Traveling across Europe

[JHZR2]

Hello,

We are considering a trip around Europe. Thinking of Germany, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Czech Republic.

A few questions to get us started:

-how difficult is it to get around with a single car rental? Would travel between those countries be an issue with a single rental?

-Once you get past the current eastern border of Germany (or even head to the eastern part), how fast does it become run down and cold-war era Russianized? Is this a consideration whatsoever? I dont know. While parts of western Poland were legally parts of the unified Germany or whatever you want to call it from the 1300s onward, what has the effect of the last 60 or so years done?

-Is there any hostility towards Americans/Germans in any of these areas, particularly German areas that were re-populated by Polish?

-Because it seems that Poland and the CR, though NATO, Eurozone, etc have their own currencies, how bad/difficult is it to just use a singluar currency? For example in Wroclaw or Prague, is using a euro that difficult? Is it more like using a US dollar in Canada?

-What is the status of border crossings between countries? It seems that they are open and that there are certain agreements. But is there any check in/out? Is it easier/harder than going to Canada? Would it be like drving from one state to another?

-How prevalent is English, particularly traveling eastwars?

-Do any of the commercially available GPS units sold in the US (Garmins with Euro maps for example) do any good in small towns over there?

-Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[tomcat27]

I can only answer a few of the Q's: last time I went I rented in England and then toured much of Europe on that rental. no problems. I got a little grief in France over the "GB" sticker on my car. (not sure how they woulda liked "USA"!!!) and a little grief from a few people in England over my accent. In most places its not hard to find someone who knows english.

The GPS's that use maptech should work better - altho you clearly need the proper maps for your regions.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2

-how difficult is it to get around with a single car rental? Would travel between those countries be an issue with a single rental?

It's doable. Best to inquire with a specific rental car company. It won't be anywhere as inexpensive as renting a car in the US though and they'll make you purchase all sorts of insurance.

Quote:

-Once you get past the current eastern border of Germany (or even head to the eastern part), how fast does it become run down and cold-war era Russianized? Is this a consideration whatsoever? I dont know.

It's not that bad, really. The worst IMO is poor/confusing road signs on many roads. Also, remember "no turn on red" unless there is a green arrow that permits it. In smaller towns, there are plenty of intersections with no signals or signs, so you must adhere to the right of way.

Quote:

-Is there any hostility towards Americans/Germans in any of these areas, particularly German areas that were re-populated by Polish?

Not really. Most people will be more curious rather than hostile. But as with any town/city, you'll find bad parts of town that you should try to stay out of, whether you're Polish, Czech, or American.

Quote:

-Because it seems that Poland and the CR, though NATO, Eurozone, etc have their own currencies, how bad/difficult is it to just use a singluar currency? For example in Wroclaw or Prague, is using a euro that difficult? Is it more like using a US dollar in Canada?

Most larger stores and restaurants accept Visa/MasterCard, so it's not really an issue. For smaller transactions it's best to carry some local cash. Taxi drivers will most likely accept Euro/USD, but they may convert using an unattractive (for you) exchange rate.

Quote:

-What is the status of border crossings between countries? It seems that they are open and that there are certain agreements. But is there any check in/out? Is it easier/harder than going to Canada? Would it be like drving from one state to another?

There are border crossing points... sometimes they'll stop you and check your ID, most other times you'll just go through without even stopping.

Quote:

-How prevalent is English, particularly traveling eastwars?

You'll have a better chance finding someone that knows some English among the young generation. Older folks will most likely not know a word of English.

Quote:

-Do any of the commercially available GPS units sold in the US (Garmins with Euro maps for example) do any good in small towns over there?

It's a khrapshoot. Garmin has pretty decent coverage of Eastern Europe in general, but when it comes to really small towns, don't hold your breath.

Quote:

-Any other recommendations?

Any chance you can have a local travel with you while in Eastern Europe? The area isn't as tourist friendly as Western Europe unfortunately. Many signs aren't in English which makes getting around and finding tourist attractions a bit of a PITA. That's why having someone who knows the language by your side helps immensely.

Also, make sure to go during summer time or early fall. After that it gets cold, ugly, and miserable.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Also, at least in Poland, if you get pulled over for speeding, bribery is a common way of getting off the hook. Since you're a foreigner, the cops will actually expect it since collecting money from a foreigner the legal way will be almost impossible.

Also beware, there are numerous hidden cameras that catch speeders. Though I'm not sure what's the likelihood of them actually sending the photo/ticket to your rental company asking for payment...

 

[Shannow]

A couple of co-workers have done some weeks in Europe, and found that leasing a car was their cheapest way rather then renting.

Car manufacturers use it to get some low mileage used cars onto the lots.

 

[FowVay]

I go to Europe quite frequently. I hit Italy and Switzerland in July and went back over to Munich, Germany in August for my birthday.

The only advice I can give you is that you might have trouble taking a rental car into the former Eastern block countries. Car theft is a problem and going to Poland and the Czech Republic will throw up a red flag on your rental. Just enquire with the rental company and you may have to buy supplemental insurance or they may strictly forbid it all together. But ask. Also, pay the extra €25 and get the Navi (their cutesy name for GPS).

As for issues with nationality,, I have NEVER had a single issue from anyone regarding my nationality. Most end up buying me drinks all night and asking questions or telling stories of their trip to California or Florida in 1973. Europeans love to travel.

You can travel across all borders unimpeded with the exception of Switzerland. They are not part of the EU and therefore still check passports at the border. I crossed into Switzerland by train on my recent trip and border patrol got on board, checked paperwork and got off at the next stop. Typical fair for a former cold-war veteran.

English is spoken by nearly everyone in one form or another. The Eastern block countries are less fluent but if you have trouble then just ask a young person. The old folks won't be of much help but the young kids will likely be fluent. Remember, rock and roll is in English! Learn the proper use of their greetings and try to use them. Don't just expect them to speak your language without your attempt to speak theirs.

Learn your road signs and common rules. Know what a detour sign looks like and what a 'right turn on red' sign looks like. OBEY THE LAWS!

Personally, with the price of fuel and rental cars these days, I prefer the train networks. Since Germany is the only country with unlimited speed limits you won't get to experience that thrill every place. In fact, when you cross borders you're often required to buy a tax certificate for your car (called in Vignette in most all countries) or face a fine. They're cheap and available at all rest stops and fuel stations near the borders.

Just read up on places you're going. Trip advisor dot com is excellent for reading reviews of other travelers. Toytowngermany dot com also has information for most places in Europe written by the locals.

Enjoy yourself!! Europe is incredibly beautiful. View it with a open mind and don't make comparison to what you're used to and you'll see the brilliance in the old world.

Ohh, and for money I use the teller machines. They're every place, generally only charge a 1% foreign transaction fee which will cost you less than currency exchange places and credit card companies. Let your credit card company know you're going and what countries you'll be in and the expected amount you'll spend because you don't want to be sitting at gas station with your card declined and the tank on empty.

One last thought - wear your banana hammock with pride!

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
A couple of co-workers have done some weeks in Europe, and found that leasing a car was their cheapest way rather then renting.

Car manufacturers use it to get some low mileage used cars onto the lots.


Could you expand on this? We would be going for only a week or 10 days, not weeks, which may make a difference. Did they lease new cars and then sell them back as used? Sounds like an interesting approach.

 

[Shannow]

They were pretty short term at times.

One guy used Citroen, not sure whether it was this one or not.

http://www.drivetravel.com/statesupplier...p;country_id=76

 

[Trav]

Poland and Czech Republic could be an issue with a rental car ask the rental agency.
Is there anything or any place in particular you are interested in seeing?

Pay attention to the road signs especially the Priority Road sign! If this sign is on your road you have the right of way otherwise cars can and will pull right out in front of you from the right sometimes without even looking.
These are mostly in the cities and towns, if you hit them its automatically your fault!

On autobahns do not live in the middle lane on a 3 lane or more or the left lane on a two lane, keep to the right, its the law and they do enforce it!
Remember they use camera's on the side of the road, autobahn bridges and traffic signals at random, they not only look for speeders but tailgater's.
Germans use the halber tachoabstand rule meaning half the speed of the vehicle is the minimum distance to the vehicle in front of you e.g. @140 Kmh you should have minimum 70 meters distance.

One last thing. Do not drive with fog light on in front or rear if there is no fog this can get you a ticket.

Most "West Germans" speak at least a little English,it was mandatory for many years as was Russian in "East" German schools.
Don't expect much English in Eastern regions unless its a larger city that has international tourist.
As someone posted younger people are more likely to understand a little.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_signs_in_Germany

 

[CivicFan]

-how difficult is it to get around with a single car rental? Would travel between those countries be an issue with a single rental?

Cross border travel will be allowed by the rental company, especially if it's Avis or Hertz. There will be insurance requirement and may be extra fees as well.

A more convenient way to travel is by train. You can plan your trip so that you travel at night and get some sleep on the train. It will also be cheaper.

-Once you get past the current eastern border of Germany (or even head to the eastern part), how fast does it become run down and cold-war era Russianized? Is this a consideration whatsoever? I dont know. While parts of western Poland were legally parts of the unified Germany or whatever you want to call it from the 1300s onward, what has the effect of the last 60 or so years done?

It's not really a big concern unless you cannot stand the aesthetics of an odd apartment high-rise or non-functioning factory.

-Is there any hostility towards Americans/Germans in any of these areas, particularly German areas that were re-populated by Polish?

LOL, you watch too much cable TV.

-Because it seems that Poland and the CR, though NATO, Eurozone, etc have their own currencies, how bad/difficult is it to just use a singluar currency? For example in Wroclaw or Prague, is using a euro that difficult? Is it more like using a US dollar in Canada?

ATM-s are everywhere. Dollars can be exchanged in bank branches as well.

-What is the status of border crossings between countries? It seems that they are open and that there are certain agreements. But is there any check in/out? Is it easier/harder than going to Canada? Would it be like drving from one state to another?

You just cross the border. They usually have a sign indicating that you are entering a different country. There could even be a check point (I have never encountered one) but it's usually far easier than getting into the US.

-How prevalent is English, particularly traveling eastwars?

Youth are more likely to know English than the elderly.

-Any other recommendations?

Enjoy your time there. Exercise good judgement and you'll be safe.

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

I can't stress this enough: Do the speed limits! Don't say to yourself, "Hey, I'm in Germany...it's pedal to the medal time!" In villages, it's 50kph...always; secondary roads (think country highways) are often 100kph, w/many slow down zones (80/60/into a village and 50, etc.). The vaunted Autobahn system is riddled w/speed limits too; throw in the traffic jams and the excitement wears thin fairly quickly (especially when you try to take your budget rental up to speed, only to find an aggressive Mercedes driver behind you...flashing his lights and practically hitched to your bumper). Also: The polizei use hidden cameras, often placed in the back of nondescript cars...you don't know you're in trouble until you see the flash go off in your rearview mirror.

Many, many times I've been to Germany, many, many times I've gotten German speeding tickets. And I'm not an aggressive or bad driver (my American record is clean). It's just fairly easy to get into trouble w/speed limits...especially if you're constantly gawking out the window at buildings, people or landscapes. Heck, one time I got caught by radar kontrolle doing 70kph in a village while driving an early-80's Passat diesel wagon w/~60hp; I think the cop was embarrassed for both of us (though it didn't stop him from ticketing me).

 

[JHZR2]

Lots of recommendations about the train. What is the best way to identify the right trains and schedules for going to target small towns, particularly in Poland?

Might it make sense to rent a different car in Poland/CR for the purpose of insurance and being a lower risk target, compared to taking a german car in?

 

[Quattro Pete]

While traveling by high speed train in western Europe is definitely an interesting alternative, there are no high speed trains in Poland and in general, they're not that reliable and rather low-end in general. And having to jump from train to train to reach some small towns will be a PITA, especially for someone who does not know the local language. You will also see more when driving vs. taking a train.

The idea of renting a car for Poland/CR specifically is worth looking into, IMO.

But I'm curious, which small towns in Poland do you want to visit and why? Majority of the tourist attractions can be found near Warsaw, Krakow, and Zakopane/Tatra mountains. And it's easy enough to get to these places by train. Likely it won't be any faster than driving, but at least it should be less stressful.

 

[heathenbrewing]

I lead off by saying I am 3 countries shy of travelling all of Europe. Personally I would say skip Warsaw and focus in on Krakow. When in Prague, REALLY consider a day or two in Cesky Krumlov. REALLY consider it as it is a fairy tale in the middle of the forest.

Are you dead set on a car? Trains are very cheap and public transpo. is wonderful.

The farther East you go, the more "patina" you will see. The only run-down town I was in was Mostar - bombed out buildings, bullet holes everywhere but I found it beautiful. History...live!

Ive stayed in strangers homes in many countries I have travelled to. The worst thing to happen to me was losing a pair of socks. The people (especially in the Eastern parts) are wonderful, hospitable, easy to engage and are generally well educated. If you are friendly and open to a different way of life, I say you will be well received. Western Europe is very Americanized. East not so much. Dont expect an American experience, just enjoy the places for what they are.

Currency - ATMs are plentiful and local currency is how I usually role.

Borders - Generally a passport check is all that is needed.

Language - 90% of people under 30 speak some English, and even though they think their English is not good, you can easily carry on a conversation. I found this to be true from Bulgaria to Latvia, Serbia to Montenegro. If you can learn a word or two in the local dialect ("Thank You" or "Hello" or "Cheers"..etc.) They will really appreciate it as it shows you are interested in their culture.

Good luck on your travels!

 

[heathenbrewing]

Originally Posted By: FowVay
...Just read up on places you're going. Trip advisor dot com is excellent for reading reviews of other travelers. Toytowngermany dot com also has information for most places in Europe written by the locals...


Two more recs: wikitravel and cityspy.info

 

[expat]

Don't get saddled with a car the whole trip, Discount airlines and Trains are the way to cover long distances.
When you do rent a car, if possible, book ahead, you can get some real good deals via the internet discount sites (I have used Tiger Car Rental more than once) you can also avoid Airport surcharges.

 

[FowVay]

So when are we going? :O)

Oktoberfest in Munich kicks off on the 17th of Sept!!!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: FowVay
Oktoberfest in Munich kicks off on the 17th of Sept!!!

That reminds me... I have to raid my local liquor store to see if they stocked up with Oktoberfest beer already.

 

[kb01]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Also, at least in Poland, if you get pulled over for speeding, bribery is a common way of getting off the hook. Since you're a foreigner, the cops will actually expect it since collecting money from a foreigner the legal way will be almost impossible.



Just out curiosity... Where in Poland did you experience this? I have Polish family and have traveled there close to two dozen times in the past 20 years and have never experienced anything like this or even heard any implications that bribery is normal.

I've been all through central and eastern Europe and the closest thing I can think of is bribing border guards in Romania to expedite the custom's process when going to/from of Hungary.

Than being said. Driving in Europe is a pain and can be incredibly stressful, especially if you don't feel comfortable communicating in the language in the event of being pulled over or getting into an accident. Traveling by train or discount airlines is much easier and cheaper.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: kb01
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Also, at least in Poland, if you get pulled over for speeding, bribery is a common way of getting off the hook. Since you're a foreigner, the cops will actually expect it since collecting money from a foreigner the legal way will be almost impossible.



Just out curiosity... Where in Poland did you experience this? I have Polish family and have traveled there close to two dozen times in the past 20 years and have never experienced anything like this or even heard any implications that bribery is normal.

OK, I wasn't exactly clear on this. If you're Polish and you live in Poland, bribing the cops makes sense because this prevents you from collecting points on your license. Now, if you're a foreigner just passing by, you don't care about the points, so no need to try to bribe the cops either.

The cops won't outright ask for a bribe, but if you offer it, most of them will take it. My dad who lives there gets a lot of speeding tickets... somehow he still has his license... guess how.