Tips For Visiting Europe: What Do I Need To Know? – Part 3

Planning on visiting Europe soon? Here are some tips for visiting the major cities you’re most likely to travel to on a business trip:

Milan, Italy

• Don’t order a latte – that’s just a glass of milk. Order a cappuccino if you want more foam or caffé latte if you want less foam. You can also order a caffé macchiato; an espresso with a little milk, or a latte macchiato; which is hot milk with a little coffee.
• Avoid Salone del Mobile (Furniture Fair) and Milan Fashion Week. Prices for accommodation will be significantly increased, and it will be extremely busy.
• Milan is known to rain much more frequently than the rest of Italy, so bring a jacket or umbrella.
• As the home of fashion, some restaurants have strict dress codes.
• Tips aren’t expected in Milan.

In Italy, Latte just means milk!

Tips for Visiting Europe

When visiting Europe, or any other culture, it’s a good idea to check if there are any cultural differences or language mix-ups that could get you in trouble. For example, in Bulgaria moving your head from side to side means yes, while moving your head up and down means no.

Bruges, Belgium

• Bus tickets are valid for 1 hour, or you can get a day pass. This is the cheapest way to get around the city besides walking. You can also rent a bicycle quite easily. It’s unlikely you’ll need to rent a car unless you’ll be leaving Bruges.
• Many stores will be closed on Mondays, especially out of the tourist season.
• A common scam involves ‘police officers’ approaching you and asking for your documents. They sometimes also work with someone dressed as a tourist.
• Avoid the overpriced restaurants in the historic city centre. Be aware that many restaurants stop serving between 3-6pm.
• On Wednesday morning, there is a farmers market in Grote Markt Square, where you might be able to get some better deals on food.

Vienna, Austria

• When you order water in a restaurant (unless you specify) you’ll be given sparkling water.
• Don’t be late! Austrians are very punctual.
• Vienna has a subway (U-Bahn), trams (Straßenbahn), and buses (Autobus), so getting a taxi shouldn’t be needed.
• Don’t compare the Austrian people to Germans, they don’t like it.
• Don’t make noise after 10pm. Locals can be quick to call the police on anyone playing their music too loud after this time. Austrians tend to be rule followers, who don’t like it when someone isn’t following the rules.

Belgrade, Serbia

• You can buy public transport tickets at kiosks with a ‘BUS PLUS’ sticker – validate these on the machines as soon as you get onboard.
• Check any Taxi you plan on getting in says ‘Taxi’ on the roof with the association’s logo, has a displayed price list, and a driver ID card.
• Many places will take card, but cash is preferred. Currency is Serbian Dinars.
• Don’t drink the tap water!
• Smoking is still allowed inside establishments. If you’re asthmatic, you might want to ensure you always have your inhaler close to hand.

Athens, Greece

• Athens still has a strong cash culture. Some places will take card, but it’s best to have Euros on hand everywhere you go.
• Avoid going around the 15th of August, it’s a national holiday and many establishments will be closed as their owners have gone to the islands to celebrate.
• Don’t eat anywhere with a waiter standing outside trying to lure you in.
• Smoking is allowed inside in Greece, so if this bothers you, look for a restaurant with a garden or terrace. You can also check if the table next to you has an ashtray and ask to be seated elsewhere.
• Taxis are cheap, but make sure the metre is running as soon as you sit down. There is also a Metro.

Which European countries allow smoking inside restaurants & bars?

Paris, France

• Always book a table. Paris is that busy, and the French stay at their table for much longer than British people typically do. At the very least, check their opening times, don’t just assume they’ll be open at times a British restaurant would be.
• Keep your Metro ticket until you’ve exited the station at your destination, or you may be fined.
• Say hello (bonjour – daytime, bonsoir – nighttime) when you enter a store or restaurant, especially before saying anything else to the staff.
• If you plan to buy a baguette at a bakery, order a tradition (or a tradi for short) instead. Baguettes are often mass-produced, while the similar tradition is made by hand at the bakery.
• Looking more like a local will deter pickpockets. Dress comfortably (not sweatpants), in darker colours to look more like someone who lives in Paris. It’s also a good idea to wear your comfiest shoes.