GENERAL INFORMATION
ON EUROPE
Currency
Euro has been implemented since 2002 and is legal tender in
Germany, Holland, Italy, Austria, France, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Portugal,
Ireland, Greece and Luxembourg. Please change the relevant currencies if you are
visiting Switzerland, England, Denmark and Sweden. It is recommended that you
change your currency in Singapore to get a better exchange rate. Major credits
cards are accepted in big department stores.
Visa Requirement
Tourist visa is not required for Singaporeans. If holding foreign
passport, please ensure you have the valid visas.
Time Difference
Austria,
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands & Switzerland are 6 hours
behind Singapore.
Great Britain
is 7 hours behind Singapore.
The time difference
is subject to daylight savings.
Electricity
In Europe, the electricity used is 220/ AC 50Hz. However, the electrical
sockets require a two-pin plug configuration which is different from that in
Asia. Before using any electrical appliances, check the voltage, if necessary,
obtain a transformer. It is advisable to bring along an adapter plug as
different hotels require different plug prongs.
Telephone services
There is GSM
network coverage in Europe, therefore mobile phones can work when roaming with
a dual band or tri band handset. IDD service is also available at all hotels
and post offices.
Climate:
Spring (Mar-May: 10-20°C) Long sleeve, gloves and warm coats
Summer (Jun-Aug:
23-33°C) Light clothing and
warm jackets (especially in Switzerland)
Autumn (Sep-Nov: 10-20°C) A mixture of light & warm clothes & a god warm coat
Winter (Dec-Feb: -5- -10°C) Woolen sweater,
socks, gloves and mufflers. A good warm jacket / coat.
Average Temperatures (Degree
Celsius)
|
City |
Winter (Dec – Feb) |
Spring (Mar – May) |
Summer (Jun – Aug) |
Autumn (Sep – Nov) |
|
Amsterdam |
01 – 05 |
08 – 16 |
18 – 21 |
18 – 08 |
|
Athens |
12 - 14 |
16 - 25 |
29 – 32 |
28 – 18 |
|
Barcelona |
13 – 14 |
16 – 22 |
25 – 28 |
26 – 17 |
|
Brussels |
05 – 06 |
10 – 19 |
21 – 23 |
20 – 08 |
|
Florence |
09 – 12 |
16 – 24 |
29 – 32 |
27 – 14 |
|
Frankfurt |
03 – 05 |
11 – 20 |
23 – 25 |
21 – 08 |
|
Innsbruck |
01 – 04 |
11 – 21 |
24 – 26 |
21 – 08 |
|
Lisbon |
13 – 14 |
16 – 21 |
24 – 27 |
24 – 17 |
|
London |
06 – 07 |
09 – 17 |
20 – 22 |
18 – 09 |
|
Lucerne |
00 – 03 |
07 – 16 |
20 – 22 |
17 – 06 |
|
Madrid |
08 – 11 |
14 – 22 |
27 – 31 |
25 – 12 |
|
Munich |
01 – 03 |
09 – 18 |
21 – 23 |
20 – 07 |
|
Nice |
13 – 14 |
15 – 21 |
24 – 27 |
17 – 06 |
|
Paris |
06 – 07 |
11 – 19 |
23 - 24 |
21 – 09 |
|
Rome |
12 – 13 |
17 – 23 |
28 – 31 |
28 – 17 |
|
Venice |
06 – 08 |
12 – 22 |
25 – 28 |
16 – 12 |
|
Vienna |
01 – 03 |
12 – 22 |
23 – 25 |
20 - 07 |
Water and hygiene
Generally,
hotels in Europe do not provide hot drinking water. It is advisable to drink
mineral water. For your convenience, it is recommended to bring one or two
bottles during your travel.
Travel insurance
Prior to departure, it is highly
recommended to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such
as medical expenses in case of injury or illness, loss of personal belongings,
flight delays etc.
Tipping
It is customary to tip the European Guide
and Driver in recognition and appreciation of their services.
A guideline
for tipping is as follows:
Local Guide/Assistant : Euros
2.00 – 3.00 per person per day
Driver : Euros 2.00 per person per day
Porter : Euro 1.00 per luggage per way
Restaurant : 1 – 12% of total bill
Taxi : 10 – 20% of meter fare