 Insightful tips while traveling in Europe
During the past four years, the U. S. dollar has weakened by as much as 35% against the Euro. With the weakening dollar, Americans will find western European countries more expensive then ever before.
In all likelihood, the exchange rate is not going to improve anytime in the near future. Even for travelers with expendable cash, it’s an eye-opener when the average price of a large bottle of water at a bistro is 7 Euros. ($8.80 USD) Unknowingly, Americans will order a bottle of water and in doing so will get the “American price.” Unless you ask the price first, you will be served the most expensive brand of French or Italian water. While it may feel tacky and inappropriate to ask, you’ll be the wiser for doing so. If you choose not to ask, be prepared to pay in upwards of $10.00 USD for a large bottle of water. This scenario is very common in heavy tourist-trodden areas where Americans visit. In addition, ordering a coca cola is ridiculously expensive. For the least expensive beverage, order wine.
While vacationing in Europe, you wouldn’t normally think of visiting one, and few tourists do, but the local grocery market is a superb tool for economizing on your travel dollar. You will save on beverages, meals, toiletries and inexpensive souvenirs. And all the while, they make you part of the community you’re visiting. For instance, at most grocery markets in major European destinations, a large bottle of water will cost approximately 60 cents; and a large bottle of soda is about one euro, or less. The same goes for local department stores. You’ll pay a “local price.”
When the majority of three and four star hotels charge between 15, 00 and 18, 00 euros per person for a continental breakfast, which consists of pastries, butter, jam, coffee, fruit and yogurt – you might consider skipping the hefty- priced- meal and head for the local boulangerie. Additionally, most department stores in Europe have their own boulangerie as well.
Keep in mind that many Europeans look upon Americans as though we are all wealthy. They are under the assumption that we all have expendable cash. When it comes to tipping, they also realize that Americans are used to tipping and it’s part of our culture. In the majority of European countries, the service charge of 10 – 15% is included in the bill. Don’t be a sucker and make the mistake of tacking on another tip. Rounding up is usually all that is required.
For an exchange rate print out for your wallet, go to: http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet
by Susan Fogwell
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