Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tions are fewer (for example, no bus service to or from the smaller towns), and
there's no rush hour. Rowdy evenings are rare on Sundays. Many museums in
Scandinavia are closed on Mondays.
Watt's Up?
Europe's electrical system is 220 volts, instead of North
America's 110 volts. Most newer electronics (such as laptops, battery char-
gers, and hair dryers) convert automatically, so you won't need a converter
plug, but you will need an adapter plug with two round prongs, sold inex-
pensively at travel stores in the US. Avoid bringing older appliances that don't
automatically convert voltage; instead, buy a cheap replacement in Europe.
Discounts:
While discounts are generally not listed in this topic, note that
liberal Scandinavia is Europe's most generous corner when it comes to youths
(under18),students (withInternational Student Identity Cards,
www.isic.org
)
,
seniors, and families. Children usually sleep and sightsee for half-price or
free.
This section offers advice on how to pay for purchases on your trip (including
getting cash from ATMs and paying with plastic), dealing with lost or stolen
cards, VAT (sales tax) refunds, and tipping.
Bring both a credit card and a debit card. You'll use the debit card at cash
machines (ATMs) to withdraw local cash for most purchases, and the credit
card to pay for larger items. Some travelers carry a third card, in case one gets
demagnetized or eaten by a temperamental machine.
For an emergency stash, bring several hundred dollars in hard cash in easy-
to-exchange $20 bills.
Because Scandinavian countries have different currencies, you'll likely
wind up with leftover cash when you're leaving a country. Coins can't be ex-
changed once you leave the country, so try to spend them before you cross the
border. But bills are easy to convert to the “new” country's currency. When
changingcash,useexchangebureausratherthanbanks.TheForexdesks(easy
to find at major train stations and airports) are considered reliable and fair.
