Tips & FAQs about
Traveling to Eastern Europe

Yes, there are. Here is a list of currencies other than the euro used in Eastern Europe:

• Belarus – Belarusian ruble
• Croatia – kuna
• Czech Republic – koruna
• Hungary – Hungarian forint
• Poland – Polish zloty

All these currencies are available through local ATMs wherever you are.

Essential items for traveling to Eastern Europe:

• A list of emergency contacts, including your next-of-kin, doctor, and U.S. Embassy phone numbers for the countries you’re going to
• Any prescribed medications: ensure you have enough to last longer than the expected duration of your trip, in the event of delays.
• Two quality pairs of walking shoes
• Scarf: the most versatile tour item—use around your neck, as a pillow for commuting, or as a shawl for layering
• Tops you can layer (and remove on-the-go), such as undershirts, tees, long-sleeved thermals, sweaters, hoodies, and cardigans
• For spring or summer, pack a light jacket. For fall and winter, pack an insulated, softshell jacket with removable inner layers.
• 1–2 semi-formal outfits for dining out in the evening
• A small, collapsible umbrella (compact enough to fit in your rucksack or purse)
• For bringing home wine or other breakables, learn how to keep things from breaking in transit by reading our “Bringing Home Wine and Spirits” article.

If you booked your airfare through Grand European, all airport transfers are covered when you purchase your land and air together as a package for tours operated Trafalgar and Insight Vacations (Airport transfers are not included for tours operated by Costsaver). You won’t have to worry about shuttles, cabs, or learning foreign mass transit the moment you arrive.

You certainly can. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, allergy medications, and cold or flu remedies are available at most markets and all pharmacies. However, you should still bring your own; there’s no guarantee you’ll be near a pharmacy or market that carries the type of over-the-counter medicine you’ll need.

Absolutely! Here are a few tips to ensure you’ll be able to use your technology when you arrive:

Bring wall outlet adapters to fit European outlets: they’re very affordable ($3–$10 USD).

Ensure your phone is a dual-voltage (110V/220V) device, otherwise, it won’t charge, even with an adapter. Current smartphone models are all dual-voltage; they only require an outlet adapter.

Tell your cell carrier the trip dates and add international calling and/or texting to your plan for only that billing cycle.

Have a mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi if you want to use your laptop or tablet at just any café or outdoor area. This is also available through cell carriers and is usually about $5/month.

Helpful hint: To avoid costly roaming fees, or get in touch with any U.S.-based wireless carrier while you’re abroad, click here. For more detailed information about using technology in Eastern Europe, see our “Using a Cellphone in Europe” article, our “Adapters and Converters in Europe” article, and our “International SIM Cards” article.

When initially meeting new people in Eastern Europe, address them by their title (Mr., Mrs., Miss) and their surname (Mr. Nowak, for example). After a few meetings, or if they specifically ask you to, begin using their first name, or another name they prefer.

Not usually. Unlike French or Spanish natives, for example, the people of Eastern Europe are more likely to engage in a friendly handshake than a cheek kiss when meeting or greeting you. And, contrary to Southern or Western Europe—where locals are known for observing virtually no personal space—natives to Eastern Europe are actually more like Americans, preferring more room between people during conversation.

As a rule, Eastern Europe is just as safe—if not safer—than most American cities at night. However, walking alone at night isn’t the best idea no matter where you are. If you absolutely must go somewhere at night, go with a companion, or ask your Tour Director what to do: this person has been trained to guide you through Eastern Europe.

In Eastern Europe, dial 1-1-2 for emergency assistance of any kind.

Leave the following items with a stateside family member or trusted friend in the event there is an issue with customs or immigration on your way to or from Europe:

• Your flight itinerary
• The schedule of countries and/or cities you’re going to with dates you’ll be in each place
• 2 color copies of your passport