Rick Steves Home > 2009 Tours > Tour Planning Essentials

While on Tour

Telephones

To call Europe from the US: Dial 011 + destination country code + area code without the initial zero + local number.

Exceptions along our route: France, Switzerland and Italy do not use area codes, just local numbers. To call France or Switzerland from the US, drop the initial zero; to call Italy, keep the zero. (Examples: to call the Aberdeen Hotel in Rome from the US, you'd dial 011-39- 06-482-3920; to call the Castex Hotel in Paris, you'd dial 011-33-142-723-152.)

Country phone codes: Austria 43; Belgium 32; Britain 44; Canada 1; Czech Rep. 420; Denmark 45; Estonia 372; Finland 358; France 33; Germany 49; Gibraltar 350; Greece 30; Ireland 353; Italy 39; Morocco 212; Netherlands 31; Norway 47; Portugal 351; Spain 34; Sweden 46; Switzerland 41; Turkey 90; United States 1

To call the US from Europe: Dial 00 + 1 (US country code) + area code + local number.

Local calling cards: If you'll be calling home a lot, or calling within Europe, use local phone cards (purchased in each country at post offices, corner tobacco shops, or newsstands), and dial direct. This will save you money and hassles.

US calling cards: Another, much more expensive (but sometimes more convenient) option is to bring an international calling card from your long distance provider (Sprint, AT&T, etc). Be sure to ask for their best price option for calling from Europe to multiple US numbers. You can also buy their pre-paid long distance cards before you go. Either way, be sure to bring along and use their toll-free access numbers and double-check for any hotel connection charges before calling from your hotel room. It will often be much cheaper to call from a pay phone rather than from your hotel room.

Cell/Mobile Phones: If you require a cell phone while in Europe you may find some helpful tips on our web site at: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/mobilephones.htm

Weather

Most of Europe is sunny and warm in mid-summer (especially countries along the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey!) but cool temperatures and rain are always possible. Weather is a bit more unpredictable in the early spring and late fall but very manageable with smart packing. You can look up temperature averages online at www.weatherbase.com or www.weather.com.

Laundry

Europe has plenty of laundromats, but you don't always have plenty of time. Some hotels offer laundry service, though you may pay a bit more for the convenience. Your guide will give you tips on when and where you can do laundry and sometimes it is even possible to have it done for you.

Pickpocket Warning

In Europe, tourists are rarely mugged but pickpockets are common. Be careful on all public transportation and in crowds. Watch for distraction tactics such as dropped coins, "accidental" spills, overly friendly children, or locals asking you for directions! Thieves thrive on fresh-off-the-plane tourists. Keep your hands on your bags, sling your day bag across the front and wear that moneybelt!