First time in Europe: what to sort out before you go
Entry rules, money, plugs, getting around, and where to sleep. A checklist for travelers flying in from the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK.
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The short version
Before you book anything else, check five things: your entry rules, how you will pay, how you will get from the airport to your bed, where you will stay (and what city tax it adds), and whether your devices will charge. Each takes minutes to sort out and can be expensive to get wrong.
Do I need a visa to visit Europe?
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom can generally visit the Schengen area for tourism without a visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen area covers most EU countries plus a few non-EU ones, such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. Ireland and the UK are outside it and have their own entry rules. Other passports are treated differently, so check the official source for your nationality before you book.
Two systems are in the news. The Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints and a facial image the first time you cross an external Schengen border, and it replaces passport stamps. It has been fully operational at external borders since April 2026, though setup and queues still vary by airport. ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization with a planned fee of 20 euros, was expected in the last quarter of 2026. As of October 2026, sources disagree on the launch date, and the official portal says it is not yet in operation. Check the official EU travel site shortly before you fly.
What currency do I need?
Many Western European countries use the euro, but Europe is not one currency. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Ireland, and Croatia use the euro. Several popular destinations keep their own:
| Country | Currency |
|---|---|
| Poland | Zloty (PLN) |
| Czechia | Koruna (CZK) |
| Hungary | Forint (HUF) |
| Romania | Leu (RON) |
| Sweden | Krona (SEK) |
| Denmark | Krone (DKK) |
| Norway | Krone (NOK) |
| Switzerland | Franc (CHF) |
| United Kingdom | Pound (GBP) |
When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose the local currency instead. The rate offered at the machine is usually worse than your bank's.
Cards work in most cities, but carry a small amount of cash for markets, small cafes, public toilets, and rural areas. You usually do not need to buy euros before you leave. Check your card's foreign transaction fees and your bank's ATM fees, then withdraw at your destination.
Will my plugs and chargers work?
Most of continental Europe uses 230 volt power and round-pin plugs (types C and F). The UK uses its own three-pin type G, Switzerland uses type J, and Italy and Denmark use additional types. Most phone and laptop chargers accept 100 to 240 volts, so you usually need only a plug adapter. Read the label on each device. Hair dryers and some travel appliances often cannot handle 230 volts, so leave them at home.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
Most major European airports have a train, metro, or express bus link to the center. It is usually the cheapest and most predictable option. Look up the route before you land and buy tickets from official machines or the operator's app. If you want a taxi, use the official rank or a ride you booked yourself, not offers made inside the terminal.
Where should I stay?
Pick the area first, then the property. Being a short walk from a metro or train station saves more time and money than a lower nightly rate far from everything. Before you book, check four things:
- Location. Distance to the station and to the sights you care about. Read recent reviews, not only the overall score.
- Cancellation terms. Whether cancellation is free, and until when.
- Total price. Taxes, cleaning fees, and other charges that appear at checkout.
- City tax. Many European cities charge a tourist tax per person, per night, often paid at the property rather than at booking. See what major cities charge.
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Do I need to tip?
Tipping in most of Europe is smaller and less automatic than in the United States. Service is often included in the price, and rounding up or leaving a small amount is common in restaurants. Norms differ by country, so see our country-by-country tipping guide.
Should I buy a rail pass or single train tickets?
It depends on how many long journeys you will take. For a few city-to-city trips booked in advance, single tickets are often cheaper. A pass can make sense if you will take many long trips on short notice. Some high-speed and long-distance trains need a seat reservation even if you hold a pass. Price your actual route both ways before you buy.
How do I avoid common tourist problems?
Pickpocketing is the most common problem in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or a zipped bag, stay alert at stations and on busy trams, and be wary of strangers who approach you with petitions, bracelets, or unrequested help at ticket machines. Keep copies of your passport and insurance details somewhere separate from the originals.
Do I need travel insurance?
Check what your health insurance covers outside your home country. Many home policies do not cover medical care or evacuation abroad. Travel insurance can also cover canceled trips and delayed baggage. Read the exclusions before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go to Europe as a US citizen?
For short tourist visits, US citizens generally do not need a visa for the Schengen area, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Rules can change, so check the official EU travel information for your passport before you book.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System is a digital border registration. The first time you cross an external Schengen border, officers record your passport details, fingerprints, and a facial image. It replaces passport stamps for covered travelers.
Is ETIAS required yet?
As of October 2026, ETIAS is not in operation, and the official portal says a start date will be announced months in advance. Check the official EU travel site shortly before you fly.
Should I buy euros before I leave home?
Usually not. A bank ATM at your destination is often cheaper than exchanging cash at home, and not every European country uses the euro. Check your card's foreign transaction and ATM fees first.
Official sources
Rules change. Last checked October 8, 2026.