How to get around in Europe

Since Europe is made up of many different countries rather than being one single country, regulations may vary when crossing borders. Please note that entry and exit requirements are not the same throughout Europe. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs before traveling to stay informed about the current regulations of each country, especially regarding:

• Visa requirements
• Entry and exit regulations
• Import and export rules for cash and goods
• Validity requirements for travel documents

Please make sure your insurance policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays, and emergency transportation in Europe, just as it does in your home country. If you do not currently have valid travel or health insurance for Europe, we strongly recommend purchasing appropriate coverage for the duration of your tour. Please note that accidents during sports or outdoor activities in alpine areas may require mountain rescue or helicopter evacuation, which can be very expensive and may not be covered by standard insurance policies.

If something happens or you are involved in an accident, please remember the European emergency number: 112. This number works throughout Europe and will connect you to local emergency services. If you require personal or prescription medication, please make sure it is permitted when entering the country. We also recommend informing us about any necessary medications before your arrival or during the booking process.

In addition, we recommend checking current vaccination recommendations and travel health advisories for your destination before traveling. Information for each country can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

In most European cities and tourist areas, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. However, many of our tours also include rural areas outside major cities, where card payments may not always be available. We recommend carrying some cash for small purchases, restaurants, or unexpected situations. Please also keep in mind that not all European countries use the Euro. Countries such as Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway have their own currencies, so you generally cannot assume that foreign currencies will be accepted in shops or restaurants.

When exchanging money, use reputable exchange offices or ATMs. It’s also a good idea to check current exchange rates online in advance, for example through the German Central Bank or services like Wise. Be aware that many US credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Check with your bank before traveling to avoid surprises. ATMs are often cheaper than exchanging money at airports. Again, your bank can tell you what fees apply before your trip.

Mobile coverage and internet access in Europe are generally very good. In cities and most tourist areas, you can usually expect reliable 4G or even 5G service, and Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces. If you are traveling from the US, providers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often offer international plans. However, these plans can be expensive, and data speeds may be slower due to roaming. A more affordable option is to use a local SIM card or an eSIM, which can be activated digitally without a physical card. They are usually easy to set up and significantly cheaper. Please note that SIM cards purchased in EU countries generally work throughout the EU without additional roaming charges, although compatibility may vary depending on your phone.

In more remote or mountainous areas—especially in regions like the Alps—mobile signal can be weak or unavailable at times. It’s a good idea to download maps and important information for offline use before heading into these areas. On your cycling or hiking tour, you can also use our practical Eurobike & Eurohike On Tour App to navigate easily via GPS and stay on track, even without constant internet access. European outlets are typically Type C or F, so you’ll likely need a plug adapter. US devices may also require a voltage converter depending on the appliance.

Weather in Europe can be quite unpredictable, especially because of climate change and the Alps. Southern regions are usually warmer in the summer, but can also get pretty windy in the spring and fall. In and around the Alps, conditions can change quickly from sunny to cold. Rain showers are common in spring and fall, and summer afternoons often bring sudden thunderstorms. To stay prepared, we recommend using our travel checklist so you’re ready for any weather.

Be aware that open fires are strictly prohibited in many parts of Europe, especially near forests and protected natural areas during the summer months. Due to hot and dry conditions, there is a significantly increased risk of wildfires, which can spread quickly and cause serious damage. Always follow local signs and regulations, and only use designated barbecue or fire areas where permitted.

Tap water in Northern and Central Europe, especially in countries like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, is generally of very high quality and safe to drink. It is strictly controlled and meets high safety standards. In most places, you can refill your water bottle directly from the tap without concern, which is also a convenient and sustainable option while traveling. However, it is always recommended to check the specific guidelines for your destination in advance, as standards and practices may vary from country to country.

Most of our routes follow well-maintained bike paths. However, traffic can become heavier when entering or leaving larger cities. With the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, traffic in Europe drives on the right side of the road. In rural areas, roads may be narrower, more winding, or without clear lane markings. Right-of-way rules still apply, and hand signals are commonly used. If you are ever unsure, it is safest to get off your bike and let local traffic pass first. Helmet and lighting requirements vary by country. While helmets are not always legally required, we strongly recommend wearing one at all times. Bike lights are also strongly recommended, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. Our rental bikes are equipped accordingly. 

Helmet and lighting requirements vary from country to country. Helmets are not always required by law, but we strongly recommend wearing one at all times. The same applies to bike lights, which we also strongly recommend for safety, especially when riding at night or in low visibility conditions. Our rental bikes are equipped accordingly.

A calm and respectful attitude is appreciated throughout Europe, especially in public spaces and on public transportation, where loud conversations are less common. People generally wait in line and expect others to do the same. Cleanliness is also taken seriously in cities, parks, and natural areas. Respecting shared spaces helps keep the environment pleasant for everyone.

Europe is generally very safe for travelers. However, in larger cities, be aware of pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving bags unattended. If you rented a bike from us, a lock is included, and e-bikes also have an additional rear wheel lock. Please use both whenever you leave your bike unattended, especially in train stations and crowded public areas.