Documents

Don’t forget your ID card or passport – even if you are travelling between countries inside the EU’s border-free area, it’s still a good idea to carry these documents in case you need to prove your identity for some reason.

Non-EU travellers must always carry a valid passport and, depending on the country they are from, may also need an entry visa at the border.

Travelling with pets

EU citizens can travel within the EU with their cats, dogs or ferrets provided it has a European pet passport.

For other pets you should consult the relevant national rules before travel.

If you are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or the UK, your dog must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus.

Cash and paying by card

The euro is the currency used in 18 EU countries, and you can use all notes and coins in all 18 countries, including many of their overseas territories.

Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City also use the euro as their national currency, while Kosovo and Montenegro use the euro as their de facto currency.

Any payments in euro made using a debit/credit card within the EU should be charged at the same rate as any national electronically processed payment of the same value in euros.

Passenger rights

Whether travelling by rail, air, bus/coach or ship, if you experience delays, cancellations or have special mobility needs, you have rights when travelling in the EU.

Download the mobile app on passenger rights at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger-rights/en/mobile.html to have the information at hand if case you encounter any problems.

You can also submit an air passenger rights EU complaint form on your return if you wish to apply for a refund or compensation.

For rail, bus and ship passengers complaints should be directed to the carrier or company responsible.

If this is unsuccessful, or you are not satisfied with the reply, you can complain to the national enforcement body in the EU country where the incident took place.

Safety

Before you travel, check your airport’s website for a detailed list of prohibited items or ask your airline before travelling. Road safety and traffic rules vary within the EU so find out the country-specific rules before you go.

In case of emergency, dial 112 free of charge from fixed and mobile phones everywhere in the EU. Also remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

The EHIC card will simplify the paperwork and help with refunds for any public health care expenses.

Roaming charges

From July 1, 2014, the EU is lowering the price caps for data downloads by more than half – down from €0.45 per megabyte to €0.20.

This means it will be cheaper to use applications, watch videos, check e-mail and update social networks if you are travelling in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway.

See table below for details of other reduced rates when using your mobile phone abroad.

For further advice or information, visit http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/index_en.htm .

Mobile phone tariffs across the EU