While you're there:

Time:

• The member countries of the European Travel Commission are spread across three time zones:
• Greenwich Mean Time: Iceland, Ireland, and Great Britain are five hours ahead of New York (Eastern Standard Time).
• Central Time: Norway, Sweden, and the bulk of the continent are six hours ahead of EST. This includes Spain and Portugal (the latter changed zones not long ago).
• Eastern European Time: Finland, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are seven hours ahead of EST.

Electricity:
Virtually all of Europe is served with 220-volt, 50-cycle alternating current, compared to the U.S.'s 110-volt alternating current. If you bring appliances that work at home, you'll need adapters in Europe. Plug configurations vary; if you don't have the right adapter, your hotel may be able to provide you with one that fits.

Tourist Information:

• When you arrive at an airport or railway station look for the "I" sign for information. Similar "I" locations may also be found in major squares of the city.
• The "I" sign usually indicates offices of the local tourist bureau, which provide excellent services. Here you will get street and transit maps, basic brochures on the city sights, an up-to-date calendar of events, and advice on restaurants and hotels.

Tipping:

• In many countries, hotel and restaurant bills include a service charge, and any additional tipping is usually up to the visitor, but no more than 5 percent.
• Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10-15 percent. Again, customs vary. Your hotel concierge is a good source of information.

Shopping:

• Whether it's making a once-in-a-lifetime purchase at a famous store or hunting for bargains at an open-air market, shopping in Europe not only can be fun but often provides insights into a country's history or culture.
• You'll be a more savvy shopper abroad if you can research the specialties offered in the countries you will visit and do some comparison shopping before you leave.
• Remember that purchases made by credit card will be billed at the exchange rate of the date that the purchase is posted, not on the day that the item is purchased.
• Stores in some countries, notably in the Mediterranean region, are closed for two hours or more during mid-day.

VAT refund:

• Most European countries have instituted value-added taxes (VAT), a form of sales tax. One difference is that it is included in the price of the item, not added on at the cash register.
• Foreign visitors may be able to receive a refund of the tax, which can amount up to 15 to 20 percent of the total price. Ask at the store, especially if you make a major purchase.
• Usually one would fill out the form at the store and receive the refund upon leaving the country or by mail. VAT rates and refund procedures vary from country to country.

Heading Home

U.S. Customs:

• Visitors who have been abroad at least 48 hours and have not made a claim for exemption in 30 days can return home with $400 per person in purchases without paying any duty.
• The next $1,000 above that base sum is subject to a straight 10-percent levy; after that, the levies vary according to the article.
• One liter of alcohol, a carton of cigarettes, and 100 cigars are allowed in duty-free.