10 things you need to know before traveling to Europe

Exploring a new continent is always exciting, especially when it offers so many cultures, languages, and rich history in one “place”! With that in mind, I’ve put together some practical tips you need to know before traveling to Europe.

Things to know before traveling to Europe

The tips below are more general and apply to most European countries. Ideally, after choosing your destinations, you should research a bit more about each specific location.

1 – Not all countries use the euro as their official currency

It’s true that most of the countries in the European continent, especially those most visited by Brazilians, have adopted the euro as their official currency. However, some still use their original currencies, even while being part of the European Union. Here's a quick list to help you:

• England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland = British Pound (GBP)

• Hungary = Hungarian Forint (HUF)

• Croatia = Croatian Kuna (HRK)

• Czech Republic = Czech Koruna (CZK)

• Norway = Norwegian Krone (NOK)

• Poland = Polish Zloty (PLN)

• Switzerland = Swiss Franc (CHF)

• Turkey = Turkish Lira (TRL)

Observation: If you're traveling to several countries, it's a good idea to check in advance which currencies you can purchase before going to Europe. In case a currency is hard to find outside its official country, it’s better to buy euros and exchange them at your destination.

2 - Travel insurance is mandatory

Countries that are part of the Schengen Area require Brazilian citizens to have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Currently, 26 countries are part of the Schengen Area: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Switzerland.

3 - Your passport must have a minimum validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after your return to Brazil. So, if your passport expires on December 1st, 2022 and you're returning on November 15th, 2022, you’ll need to get a new one before traveling, even though it’s still valid, it won’t be accepted.

4 - Tap water is drinkable

Unlike most destinations in Brazil, in Europe, tap water is generally drinkable. When in doubt, ask a local if they recommend drinking tap water or if it’s better to buy bottled water from the supermarket.

5 - Brazilians can stay up to 90 days in Schengen Area countries

Before traveling to Europe or any destination, it’s essential to check which documents are required by the country you’re visiting. Do you need a visa? Is the application done in your home country or upon arrival? What’s the cost?

In the case of Europe, Brazilian citizens don’t need a visa in advance for tourism purposes when visiting countries that are part of the Schengen Area, as long as they respect the 90-day limit. You can stay up to 90 days traveling through the countries mentioned earlier (in point 2), and then you must spend 90 days outside the Schengen Area before re-entering.

The 90-day count is not continuous, meaning if you spend 10 days in Spain and then travel to England (which is not part of the Schengen Area) for 8 days, those 8 days won’t count toward your 90-day Schengen limit.

6 - Not everyone speaks English

Before heading to Europe, take some time to learn a bit about each country you’ll visit. Find out what the official language is and whether people tend to speak more than one language. Keep in mind: not all Europeans speak English, and even if they do, some may prefer to speak their local language.

 Tip: Try learning a few words in the local language! For example, if you’re going to Paris, learn to say “merci”, “bonjour”, and other basic phrases in French. It’s a great way to break the ice and show respect for the culture.

7 - Don’t try to conquer the entire continent in just 15 days

It’s tempting, I know… but resist the urge! Don’t cram 15 cities into a 15-day European itinerary. For big capitals like Paris or London, plan to stay at least 4 days. For smaller capitals like Brussels, 2 days might be enough. Evaluate each destination carefully and avoid hopping from city to city every day, it’s exhausting and you won’t truly get to know any place.

8 - Don’t travel with too much luggage

This one is pretty self-explanatory, right? The ideal is always to pack light, no matter where you’re going. If you’re heading to Europe in the winter, consider buying some cold-weather clothing there. Not only is it often cheaper, but also better suited for the local climate. Remember: in some places, winters are harsh and you’ll need special gear, especially if you plan to walk in the snow!

9 -Travel by train

It’s super easy, fast, and affordable to travel around Europe by train. So before your trip, research which routes can be done by train and enjoy the ride! It’s a great way to experience the continent in a different and exciting way.

10 - Don’t forget to validate your metro ticket

In major capitals like Paris and London, you’ll find turnstiles where you’re required to insert your ticket. However, not all stations have turnstiles or staff checking metro or bus passes. It’s very common to find only a validation machine on the boarding platform, where passengers must validate their tickets.

So, which of these tips to know before traveling to Europe did you find most important? Pay close attention and make sure to follow all the recommendations, especially numbers 2 and 3. If you have any questions, leave a comment below and don’t forget to check out the other blog posts, there’s lots of great content about Europe!

Kisses and see you soon!