel, pretending to come to you for directions, and blocking your sight with a map. Usually in this situation, thieves will have accomplices to cooperate.
2. Timing: Thieves will create chaos at the subway car entrances, taking advantage of your inattention and stealing items just as the doors are about to close. Even if you react, you won't be able to catch them. However, timing is a skill, and once they succeed, it's impossible to recover.
3. Direct robbery: A simple and crude way of stealing. Some thieves will think of taking action if they see a camera or a cross-body bag hanging around your neck and think it is easy to snatch.
4. Bumping and stealing: Sometimes, thieves will deliberately bump into you or push you and steal your belongings when you are distracted.
5. "Kind people" at the train station: When you are at the train station, if you find someone approaching you and being very enthusiastic towards you, wanting to help you buy tickets or carry your luggage, you should ignore them, because they will definitely ask you for a tip, and will pester you if you don't give them a tip.
6. Lucky rope scam: At some tourist attractions, such as Milan Cathedral or the Sacre-Coeur in Paris, someone will force you to wear a lucky rope and then ask you to pay.
7. Other methods: The theft methods used by Western European thieves are certainly not limited to the ones mentioned above. Other methods such as pretending to beg, forcing people to sell flowers, etc. may also appear.
After reading this, are you starting to feel a little scared about the public security in Western Europe? But don’t panic, there are always more solutions than problems. I have compiled many ways to prevent theft for you!
As we all know, thieves observe their prey long before they strike. Those who dress conspicuously, place their bags in easy-to-grab areas, are alone, or are looking at their phones are all considered "prey" by thieves. Therefore, we should always be aware of strangers observing or approaching us. Maintaining a low profile and maintaining vigilance are the two best ways to avoid being targeted by thieves. The following methods are very effective!
1. Don't show off your wealth: When you're out and about, dress simply and avoid carrying designer bags or wearing conspicuous jewelry. If you've just bought a designer item, it's best to store it in an ordinary paper or cloth bag to avoid displaying it.
2. Be highly alert: Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to your surroundings, and stay away from suspicious people.
3. Travel in companions: It is best to have friends walking with you. While one person is checking the map, the other person is always paying attention to the surrounding situation. This is called "keeping watch".
4. Keep strangers away: Avoid any suspicious strangers and ignore beggars, as kind people can be easily exploited. Don't smile constantly while walking down the street; switching to a cold, expressionless face at any time tells thieves, "Don't mess with me."
5. Hidden storage: Passports, bank cards, cash and other important items should be kept close to the body, preferably in the inside pocket of clothes or a close-fitting bag.
6. Reduce the amount of cash you carry: Try to carry only less than 20 euros in cash in your bag. If you need to carry a large amount of cash on that day, put it in your waist pocket. The less cash you carry, the better.
7. Carry your bag forward: When taking public transportation, try to put your mobile phone and camera in your bag, zip it up, and carry the bag forward to give thieves no chance.
8. Public transportation tips: When taking the subway or bus, try not to be the last one to enter the car, do not stand in front of the door, and try to walk inside the car. Everyone is familiar with the theft methods at the car door.
In summary, when sightseeing, dress modestly, don't look like a wealthy person. Avoid taking valuables outside the hotel if possible, and minimize cash. If you do carry cash, refer to the above guidelines. To put it bluntly, if we don't have anything worth stealing, we won't be afraid of it! So, as long as you know how to protect your property, security won't be a hindrance to your travels in Western Europe!
In this part, let's talk about what you need to prepare in advance before going to Western Europe.
Before traveling abroad, how to exchange currency, where to exchange currency, where to exchange currency at the best price, what kind of bank cards can be used abroad, etc. are all issues that everyone is very concerned about. Today we will answer them one by one.
In Western European countries, the euro is the common currency of most countries. Of course, there are exceptions, such as the UK uses the pound sterling and Switzerland mainly uses the Swiss franc, but the logic of currency exchange is the same.
Domestic currency exchange:
I guess everyone likes to prepare foreign currency in advance before going out to travel, so that you can be at ease and don’t have to worry about exchanging currency when you go abroad. So, when exchanging currency in China, you need to know:
Many banks in China don't offer currency exchange anywhere, requiring advance reservations. Not all countries are supported (though Euros can be exchanged with advance reservations), and some require in-person exchange. To make a bank exchange reservation, the first step is to make an online reservation: download the bank's app, find the foreign currency service, make a foreign currency cash reservation, select the country and amount to be exchanged, or call directly to make an appointment. The second step is to exchange cash at the designated branch. Bring your ID and bank card and proceed with the normal procedures.
2. It is more convenient to exchange money at a money exchange shop at the airport, but the exchange rate is poor. It can only be used for emergencies and cannot be used for large-scale exchanges, otherwise it will be a big loss.
Foreign currency exchange:
There are many ways to exchange currency abroad.
1. Use your domestic UnionPay or Visa card to withdraw local currency directly from ATMs that support UnionPay or Visa. Although there will be a small fee, this is the easiest way.
2. If you have US dollars, it is best to bring some with you, because US dollars are accepted all over the world and can be used in emergencies.
3. It is best to exchange cash in the capital or big cities because the exchange rate there will be better. The exchange rate may vary in different cities in the same country.
4. If you see a local Chinese restaurant, you can also use WeChat or Alipay to exchange cash. This depends on your own social interaction.
Use of VISA Card
The use of VISA cards in Europe is now undergoing an upgrade. Magnetic stripe VISA cards are gradually withdrawing from the market, and chip-equipped VISA cards are becoming mainstream. Just look at the picture, it's simple and straightforward!
The magnetic stripe VISA card above is not usable!!
Everyone uses this chip VISA card!!
Tipping habits
Europe is a tipping country. At the end of the trip, you need to pay a certain amount of tip to the local guides and service staff. This is something everyone should be aware of.
To make a long-distance call to China from Western Europe: international phone number (00) + China's country code (86) + the number after the 0 in the area code (10) + the other party's phone number XXXXXXXX, for example: 00 86 10 XXXX; it is recommended that you activate the overseas roaming service of your own operator!
Another important point is how to best manage data plans in Western Europe. I recommend purchasing a foreign SIM card on platforms like Taobao and Fliggy, and then replacing it after leaving the country.
Although several domestic telecom operators allow you to purchase overseas data packages directly within their apps, you may not be able to use overseas apps in Western Europe, such as Google Maps and TripAdvisor. Therefore, to eliminate unnecessary risks, it's best to purchase an overseas SIM card in advance.
Power sockets in many Western European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, use the European round-pin plug. See the image below for details.
Swiss plugs differ from those used in other countries and also from the German standard. They come in two-pin and three-pin styles, and the two-pin plugs also come in built-in and sub-type styles. When purchasing in China, please ensure the Swiss standard is used, not the standard German or European standard. See the image below for details.
The common voltage in Western European countries is 220 volts AC, 50 hertz.
When traveling abroad, some practical apps can make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Use Google Maps for navigation; use TripAdvisor to find places to eat, drink and have fun, which is similar to Dianping in China; use Uber to take a taxi; and use Minimalist Exchange Rate to calculate exchange rates.
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Bonus! iPhone users actually have a quicker way to calculate exchange rates:
1. Pull down the iPhone desktop to pop up the search box
2. Enter the value + currency in the search box, for example: 100 USD
3. iPhone will pop up the search results directly!
After you've confirmed your group trip, I recommend taking a quick look at the itinerary. Western Europe boasts a vast array of attractions, and our group can't possibly visit every one. So, if you discover an art gallery, museum, or palace you're interested in isn't included, it's a good time to plan ahead and find out if there are any free activities planned. If so, that's a great opportunity! Booking tickets in advance can save you the frustration of missing out on free time on the day of your trip and finding out you can't buy them.
There are many ways to buy tickets. Here I recommend two reliable and foolproof methods:
1. Ctrip is the most well-known one. You can directly search for attractions and buy tickets. Here we take the Vatican Museum as an example.
(P.S.: Since the Vatican does not have diplomatic relations with China, our itinerary for France, Italy and Switzerland will not include a Vatican itinerary. You can purchase your own tickets!)
2. Purchase tickets on the official website of the attraction. If you are confident in your English level, you can of course go directly to the official website to purchase tickets. There will basically be a "ticket" logo on the homepage of the official website.
There are some small details of life in Western Europe that are very different from those in our country or even Asia. You may find them strange, and they may cause some trouble to our journey, but this is very normal in Western Europe.
I personally hate crowds, so when I'm out and about, I tend to eat during lunch breaks to avoid lines and get some peace and quiet. However, Western Europeans typically eat lunch between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m., and dinner after 8:00 p.m., so eating early can help your trip run more smoothly. And a crucial point: Compared to Chinese restaurants, Western European restaurant service is incredibly slow!
In Western European restaurants, two types of drinking water are commonly offered: sparkling water (frizzante or gassata) and still water (naturale). These aren't free; they require an additional fee. If you don't want to pay for water, you can ask your server for "tap water" (acqua del rubinetto), or tap water. Be careful! Not all restaurants offer this free water. However, Western European dining tradition requires ordering a drink in lieu of a tip. If you still don't want to pay for water, simply order an aperitif, which is as cheap as water.
Putting aside the water in restaurants, in Western Europe, especially in Italy, there are many direct drinking water devices on the streets, which we can drink directly!
The most basic thing to know when traveling to Europe is: don't plan shopping trips to malls or stores on Sundays! It's true! Western Europe traditionally treats Sundays as a simple "day of rest," even going so far as to legislate that large shopping malls, even supermarkets, are closed on Sundays and national holidays. I've heard that Italy doesn't seem to have the familiar 24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven. This huge cultural difference is something we really need to overcome when traveling to Western Europe. So, if you want to indulge in some shopping, be sure not to plan your shopping trips on Sundays!
Regarding the issue of paying for public restrooms, it seems that only public restrooms in China are free! However, if you travel abroad, you will find that public restrooms abroad all charge money, especially in Western Europe, which is a typical public restroom user-pays system.
This system is so ridiculous that even train stations require a fee to enter, with the price ranging from 0.5 to 1 euro. However, sometimes when you're in a hurry and don't have any coins, it can be really frustrating, so it's important to have some small change on hand.
When we go to a cafe, we can buy a cup of coffee and sit there to drink it and use their toilet for free!
Although the tone of this guide is based on Western Europe in a broad sense, the guidance on tax refunds can cover the whole of Europe, of course, it is limited to countries in the EU! !
We Chinese people are all about "since we're here," and if we're traveling to Europe, it would be a waste of time if we don't buy some designer bags, clothes, cosmetics, and medicine. After all, after the tax refund, the prices of these goods are almost 15% off what they would be in China and even in Asia! So if you meet the tax refund threshold for each country, don't forget to get your tax refund!
So what are the tax refund requirements in Europe? How do you get a tax refund? And how do you get a tax refund when traveling internationally? This European tax refund guide will help you understand the European tax refund process!
You can get a tax refund as long as you fully meet the following conditions, purchase at a tax-free store in an EU country (with the Tax Free logo) and meet the tax refund threshold of that country, leave the EU within three months of the purchase date, and send back the tax refund form within six months of the purchase date:
1. Not a national of the country where the product is purchased
2. Hold a valid non-EU passport
3. Foreign residents who have not stayed in Europe for more than 6 months
4. Not holding a student visa or work visa
5. 18 years old and above
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The 27 EU member states: Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia
While tax refund policies vary across EU countries, the basic rules are similar: you must be the same person, spending at the same store on the same day, and reaching the country's minimum tax refund amount to qualify. You'll need to register your tax refund with your valid passport. After your purchase, the store clerk will give you a tax refund form and receipt. Remember to accurately fill in your passport number, English name on your passport, home address (this is not required for electronic tax refund forms), and your preferred refund method, such as credit card, cash, or traveler's checks. Keep these documents in a safe place until you complete the tax refund procedure at the airport upon departure.
You can choose to get a refund in cash, by credit card, or even by Alipay. So what are the differences?
1. Cash refund: You can get the money immediately without worrying about the subsequent progress of not receiving the money. However, the handling fee is higher than that of a credit card, and the exchange rate depends on the airport. You will also have to queue up at the airport again. If you are planning to leave Europe when you get the tax refund, you will have an extra sum of euros in your hands.
2. Credit card refund: You can almost always get the full refund, though some airports may charge a handling fee. The refund process is quick, convenient, and time-saving. Once your refund form is stamped at the airport and mailed, it's complete. We recommend taking a photo of your refund form beforehand so you can verify your refund online later. If you submit insufficient documentation, your refund may be denied.
3. In-store tax refund: You can get your tax refund directly in the city. If you choose cash, you will have extra cash available at the time, but you will need to use a credit card as collateral and leave the EU within two weeks. Of course, you will also need to get a customs stamp at the airport, otherwise the refund will be deducted from your credit card later.
After correctly filling out the Tax Free Form as instructed, bring your passport, shopping receipt, Tax Free Form, and your refunded items to the Tax Free Customs office upon arrival at the airport to get it stamped (the "TAX FREE" or "Custom" sign will be displayed). They'll ask you to check your boarding pass or flight information on your phone to confirm your flight is leaving the EU. It's recommended to allow an hour and a half for this process, as lines can be long and customs may inspect your purchases. This must be done before checking in your luggage, and the refunded items must remain sealed.
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Electronic induction self-service tax refund machine
Many European airports have now introduced electronic self-service tax refund machines, eliminating the need for passengers to queue at traditional tax refund counters. For example, Spain has the DIV machine, while Paris has the Pablo machine. These machines, with their user interfaces in Chinese, are very convenient to use. Simply present your tax refund form, which features the electronic tax refund logo, to the machine and scan the barcode for customs stamping. However, these self-service machines currently only apply to refunds for purchases made within the same country. If you're shopping internationally, you'll still need to go to a manual counter to get your tax refund stamped.
The two largest tax refund companies in Europe are Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. Global Blue is more common because it handles the work of major brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Burberry. After getting your tax refund stamped by customs, you need to take your tax refund form to the tax refund company counter to complete the refund procedures. The specific tax refund counter you go to will be determined by the company name on your tax refund form. Here are three ways to apply for a tax refund:
1. Airport Tax Refund Company Counter: Take the stamped Tax Refund Form to the corresponding Tax Refund Company Counter to process the Tax Refund. The Tax Refund Company Counters are located in different locations at each airport. Some are before customs, while others are after customs. If you want a cash refund, you must go to the counter to process it.
2. Mail: Some airports do not have a tax refund company counter. If you choose to refund to your credit card, you do not necessarily have to find a counter. Look for the tax refund company's mailbox. Once you find it, just put the tax refund form sealed in the special tax refund envelope given by the clerk when you shop into the mailbox. The mailbox is usually next to the customs.
3. Special case: As mentioned above, if you have chosen on-site tax refund in a store, you may have already processed the tax refund at the tax refund counter of a large department store in a certain country and received the cash. But don’t forget to get the customs stamp at the airport!
The above are the rules for tax refunds. The rules are fixed, and we will definitely encounter various problems during the actual tax refund process. For example, the following:
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Europe, entering and exiting from different countries, and have accumulated tax refund thresholds in various countries along the way, you do not need to get a customs stamp in each country. You only need to apply for a tax refund in the last country before leaving Europe.
If Switzerland, a non-EU country, is your last stop, and you arrive in Switzerland by train instead of flying from your last EU country, getting a tax refund can be a real hassle. The best-case scenario is that you departed your last EU country by plane and can then process your tax refund at the airport. However, if you arrived in Switzerland by train, you'd have to get your luggage off the train and visit the following stations to get your customs stamp. If you miss these, the only option left is to have the EU External Office stamp your baggage upon your return. If you love shopping, we highly recommend against choosing Switzerland as the final stop on your European trip!
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Geneva Train Station: When passing through customs in Geneva, there are customs officers at the station who can provide a stamp
Basel Train Station: When leaving Basel, there are customs officers at the station who can provide a stamp
Chiasso Train Station: Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, it is a station on the Milan to Zurich line and offers tax refund services.
Domodossola Train Station: This station connects to Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva, and provides tax refund services.
Try not to miss the customs stamps at these stations if you can!
Taking Global Blue as an example, you can receive the tax refund in about 5 days from the time you submit the tax refund form to the tax refund counter to apply for a credit card refund.
We mentioned earlier that the two largest tax refund companies in Europe are Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. While we can't guarantee complete reliability, these two companies' counters are generally found at airports throughout the EU. This means that when shopping in Europe and meeting the tax refund requirements for a particular country at a particular store, when requesting a tax refund form with the store representative, choose one of these two companies. Global Blue is the most reliable choice!
But let's say you're applying for a tax refund at a certain store and can't choose one of these two major companies. Instead, you have to choose another one, most likely one you've never heard of. In that case, you'd have to ask the store representative if there's a counter for that company at a certain airport in that country. If so, it's fine to choose that company. Many other companies don't offer tax refunds in certain countries, and if they don't have a counter at the airport, your efforts would be in vain, and you wouldn't get a single cent refunded!
So everyone should be careful when choosing a tax refund company when shopping, otherwise you will really lose a lot.
Here’s a pre-trip guide to Europe full of useful information for everyone. I hope you will have a more enjoyable and fulfilling trip to Europe in the future!
Of course, after signing up for a China-TravelNote outbound tour, you'll also receive a pre-departure guide detailing your itinerary. Using this guide as a guide, I'd say 90% of your trip will be fine. In short, when it comes to Western Europe, you should always lower your expectations. The lower your expectations, the more fun you'll have. Pure experience!
I wish you all the best in your future travels, have fun, and return home safely! OK, that's all for now, adjourn!
