Isram Travel Guide to EASTERN & CENTRAL EUROPE

OVERVIEW

We suggest that you consider these keys to a happy journey. Travel with an open mind and leave your pre-conceptions at home. Travel patiently - it takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and customs. Travel relaxed and be flexible and adaptable to all situations. We know that you'll have a wonderful time!

PASSPORTS
U.S. citizens traveling to Eastern & Central Europe require a passport valid for 6 months from the date of exit; no visa is required. Travelers holding passports from countries other than the U.S. should check with the consulates of each individual country regarding visa requirements.

CUSTOMS
The following items may be taken into Eastern & Central Europe duty free (per person): 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of alcoholic beverage (whisky & spirits) or 2 liters of wine.

BANK HOURS
Banks and hotels are authorized to buy foreign currency at the official rates of exchange. Banks are generally open during the week from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and cosmopolitan boutiques. In smaller shops, restaurants and in towns outside of major cities, payment is only in local currency.

TRAVELERS CHECKS
Traveler's checks may be changed into local currency at most banks and at major hotels.

BAGGAGE

The allowance on transatlantic flights is two (2) checked bags per person (neither to exceed 70 pounds nor a total of 62 inches in measurement.) One carry-on bag is permitted, not to exceed a total of 32 inches in measurement. However, please be aware that on flights between European countries baggage is weighed and limited to 44 pounds per person in Economy class and 66 pounds per person in First Class.

VOLTAGE
Electrical voltage is 220 AC, 50 cycles, standard in all European cities. Outlets require round, two-prong plugs. American appliances require converters and adapters.

TIME
Eastern & Central Europe is on Greenwich Mean Time plus 1 hour, or 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.

WEATHER
Summers are generally warm without being uncomfortably hot; winters are cold with snow. The temperate weather of spring and autumn accounts for the country's abundant corn and wine harvests and its rich vegetation and woodland areas.

WATER
Although the water is generally safe to drink, we recommend bottled water for drinking for those with easily troubled digestive tracts.

CLOTHING
We suggest that you pack crease-free clothing. Europeans tend to dress a bit more formally; dresses, pant suits and jackets are recommended for evenings. For daytime, please avoid shorts; skirts and slacks are appropriate at all times. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. For spring and fall, lightweight wools and a topcoat or heavy sweater is suggested. In the winter, pack a warm coat, raincoat, hat, and gloves.

• Photocopy of your passport and extra photos (keep separate from original)
  
• A scarf (for head and shoulders)
  
• Very, very comfortable shoes
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Sewing kit
  
• Medical and eyeglass prescriptions
  
• Extra pair of glasses/contacts
  
• Foldable slippers for the plane
  
• Packets of tissues and towelettes
  
• Packable tote-bag for day trips
  
• Folding umbrella
  
• Electric Coil (220 AC) for heating/boiling water
  
• Decaffeinated coffee/tea packets
  
• Travel diary
  
• Travel alarm clock

TIPPING - THE PRINCIPLE
Although service charges are included, it is customary to show your appreciation to hotel personnel and to the guide and driver of the tour. The average tip per person should approximate $1.00 per day for hotel personnel, $2.00 per day for the driver and $4.00 per day for the local guide. On escorted tour programs, we suggest $3.00 per day for the tour escort, if applicable. In restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is usually included in all bills; as this may vary at individual restaurants, we suggest that you inquire. If you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to give a tip amounting to approximately 5% of the bill.

INSURANCE
We recommend that you purchase adequate and comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Neither Isram World nor your travel agent is responsible for loss or damage to luggage, accidents en route or ill-health that may require you to miss part of your trip or your return to the U.S.A.