First Time in Europe for 3 Weeks! OzBargain Checklist Review

Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 09:37
Last edited 25/10/2018 - 12:29

Hi all, my first time travelling to Europe. I did a previous search to find all the tips I could find. I will be Solo for the most part, visiting Amsterdam on the 23rd of November, and Departing on the 14th of December at the same location. I will go from Amsterdam to Hamburg, Berlin, Prague and Vienna before Returning to Schiphol from Rotterdam.

Monies:

  • Citbank Debit Card
  • 28 Degrees Credit Card
  • Bankwest Credit Card (on the way apparently)
  • Backup CBA Travel Money Card

Luggage:

  • WANDRD backpack + American Tourist Curio (Medium Sized, not the big boy) to stay light and carry mainly clothes

Sims:

  • 3 Pay as you go Sim preloaded with 12GB to load up at Amsterdam Airport

Powerbank:

  • USB PD Ravpower USB-C 20100 Powerbrick with PD Charger for the juice

Accommodation:

  • Booked all through Airbnb

Insurance (Not yet decided):

  • Decided between TID and RACV. RACV has less exclusions in their PDA but I can't seem to find anyone that will cover my Sony Camera Gear AND Laptop so might just have to check home and contents. Both seem average.

Other Relevant Sites:

  • Blablacar
  • Rome2Rio

Other Stuff:

  • Packing Cells and Drybags from Kmart
  • Cold weather gear from Kathmandu
  • Good Socks, Docs for Shoes
  • Laundry and Toiletries Bag from Kmart
  • Cheap sleeping bag liner from ebay (just in case)
  • Heattech Thermals from Uniqlo x2

I thought this would help others but also looking for any advice on things I've missed!

Travel

Comments

  • GG57 on 25/10/2018 - 09:53
    +3

    Great list.
    Any offline maps / city guides preloaded onto your device(s)? Or a list of 'must-do' that you have chosen for each city?

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:24
      +1

      Yes! I will be taking my 6P. I've found using Google Bookmarks is awesome, I leave a star or heart on where I plan to go, based on research online, just so if I go to one part of the city, I can walk to nearby places I've starred!

  • FirstWizard on 25/10/2018 - 09:59
    +1

    I was in Europe for 3 weeks and got back on Monday. My cash withdrawals in Madrid and Berlin had an ATM fee of 2EUR and 2.95EUR. ING rebated them, so no loss on my part. None of the withdrawals in Amsterdam attracted any fees though.

    I also got an international driver license as you need one to drive in most countries in Europe. Carried extra passport size photos in case of an emergency loss of passport.

    If you're flying easyJet at any time, they have a one bag policy and do not allow a second personal item (small backpack) to be carried, unless you pay for an upfront extra legroom seat.
    Heaps of people were compelled to check-in one item at the gate which costs 60EUR (more expensive than the flight cost itself).

    I use Flexiroam for Data, but since it's just Europe 3 is a better option. But check if it can be activated outside of UK as I've heard some woes from people that you sometimes have to call them to manually activate.

    Google Trips has great day-plans (and 2, 3-day plans) for travelling, you can download them to your phone. Save important emails as PDFs and make them available offline.
    I had all the cities downloaded as Google offline maps, but upon checking Google maps was the app to have used most of the data (4+GB even more than Tinder ;). But as you have 12GB of data it shouldn't be an issue. I have Here Maps installed on my phone with offline Europe maps as a backup as it lets you navigate offline as well.

    I also usually carry a cheap android phone with most required apps installed as a backup if my phone fails.

    • altomic on 25/10/2018 - 10:14

      I also got an international driver license as you need one to drive in most countries in Europe.

      I rented a car in paris using my QLD licence. I had an international licence but they didn't look at it. It was the same in the united states - QLD licence was fine. an international licence is mostly important for countries that do not use the roman alphabet and require a "translation" of your licence details.

      that being said - I still get one "just in case" - also i go to Japan every year.

      In Japan you MUST have an international licence if you are renting/driving a car.

      • Hellfire on 25/10/2018 - 10:27

        Agree, no need for an International Driving Permit (it's not a licence) in Europe.

      • PeppermintGrove on 15/11/2018 - 01:28

        Be very careful about this. It's true that you can certainly rent a car in Europe without anyone check to see if you have an international permit, but your travel insurance will likely state that they'll only cover you if you had legally rented the car. This is where it's tricky as you'll find in many European countries, to legally rent a car, you'll need an international permit.

        So no issues if everything goes without a hitch, but if anything goes wrong, there's a chance your travel insurance would get you on that technicality.

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:32

      Thanks, I'll check the atms before I take cash out but plan on using my Citibank Debit card for 90% of things for tap and pay.

      I don't have an intl driver's license but will be sticking to Uber's / Public transport.
      Will be taking paper copies of all important docs for both Luggage and Onboard.

      I did see easyJet but decided to go with Austrian air, I double checked the weight restrictions for both and although flying seems cheap, you're right, almost the cost of the flight for checking in luggage.

      I'll call 3 before I go, some searches on whirlpool said that you need a UK address (bogus is fine).

      I haven't checked out Google Trips, will definitely hit it up.

      With the spare phone, did you just hit up JB etc for a spare phone outright?

      • FirstWizard on 25/10/2018 - 14:15

        yeah, the phone I have is an unlocked Phone I got for less than $100 a couple of years ago. I travel often but I've never actually needed it but gives me peace of mind.
        One annoying thing about Gmail was if you try to log in on a random computer overseas, and do not have access to your phone, they make it really difficult even if you have the right password. Once my phone was completely dead and needed a few minutes charge even to power up. But I could use the second phone to authenticate.

  • tre180 on 25/10/2018 - 10:08
    +2

    If you fancy doing a few walking tours but hate being in tour groups then Rick Steve's audio tour app is great, I tried it out while walking around Roman forum and the Vatican and it was is fantastic. Its free too so all you need is your headphones.

    https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-eur…

    • Shpox on 10/11/2018 - 19:32
      +1

      Thanks! Downloaded versions for all the cities i'm going too!

  • Randxyz123 on 25/10/2018 - 10:31
    +2

    Amsterdam book Van Gough and Anne Frank online.

    Take photo copies of your passport /license

    Leave your commbank backup card at the Airbnb and have money in a commbank account that you can just wack money on it easily.

    Passport photos is a good idea.

    Int’l drivers license might be needed if you want to do a day drive trip somewhere.

    Ditch your laptop and buy a iPad or something. Unless it’s light weight it’ll just be annoying to have.

    Buy travel insurance today. I read a pretty depressing story on WP yesterday https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2760648&…

    • toniyellow on 25/10/2018 - 11:35
      +1

      +1 definitely buy the insurance now. You are too close to your trip, any illness or accident could prevent you from flying easily.

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:29

      Thanks, will do. I'm walking distance to Anne Frank Haus, so should be easy. I will also be purchasing either MuseeumKart or Holland Pass, because they provide heaps of discount for all the major musuems.

      I'll have paper copies of everything.

      The surface is really lightweight and protable, so not a full sized laptops!

      Just to check, the travel insurance is because if you get sick and can't catch the flight, you're still covered?

      • Randxyz123 on 25/10/2018 - 14:20
        +1

        Just to check, the travel insurance is because if you get sick and can't catch the flight, you're still covered?

        Correct. Or a family member is sick. I’m talking seriously Ill not a cold.

        Your home insurance probably won’t cover you overseas.

        Cover more should cover your laptop and camera.

        I'm walking distance to Anne Frank Haus

        You still need tickets well in advance. Same with Van Gough.

        Buy one drive space/ google drive / amazon photos and upload your photos every night. That way you don’t loose anything.

        You don’t need a UK address for 3UK.

  • HighAndDry on 25/10/2018 - 10:43

    I can't seem to find anyone that will cover my Sony Camera Gear AND Laptop

    Are you sure these aren't already covered by your existing home and contents insurance?

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:27

      They might be, I just need to be check!

  • ibuy on 25/10/2018 - 10:47
    +1

    On your phone download a translation app. This will make it easier if you are lost and can’t speak the language. I use iHandy translator however there are heaps of translator apps around. Duolingo is also great for learning a few words too.

    • kiitos on 26/10/2018 - 08:03
      +1

      Agreed, even if the translations aren't always kosher, it'll get the point across.

  • dasher86 on 25/10/2018 - 11:02
    +1

    Travel adapter plus aussie power board for all your electronics.

    • Shpox on 18/11/2018 - 09:09

      Good idea on the powerboard. I'm luckily USB everything so I'm just using RAV Power's USB PD wall charger and an extra adaptor.

  • casho on 25/10/2018 - 11:10
    +1

    Take a days worth of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry on bag, in case your luggage gets lost

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:27

      Thankyou!

  • try2bhelpful on 25/10/2018 - 12:19

    Make sure the weight in each bage is below minimum. We got stung in Prague that way. Combined we were below but one bag was overweight. We had already sent the lighter one down the chute so we just had to cough up the money. Taught us to be more careful and weigh bags before checking them in.

    • Shpox on 25/10/2018 - 12:27

      Thankyou! I checked both Airlines and I will have to ensure my luggage is no more than 23kg, despite the Emirates 30kg weight limit. Austrian air doesn't accept more than 23kg so its my max. I'm also bringing a hand held scale, just incase!

  • Marcsie on 25/10/2018 - 13:07
    +1

    Get your free credit card international travel insurance from your bank :)

  • Ryanek on 25/10/2018 - 13:20
    +3

    Noise cancelling head phones yo.

    • try2bhelpful on 25/10/2018 - 13:21
      +2

      or block out in-ear ones.

    • chrisie on 25/10/2018 - 18:06
      +1

      Yes Noise cancelling head phones, but don't do what I did and pack them in my suitcase for my return journey so my backpack was lighter. Only remembered them when I got on the plane.

    • Shpox on 18/11/2018 - 09:09

      Got some XM3's ty ozbargain styles.

  • Marcsie on 25/10/2018 - 13:29
    +3

    Be careful pick pocket in Europe :)

    • try2bhelpful on 25/10/2018 - 14:47
      +1

      In the words of Rodney Dangerfield - "if it wasn't for pickpockets I would have no sex life at all".

      We haven't had a problem with pick pockets in Europe, but you do want to make sure you don't leave yourself vulnerable. If you are at a table it is a good idea to clip your bags through the chair struts, or to the base so someone can't just pick them up. (Just remember to take them with you when you go - maybe clip to yourself as well).

      I had a lady try the "gold ring" scam but her English was so poor I couldn't work out what she was trying to say.

      It is also a good idea to have a conversion app to convert from the local currency to AU dollars. Make sure you understand what you are paying for things. Make sure you get a receipt and keep them for when you return. Try to check your credit card statement, regularly, from a secure location and tally with what you have in your receipts. The sooner you get onto misuse the better.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/10/2018 - 15:11

    I'll be travelling to Europe for the first time at the end of the year also, and was wondering what the go is with all those debit and credit cards you've listed. Given I've already got the ING Orange Everyday Transaction Card which allegedly gives no international transaction fees and no ATM fees (when I meet the criteria each month), is there any point to getting either of the 28 Degrees or Citibank cards? Advice/help greatly appreciated! :)

    • pandaroll on 25/10/2018 - 18:12

      Your Orange card and the Citibank Plus Account card are both debit cards which are good for cash withdrawals and purchases overseas. I believe with Orange you have to deposit a minimum of $1000 and make 5 card purchases to take advantage of the free international transactions offer while Citibank doesn't have this limitation. You don't really need the other card if you're meeting the requirements.

      The 28 Degrees Card is a credit card, so good for making overseas purchases and paying it off later by taking advantage of the interest free period. Not recommended for cash withdrawals as there is a fee for cash advances (as with most credit cards).

      • Shpox on 27/10/2018 - 23:16

        Correct. 55 days interest free!

    • kiitos on 26/10/2018 - 08:10

      I had both ING and Citibank cards in Europe in July. Was using the Citibank one exclusively until in a small town in France it wouldn't work with two ATMs. Thought it had been locked out something, used ING and it worked.

      The Citibank card worked for EFTPOS purchases after that, so I thought it may have been that the ATMs didn't accept MasterCard, and ING is Visa. So in my case having both helped, although in your case you wouldn't have had that problem!

  • harveyworld on 25/10/2018 - 16:37
    +2

    It may sound a silly suggestion but consider taking a pack of those 10 clip-on Koala key rings that you find in the cheap trinket/gift shops. Cost a couple of dollars…

    Whenever anyone does you a good deed or is especially helpful then just give them one. Much cheaper than any cash tip and way more thoughtful.
    Europeans and Americans really like our Koala bears and you'd be amazed how such a small and inexpensive gesture goes along way - especially if that person is giving you ongoing advice about the place/city you are staying in.

    When we recently stopped in Budapest and Rome I also left a couple of spare ones hanging on the plant stems in our airbnb apartment. Hopefully bring a smile to the next person.

    • Some Guy on 25/10/2018 - 21:45
      +4

      Koala bears? Hand in your passport and show yourself out.

    • Shpox on 26/10/2018 - 14:36

      This is a nice idea! Thank you.

  • pandaroll on 25/10/2018 - 18:23
    +1

    Just my 2 cents for anyone looking to hop around Europe and is physically able - consider taking a backpack rather than a wheeled suitcase and pack as light as possible. I am very much someone who likes their comfort but I also like my efficiency. European cities are old and not like our nice, new, reasonably well-planned cities here. Many old cities in Europe are still paved with cobblestones, a lot of residential apartments don't have lifts (for those who prefer Airbnbs), and the narrow pathways weren't designed for hordes of tourists. It can be a pain to have to lug a suitcase on/off trains and buses, up and down stairs, and the cobblestones won't be great for the wheels.

    It's not impossible with a suitcase but it'll just be easier with a backpack. I did 2 months in Europe with a carry-on sized backpack, granted it was in summer and I didn't have to bring as many layers. Would definitely size up for a winter trip.

    • try2bhelpful on 25/10/2018 - 21:16
      +1

      +1 on that; we are in our mid 50s, and a tad underfit at the moment, but we prefer to take backpacks's when we travel through Europe. We rented an Air BnB in Paris that was 5 stories without a lift. it was a bit, one step after the other, but much easier than trying to haul a case up the steps. It also helps for stations where you can take the steps rather than waiting for the lift, etc. Personally, I would look at a standard pack than a carry on pack but consider what you cwant to carry with you.

    • Some Guy on 25/10/2018 - 21:48

      Another +1. Look into a backpack that doubles as a roller. Best of both worlds.

      • try2bhelpful on 26/10/2018 - 10:06

        Personally I find the ones with the roller a bit too heavy, given you are also carrying the wheels, but if you are mainly using it to roll with only the backpack for when you want to get over obstacles it would be a good bet.

        • dasher86 on 26/10/2018 - 10:19

          I agree. Most the cases that have a backpack strap sit uncomfortably on your back for a long period of time. And then there is the conundrum of having to set up the backpack system which can take a few minutes as well.
          Given the weight probably only good on your back for 30 mins or so.
          I've had one for many years and can only recall putting it on my back once / twice other times i found it easier just to navigate holding it like a duffle upstairs beach etc. Cobblestones and narrow laneways never a problem. Saying that the wheels are LARGER than a normal hard case.

          My suggestion - backpack or softcase with large wheels.

  • Flanders on 26/10/2018 - 02:40

    Order ahead, a 'space cake' to be waiting for you at your airbnb upon arrival. This should help you get over the jetlag, and have a great sleep/rest on arrival ;) .
    Also, regarding everything booked on airbnb, make a backup plan, remember airbnb hosts sometimes cancel at short notice. Be prepared for this, just understand it could happen.

    • Shpox on 26/10/2018 - 14:35
      +1

      Yes! I was planning on getting one before the Van Gogh musuem

  • davidg444 on 26/10/2018 - 08:41
    +2

    The nicest way to travel these distances is by train. You see the country in considerable comfort, there are no baggage limits, it's safe and you arrive in the middle of cities ideally placed to take local transport if you need it. Big discounts are available from Deutsche Bahn (German railways) if you search in advance before cheap tickets go and buy a Bahncard Flex 25. trainline.eu is good backup to using bahn.de. You are travelling so much a Eurail Select Pass could be good value

    • dasher86 on 26/10/2018 - 10:22

      i find buses are also overlooked and are great for journeys 2-4 hours and usually considerably cheaper than trains.

    • Shpox on 26/10/2018 - 14:34

      Thanks! I was planning on using bahn.de. Eurorail passes seemed pretty poor value when I compared, which was strange.

      One thing I didn't plan on but noticed it was great was blablacar. Incredibly cheap and essentially an uber! A friend at work used it and most travel times are reduced by car. I don't think I'll need Liam Neeson.

  • lovepub on 26/10/2018 - 08:45
    +1

    You forgot …..me

    • Shpox on 26/10/2018 - 14:34
      +1

      I have some spare luggage capacity, jump onboard.

  • MyHatMyCoat on 26/10/2018 - 09:01
    +1

    The AllSubway app is great, it is an app that works offline showing you the transport map of hundreds of cities around the world.
    If you have a travel sim with data, the CityMapper app is also great for the best ways to get around a city (walking, public transport, uber) but it is only in the major cities of Europe.

  • djgiff on 26/10/2018 - 16:04

    Some good ideas all around. I would suggest also downloaded an app that shows you all wifi passwords based on your location. Can be handy when travelling around to different spots around Europe so you're not chewing up your data allowance and helps the phone battery. Depending on your itinerary a Eurail pass offers discount travel on the extensive Eurail network which can help keep travel costs down and it's a great way to see the continent. If you're under 31 or a Student you may find
    I also work for a travel company STA Travel and we have quite a comprehensive policy partnered with Allianz that covers Camera Gear and Laptops if you want me to look into costings I'm happy to help out a fellow Ozbargainer, just PM me if you're interested.

  • endolphin on 26/10/2018 - 23:56

    Camera? Or just using phone? Either or, consider backing up photos regularly. If your phone gets stolen on the last day of your trip, travel insurance might cover the replacement cost but photos will be gone for good. I don't know about you, but I consider travel photos more valuable than any phone.

    • Shpox on 27/10/2018 - 09:44

      Agree. My photos automatically backup to the cloud at night while I'm sleeping do should he all G. I'm taking advantage card photos off and storing them on the surface.

      You make a great point though.

  • branners on 28/10/2018 - 12:12

    Re insurance; you may want to read a letter in this weekend's SMH/The Age travel section, over a problem with RACV insurance. Might be a good idea to use credit card coverage as a backup.
    The other recommendation I would make is, try to get a 'travel jacket', which has lots of pockets for things like phones, cameras, etc.
    And keep your passport on an inside, zippered pocket — and keep it, and you cash, on your body (rather than in a overhead locker) on the flights.

    • Shpox on 28/10/2018 - 20:42

      Ooh, I didn't catch the article, Would you mind sharing? Both my cards have activated their insurance, though I don't wish to use CBA due to the rates.

      I do have a Katmandhu Jacket that has a internal zip, passportsized, which should be pickpocket proof. I was planning to keep them on my body, however also using my dayback which has a passport sleeve hidden above my butt, so the thing is always agianst my back.

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