Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the secondary cardholder, you'll also need to provide the primary cardholder's
identification-verification details. You can generally receive a temporary card
within two orthree business days in Europe (see
www.ricksteves.com/help
for
more).
If you report your loss within two days, you typically won't be responsible
for any unauthorized transactions on your account, although many banks
charge a liability fee of $50.
Tipping in Europe isn't as automatic and generous as it is in the US—and
Scandinavia isonepart ofEurope where tips are less common. But forspecial
service, tips are appreciated, if not expected. As in the US, the proper amount
depends on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstances, but
some general guidelines apply.
Restaurants:
Tippingisanissueonlyatrestaurantsthathavetableservice.
If you order your food at a counter, don't tip.
ThroughoutScandinavia, aservice chargeistypically included inyourbill,
and you aren't required to leave an additional tip. But don't assume that the
service charge goes to your server—often it goes right to the restaurant owner.
In fancier restaurants or whenever you enjoy great service, round up the bill
(about 5-10 percent of the total check). Rounding up for good service is espe-
cially common in Estonia (though never more than 10 percent).
Taxis:
To tip the cabbie, round up. For a typical ride, round up your fare a
bit (for instance, if the fare is 85 kr, pay 90 kr). If the cabbie hauls your bags
and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to
toss in a little more. But if you feel like you're being driven in circles or oth-
erwise ripped off, skip the tip.
Special Services:
In general, if someone in the service industry does a su-
perjobforyou,asmalltip(theequivalent ofaeuroortwo)isappropriate...but
not required. If you're not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask
your hotelier or the TI.
