TRAVEL TIPS AUSTRIA

Whether you are travelling in Austria or skiing here, these travel suggestions can make all the difference!

SAFETY FIRST

Dial 112 in an emergency.
International dialing code:  +43

British Embassy,
Jauresgasse 12
1030 Vienna
Tel: (+43) (1) 716130

For general advice when travelling abroad check the following safety tips.

• Cultural etiquette in Austria is very much appreciated and highly valued.  Visitors to this country are usually treated with patience and tolerance, but if you speak German, etiquette is expected.
• Your host will always introduce you when meeting people for the first time in business, however, you are expected to introduce yourself if alone.
• If you kiss a lady's hand, you must bow to the level in which she raises it.  Your lips must not touch her hand, this is generally a very formal introduction.
• Depending upon how formal the event is, assisting ladies with doors, helping with coats and chairs etc tends to move towards the formal.  There are some Austrian women that find this patronising.
• Punctuality is high on the etiquette agenda.
• Leave elbows off the table when dining but keep your hands on.

TIPPING

Rounding up the bill used to suffice,  but it is becoming more usual to tip 5 - 10 % of the final bill.  Taxi drivers and hairdressers are 10 - 15 %. Attendants, ushers, guides and bellboys 1€.

AUSTRIAN CLIMATE

Austria's moderate climate enjoys all four seasons in spectacular breathtaking form.  Beautifully warm and pleasant summers contrast with cooler evenings.  Autumn is an artist's dream across rural Austria. Winers here are bright and sunny with frequent snowfall; a skier's paradise.

COST OF LIVING IN AUSTRIA

The cost of living in Austria (as part of Europe) is in the middle range.  Since the Euro has strengthened it has become slightly more expensive for visitors from the UK.  Grocery shopping at supermarkets provides a cheaper alternative to eating out every evening.

1 ltr Fresh OJ - €1

150g Sliced ham - €1

4 Bottles of mineral water - €1

Large pizza - €2.50

Bratwurst sausages - €1.99

Butter - €0.89

1.5kg Potatoes - €1.79

1kg Onions - €1.39

Loaf of bread - €0.64

TRAVEL TIPS BELGIUM

SAFETY FIRST

In an emergency dial: 112

International dialing code: +32

British Embassy

Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat
1040 Brussels
Tel: (+32) (0) 2287 6211

Cultural etiquette in Belgium is very similar to The Netherlands and Germany but the following advice applies particuarly to Belgians.  Check my safety tips page for general travelling advice when abroad.

• If you bring flowers be sure to they are given in an odd number, but not 13.  Also older Belgians prefer flowers to be unwrapped.
• Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify a death.
• Before sipping your drink at a dinner party, wait for your host to give a toast.
• Never leave any food on your plate, it is considered wasteful and bad manners.
• If you praise your host's cooking abilities, they will see it as a sincere compliment and you will most probably be asked to dinner again.
• Always wait for a woman to be seated first if you are a man.
• Subtlety is preferred by Belgians over directness.  Its shows intelligence and tact.

Tipping is included in the final bill, but if the service was excellent, then a 5-10% gratuity will be appreciated.

BELGIAN CLIMATE

The Belgian climate is moderate, with mild winters and warm summers.  There are spells of rain throughout the year and it can be rather humid and cloudy.

COST OF LIVING IN BELGIUM

The Belgian economy is internationally focussed and is securely established in the EU.  There is a fixed minimum wage.  Belgium's education system is highly cultivated and the people here are multi-lingual. As a result of this the standard of living is high.  The following grocery list is taken from a Belgian Aldi Supermarket which you can find in many countries around Europe.

200g Grated cheese - €1.19
10 x 20cl Fresh orange juice - €1.55
6 Free range eggs - €1.09
200g Brie - €0.99
200g Olives - €1.69
Bottle of wine - €2.99
1kg Frozen fish - €3.99
1kg fresh mussels - €4.99

TRAVEL TIPS THE NETHERLANDS

SAFETY FIRST

Dial 112 for emergency services.

International dialing code +31

British Embassy
Lange Voorhout 10
2514 ED The Hague
Tel: +31 (0) 70 4270 427

Check my safety tips page for general travelling advice when abroad.  Whilst in the Netherlands please bear the following tips in mind.

• The Dutch culture is egalitarian, modern and individualistic.
• They are modest, independent, hard-working and value education.
• The Dutch are multi-lingual, the majority of Dutch people can speak 3 or more languages.
• Living the 'high life' is considered wasteful and frowned upon in the Netherlands.
• Finger-snapping at restaurants is considered extremely rude.
• If you are invited to the home of a Dutch person, please be on time and bring a small gift like chocolates or flowers.
• The Dutch are conservative and formal in nature, avoid brash and loud behaviour in public, for example, shouting to a friend across the street.
• It is deemed rude to talk to others with your hands in your pockets or to chew gum in public.
• When meeting someone, a firm handshake whilst using your host's title and surname are expected.
• Whilst political talk is a popular subject; religion, drugs and legalized prostitution are most certainly not!
• Never criticize the Dutch royal family.

TIPPING

In restaurants, a service charge is included in the final bill, but an extra 5 - 10% for excellent service will always be appreciated.  Taxi costs are very high in the Netherlands, so tipping is at your discretion.

DUTCH CLIMATE

Summertime in the Netherlands can enjoy long periods of sun then become quite clammy due to increases in atmospheric pressure often followed by thunderstorms, then the cycle repeats itself.  May to August offer the most sunshine.  Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year with the odd the storm presenting itself.  Temperatures in the winter drop to around the freezing mark.

COST OF LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS

Comparisons on the cost of living in the Netherlands varies, the following are essential for backpackers or travellers on a budget.

6 Free range eggs - €0.99
1.5 ltr Vanilla ice cream - €2.29
475g Pasta sauce - €0.99
4 Fresh beefburgers - €2.99
300g Rump steak - €4.99
250ml Fruit smoothie - €0.99
1kg Quick cook rice - €1.79
Medium chicken - €4.99
1kg Fresh cream Gateau - €3.49
450g Strawberry jam - €0.89
Cooked German sausage - €1.09
150g Streaky bacon - €1.09

TRAVEL TIPS GERMANY

SAFETY FIRST

For emergencies dial 110 (police) 112 (fire and ambulance)

International Dialing Code +49

British Consulate

Yorckstrasse 19

40476 Düsseldorf
(49) (211) 9448-0

Check my safety tips page for general travelling advice when abroad.  Whilst in Germany please bear the following tips in mind.

• Germans adhere great importance to punctuality.  If you are visiting friends or business colleagues, you will win their favour by reaching your destination on time!
• If you are visiting friends and want to put a smile on their faces, remove your shoes before you enter, bring a bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers.
• Always shake hands with every German you meet; and every time you meet them again. This is normal and good manners.
• Germans are very conscientious of their environment. Never throw litter on the streets.
• Before you start a meal say 'Guten Apetit', it will be much appreciated.
• Germans do not acknowledge whispering as rude.  They respect your privacy.
• Chewing gum whilst talking to someone (except for peers) is considered rude.
• German beer is strong!  Pace yourself! It is deemed unacceptable to be very drunk in public.

TIPPING

A service charge of 15 percent is included in the menu price at bars and restaurants throughout Germany. However, it is normal to round up the final amount by mentioning it to your waiter/waitress.  Dont leave the tip at the table.

GERMAN CLIMATE

The weather in Germany is seasonal with cold winters and warm summers.  The regional variations are minor between the outstretched northern plane and the mountainous southern areas. Rainfall occurs throughout the year and extended spells of snow are rare.

COST OF LIVING IN GERMANY

Grocery prices in Germany are very reasonable with the likes of Aldi and Lidl stores all over the country.

1 ltr Fresh orange juice - €0.89
Bottle of wine - €2.99
Canned tuna fillets - €1.15
15 Fish fingers - €1.59
300g German sausage - €2.09
1 ltr Vegetable oil - €1.19
500g Boil-in-the-bag rice - €0.59
250g butter €0.85
400g Beef rump steak - €6.29
Medium Chicken - €2.19
750g Breakfast cereal - €1.99

TRAVEL TIPS ITALY

SAFETY FIRST

Dial 113 for emergencies.

International dialing code +39

British Embassy

Via XX Settembre 80a

1-00187 Roma RM

Rome

Tel: (39) 0642 200 001

Check my safety tips page for general travelling advice when abroad.  Whilst in Italy please bear the following tips in mind.

• Italian stores rarely accept returns or exchanges, even if the item is flawed.
• Wheelchair access is almost nonexistent in buildings, restaurant bathrooms and public transport.
• It is considered rude to walk around town in skimpy outfits or beachwear, it may attract unwanted comments, propositions or even groping.
• Pick-pockets and bag snatchers are common in big cities.
• There is no minimum drinking age in Italy.
• Tailgating in Italy is normal. Italians like to drive fast and honk their horns very often. Be aware.
• Learn simple phrases in Italian before you go.

TIPPING

Service charges in Italy are normally included in the bill.  You are not compelled to tip, it is at your discretion.  Tipping a taxi driver is unusual, but if they help you with your luggage 1 or 2 Euros will make them smile.  Tipping hotel porters is appreciated, giving them €1 per case.

ITALIAN CLIMATE

The north is much cooler than the south due to high altitudes and distance from the equator. The mountains in the north see very cold winters bringing heavy snow and gusty winds. Summers in the north are mainly mild to warm. In contrast, the southern tip of Italy lies on the Mediterranean Sea (only a short distance from the equator), which sends the temperatures soaring, so if you want to delight in the summer sun, head to the South.

COST OF LIVING IN ITALY

The cost of living in Italy is very high due to its taxes. Italian taxes rank among the highest in the world.  Eating out can be very expensive, Rome being the most costly. Although I must say a small coffee is surprisingly reasonable at only €1. Shopping at hypermarkets also proves to be a much cheaper option. I found these prices at iPer La grande, Rozzano in Milan.  They have stores all over the country.

1kg Tomatoes - €1

250g Butter - €1

1.5 ltr Fanta €1

Red wine - €2

Deodorant - €2

Toothpaste - €1.50

75 cl Olive oil - €2

200g Cheese - €2

750g Nutella - €3.67