International Laws, travel tips

[hokiesandwich]

I'm American. I'm headed to Europe in May, and I want to know about laws in Europe before I go. I've been once, but I'm going to be doing some lone travel (with my girlfriend) in France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

What happens if I punch a pick-pocket?

What happens if I don't want to leave my passport at the hotel desk upon Czech-in ?

What are the cheapest airlines (I know of easyjet) to get from Heathrow to Paris to Geneva to Prague?

What should I see/do in Prague?

I'll post more questions, and I'll try to stick with the law theme.

-hokiesandwich

[JJRousseau]

You won't notice a pickpocket. So you won't have the opportunity to punch him.

I've wondered about the Passport thing too.

London to Paris? You have to take the chunnel. It's a once in a lifetime experience that is worth the $$$.

Never been to Prague but it's high on my list.

Only two of your four questions deal with legal issues, but why are you so concerned with the law?

[hokiesandwich]

"You won't notice a pickpocket. So you won't have the opportunity to punch him."

JJRousseau, thanks for pointing that out. I have a tendency to be very conscious of my surroundings, to the point that it drives some people NUTS when they're with me. I'm not paranoid, but I am always looking out for that guy in the crowd who's just a little too shifty...

Carrying packs around with my documents in them does make me a little nervous, I must say. And I'm very concerned about hostilities towards Americans while overseas.

Perhaps I put the wrong heading on this thread, but I"ll try to recover:

-anyone know about things like fines, taxes, etc.

-How about re-gaining VAT when you leave the country? Any good/bad experiences or tips on how to go about doing that?

Any tips regarding cash/credit issues? I kind of lump this stuff into "law" because I don't want to get cuffed for not being able to pay for a meal when the restaurant doesn't accept traveller's checks or my credit card.

What about exchanging currency? Am I more likely to get a good rate in the Czech republic?

And, the most important thing:I want to bring back things like alcohol. I want to bring alcohol into France as gifts for family members...any ways to avoid the 1L/person issues? Do they really enforce it?

Thanks for any help,

Hokiesandwich

[maleficent]

-How about re-gaining VAT when you leave the country? Any good/bad experiences or tips on how to go about doing that?

From what I remember coming back from the UK, you couldn't reclaim the VAT on services, only goods,and you had to present the goods when you were reclaiming the VAT. (ie -- you couldn't have it it checked luggage -- because where you go to reclaim the VAT-- was right before you went thru security, and well after you checked in for a flight. (it's been a few years, though, so that might have changed)

I'd check before sitting down in a restuarant what plastic they accept, travellers checks were tough to cash when I was in Prague, cash machines were a lot easier, and a lot handier, and I got the daily conversion rate.

Coming back from Australia, that was the only place I went nuts on booze, I came home with 2 cases of wine, declared it, and didn't have to pay anything. For other countries, generally you just have to pay an additional duty, which is minimal., the 1 liter is the one that is tax free. Try to smuggle it, and you cause bigger troubles than an extra dollar or two would cost you.

I spent a weekend in Prague and never gave up my passport, but I stayed at an old hotel and language was a definite problem, so they could have asked me for it, and I didn't know what they were asking for. It's an old city that was just so.... amazingly beautiful... have a wonderful time.. (pick up a copy of The Lonely PLanet's guide to the Czech Republic - -that will give you some ideas of what you should do.

[bundy]

Originally posted by JJRousseau
You won't notice a pickpocket. So you won't have the opportunity to punch him.

I caught a pick pocket in Kenya. i felt a hand go for my wallet (which was chained to me) in a busy market, and i managed to grab the hand. i already had my other hand up for a backhanded hit on the culprit... but when i turned around, i saw the culprit was a small child... she looked about 5 years old.
i couldn't hit a five year old, and immediately realised that she was probably being forced to pick pocket tourists by older kids or crims, so i dragged her, without letting go of her hand, to a sweets stall, and i bought her a bunch of lollies. poor thing.

so, if you do manage to catch a pickpocket, just try to gauge who exactly is trying to rob you before you strike... they might not be children, but they may be armed and dangerous if you attack them.

mind you, i wouldn't mind belting those damn gypsies who robbed my mum of her sketch book (that was filled with her impressions of europe from iceland and the orknies to spain), which they probably just threw away.

but, like JJRousseau said, in Europe i'm willing to bet the pickpockets are *far* better than the ones in Africa... so you probably won't notice til its too late.

about the passport thing, maybe you could insist that they take impressions of your credit card, and a photocopy of your passport (if they have the resources, which they probably will). all they need is security that you won't run without paying... so if they have those details, maybe that'll be enough.

listen to Mal, Lonely Planet is a great resource... but if its too pricey (like they are here... $50 for Lonely Planet Japan in the shop the other day)... you can just go and take notes on what the book recommends... like i did.

have fun.

[hokiesandwich]

Originally Posted by maleficent

Coming back from Australia, that was the only place I went nuts on booze, I came home with 2 cases of wine, declared it, and didn't have to pay anything. For other countries, generally you just have to pay an additional duty, which is minimal., the 1 liter is the one that is tax free. Try to smuggle it, and you cause bigger troubles than an extra dollar or two would cost you.

Thanks to all who replied.

So, Maleficient, you only paid a minimal duty? No problems, then. I was worried about paying the kind of fees that importers would have to pay, which I assume are high. Thanks for the tip. Honesti IS always the best policy, and I should have thought to follow that personal rule.

I'm slightly worried about gypsies. I'm also a little worried about foreign police, which I read in the online Lonely Planet were a little bothersome in Prague. Anyone with problems like that?

For now, I guess I've got all my questions answered. Thanks again.

[acostello]

And, the most important thing:I want to bring back things like alcohol. I want to bring alcohol into France as gifts for family members...any ways to avoid the 1L/person issues? Do they really enforce it?

If I understand you correctly, you want to get alcohol from CZ into FR ? The only thing I'd even contemplate would be Abisenth (sp?)
Regarding foriegn police - a.k.a Praha, where are you going to stay ? I found the cops unobtrusive in the old town.

[hokiesandwich]

Originally Posted by acostello

If I understand you correctly, you want to get alcohol from CZ into FR ? The only thing I'd even contemplate would be Abisenth (sp?)
Regarding foriegn police - a.k.a Praha, where are you going to stay ? I found the cops unobtrusive in the old town.

To clarify: I am taking a trip through Europe when I graduate. I'm going to be doing France and Czech Republic for sure, and I'm waiting to hear back from friends in Switzerland.

Is there anything to think of before I try to pack my bags for travel between these countries?...am I going to have to pay taxes on alcohol and foods from France every time I cross the border? (France is the first stop on the trip,and I will depart Europe through France or GB).


I started a pretty lousy thread, so thanks to everyone who has replied so far!

-hokiesandwich

[acostello]

started a pretty lousy thread, so thanks to everyone who has replied so far!

No, not really. But more clarity would help

am I going to have to pay taxes on alcohol and foods from France every time I cross the border?

Don't understand why you want to do that ? Enjoy the wine and foods in France, and then move on !!! YOu backpacking ? Why carry more baggage than is necessary. Eat fresh where ever you are.

By taxes you mean what ? Customs ? hell no ! Duty Free shopping in airports within EU ? No such thing There are two rates EU and travelling outside EU.

When are you going ? It would be nice of you bought "Let's go Europe" - written primarily by students for students.

many students take the Eurorail pass as a way of seeing EU.

[jorgelito]

You can get "Lonely Planet", Culture Shock!" at the local public library or your school library for free if you don't feel like buying it. Or you caould always check online.

Check out the US State Department (web site) for more info on traveling abroad, VATs, which countries are safe etc.

Every country has different laws but the guide books should help. Otherwise, you can either contact their consulates or visit their websites and they'll be more than happy to help you.

As for fears of Anti-Americanism, don't act like an ass (The Ugly American Syndrome) on help to dispel those feelings instead of making it worse. Sometimes I travel as a Canadian instead (patch on backpack, t-shirt etc). I know it's unpatriotic I suppose but it's survival.

Best advice: "When in Rome...." ( I assume you know the rest) and "Do unto others..."

Good luck and have fun!

[turbofish]

You won't have to worry about the police... Trust me.
Regarding pickpockets, the biggest problem you'll have will be if you live in dorms etc... When I travel I have thing between my trousers and underwear with my debitcard, passport and ID. I have some money on a clip in my pocket. If I deduct alot of money, say $200, I put atleast $150 with my debitcard, passport etc...

I've met alot of Americans and discussed politics alot. Some are open for it and others aren't. What I however have found is that the ones who DO travel abroad do have alot more commonsense than you would expect. I have also traveled alongside with americans and the best passport to travel on is an American one with a English/EU passport close second. You'll have no worries! Don't be an idiot and you won't be treated as one. Most people understand the difference between being an American citizen and Goverment Policies.

[tommylee02]

I did 'pick' out the pickpockets everywhere I went. I pain attention to everything and everyone around me and I stopped a stranger, my father-in-law, wife and myself from being pickpocketed. WATCH OUT FOR THE CHILDREN WITH THE MAPS! Really, when was the last time a child was all alone looking at a map. I shoved one away, no one would care, as long as you rightfully do so ... EXCEPT, in Europe more likely than not they are Gypsies. And Gypsies hang out in large family groups, so if the child is in 'training' there may be some bigger ones nearby watching over. I kept a decoy wallet with a few bucks and old cancelled credit cards in it. The real stash was in a waist belt UNDER MY PANTS. (not underpants). SLEEP WITH THAT THING ON and NEVER leave it unattended. Even if you feel safe. Night time train robberies are common. Sleep with one eye open, but don't let it get to you. I never felt in danger. Have a great time and take your common sense with you!

[turbofish]

Originally Posted by tommylee02

WATCH OUT FOR THE CHILDREN WITH THE MAPS!

Just a quick question... was it in rome?

[hokiesandwich]

Well, it's been a long time.

My girlfriend went to the Ukraine a few years ago, and she used one of those money pouches in the front of her pants... I'm worried about the damned thing, personally. I don't like the idea of reaching into my trousers for a couple Euros...but I will probably end up getting the stupid thing.

My parents got "accosted" while eating in Rome, and the gypsies are vicious - ever seen the movie "Snatch"? Bloody pikeys...

But seriously, I'd rather not carry a wallet at all when I'm over there, "decoy" or not. Not being a target at all is a better idea than being a decoy.

I've planned on just wearing single-color shirts and some tropic-weight khakis from LLBean.com ... they seem to look the part of "European wannabe on vacation."

Jorgelito had some good tips, as did Turbofish; I guess I won't be wearing my "USA #1" t-shirt to Paris. Damn. I'll just stick to wearing sunglasses at all times and chewing lots of fruity bubble gum - loudly.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to let you guys know if it turns out like a Chaucer tale or not.

-Hokiesandwich

[turbofish]

Originally Posted by hokiesandwich

Well, it's been a long time.

My girlfriend went to the Ukraine a few years ago, and she used one of those money pouches in the front of her pants... I'm worried about the damned thing, personally. I don't like the idea of reaching into my trousers for a couple Euros...but I will probably end up getting the stupid thing.

My parents got "accosted" while eating in Rome, and the gypsies are vicious - ever seen the movie "Snatch"? Bloody pikeys...

I've never heard of ANYONE who visited rome who did NOT talk about the damn pikeys... Seriously. Really fucked up!

You don't need to keep the small change between the underwear and trousers... When I travel I, at the most, have the equivalance to about $20-40 in my pocket, no wallet, just loose. No ID-card, VISA-card or passport - That goes in the pouch between underwear and trousers. I don't even bring a wallet, what's the point? The thing is, you dont get the form of a wallet from loose money, which doesn't attract thieves, and they have to "grab" more if they try to get your loose money in your pocket.

[lukethebandgeek]

Wear khakis and a button down shirt with leather shoes. No t-shirts, tennis shoes, or baseball hats. Wear a money belt.

On a subway, carry your backpack with one arm and all the zippers in your control. Always be mindful of your stuff. Don't be friendly to any stranger asking for you help, especially in English.

Don't be afraid of violence against you, and don't hit anyone. Just don't be a target, and watch your shit at all times.

[turbofish]

Originally Posted by lukethebandgeek

Wear khakis and a button down shirt with leather shoes. No t-shirts, tennis shoes, or baseball hats. Wear a money belt.

On a subway, carry your backpack with one arm and all the zippers in your control. Always be mindful of your stuff. Don't be friendly to any stranger asking for you help, especially in English.

Don't be afraid of violence against you, and don't hit anyone. Just don't be a target, and watch your shit at all times.

I would say that your not completly in tune. I say, wear what you want. Be friendly to everyone, but mindful. Surpricingly nice things happen sometimes, I was sitting next to a guy on the buss and asked for a good hotel, he asked me to stay with his family. This was in Turkey. I however agree to keep an eye on all your stuff and keep the backpack looped around an arm at all times.

[superiorrain]

I'm almost scared now of leaving my house after reading all these post about pick pockets. I live in England and travel often around Europe and still yet to experiance a problem, but that maybe that coming from london everyone around me is trying to pick my pocket. And as for those people being friendly to you, yeah always be careful of them, imagine someone being friendly, i hate it when that happens.

I'm sure wearing whatever you like is the best advice to be given here, if you act natural and feel comfortable then you will just blend in to the thousands of other tourist or millions of locals.

My advice would follow as such, take all the care you would when you leave you're own house at home. If you live in a city then i'm sure that coming to europe will be no different to walking around at home, just keep you're eyes open. Not every European hates America actually most of them like you, we do hate Bush but what can you do.

Enjoy Europe and spend lots of money, their economy needs it. I wish you all happy travelling.

[turbofish]

Originally Posted by superiorrain

I'm almost scared now of leaving my house after reading all these post about pick pockets. I live in England and travel often around Europe and still yet to experiance a problem, but that maybe that coming from london everyone around me is trying to pick my pocket. And as for those people being friendly to you, yeah always be careful of them, imagine someone being friendly, i hate it when that happens.

I'm sure wearing whatever you like is the best advice to be given here, if you act natural and feel comfortable then you will just blend in to the thousands of other tourist or millions of locals.

My advice would follow as such, take all the care you would when you leave you're own house at home. If you live in a city then i'm sure that coming to europe will be no different to walking around at home, just keep you're eyes open. Not every European hates America actually most of them like you, we do hate Bush but what can you do.

Enjoy Europe and spend lots of money, their economy needs it. I wish you all happy travelling.

Good post, as I told a confused American this summer: I don't particurarly like your current goverment, but your not the goverment.

[highthief]

I wonder if the OP made it back without punching anyone or has he been enslaved by Gypsies?

[Pearl Trade]

Bringing back old threads, amazing. When I went to Prague I was getting looked over by the Gypsies there within 10 minutes of getting off the train. Wouldn't surprise me if the OP got hit.

[Craven Morehead]

I was in Prague two years ago and never had an issue. Never once felt like I was a target. However the weather wasn't all that great, it was in November.

And did not give up my passport, either. I've never heard of that.

[Leto]

Originally Posted by Pearl Trade

Bringing back old threads, amazing. When I went to Prague I was getting looked over by the Gypsies there within 10 minutes of getting off the train. Wouldn't surprise me if the OP got hit.

That's what happens when folks are encouraged to search for existing threads before creating new ones!

[flat5]

When I came to Amsterdam in 1983 someone was being nice to me one day.
I came to realize he was an undercover narcotics cop. I told him I was not looking for trouble. I just wanted to survive as a musician. I walked away.