The Euro (EUR) is the common currency for many European countries and one euro equals 100 cents. However, as such a diverse continent home to 50 countries, some destinations have their own currency including the Pound Sterling in the UK, the CHF Swiss Franc, NOK Norwegian Krone, SEK Swedish Krona, DKK Danish Krone, PLN Polish Zloty, CZK Czech Koruna and TRY Turkish Lira. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located throughout Europe, and credit or debit cards are accepted however not as widely as in other western nations such as the United States.
Most hotels in Europe offer internet access however there are also internet cafés located throughout the main tourist areas. When it comes to plugging in your devices, most destinations use the British BS1363 three-pin rectangular socket (230V/50Hz).
For international dialling use 0011 + country code + area code + local number. Check the country and area code where you are staying. When trying to contact home, particularly by phone remember the time difference. The Western European, Greenwich Mean and Irish time zone is UTC+00.00 while Central Europe operates on UTC+01.00 and Eastern Europe operates on UTC+02.00.
As the second-smallest of the world's seven continents, Europe's 50 countries enjoy excellent infrastructure and open borders that make travelling through them easy and affordable. Western and Central Europe are home to particularly good transport networks including high-speed rail travel that is fast, affordable and efficient with some cross-border services reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h and often a cheaper option than flying.
Bus travel is also good, particularly for shorter trips, allowing you to enjoy the countryside and comfortable conditions such as reclining seats and internet connections for quite low rates. Although driving is also possible, it will depend on where you want to visit as developed highway networks and road conditions vary greatly between Western and Central Europe where conditions are good and Eastern Europe where conditions are less favourable.
Visa and Immigration rules for entering Europe depend on where you plan to travel however most popular holiday destinations in Europe are members of the European Union, which means that visitors from Australia do not require a visa to enter provided that they will be staying for a maximum of three months and have a valid passport. For visitors who wish to stay longer or find employment during their stay, a visa is required in advance.
