-I've seen COUNTLESS electronic adapters online. Are there ones that are better than others?

I dont have a particular preference but make sure it is an converter and not just an adapter if you plan to use it with electronics.

-On the plane, I got coach tickets cause first class was WAY too expensive. Are these seats like the ones you'd sit in to fly cross-country in USA? If so, that's not gonna fun...

Yup - same seats.

-What did you guys do on the plane for 8 hours? I have awful ADD lol

Hopefully your carrier has entertainment in the seat backs so you can watch movies, play video games etc. If not they should have tvs that play probably 2 movies for the entire cabin. I also bring a book and try to sleep.

-What are some things you wish someone had mentioned to you about air traveling to Europe for the first time before you went?

Be prepared when going through security so you dont hold up the line! Have your jacket off, shoes off if required, and everything ready to go!

-I have a 6 hour layover in Dublin. Is it a nice airport?

Dublin is a very small airport. There are places to shop and eat though not much else to do.

-While I was in Canada, i learned the debit card system was much different than America's. Is it the same in Europe? Can I just use my debit card as a plain ole credit card?

You can use your debit card in bank machines to take out cash. If it has a chip and pin you can use it to pay for things, but if not you will not be able to swipe and pay for things. So if you dont have a chip and pin card (you can see the chip if you have one) then plan to use bank machines to take out cash or a credit card.

Hope this gets you started - I am sure more people will chime in!

Just flew out of Dublin last week, and it unfortunately it looks and has the amenities of a standard airport.

There is one exception, if you are an American citizen and you are flying back from Dublin, you go through American customs and immigration at the Dublin airport and should be there THREE hours before your flight.

Legroom is coach on intercontinental flights and some some palnes have personal screens and ptehrs do not.

There are few brand names associated with adapters, so one must inspect them for sturdiness, which, of course, is impossible to do on-line.

"I dont have a particular preference but make sure it is an converter and not just an adapter if you plan to use it with electronics."

You won't need a converter with most modern electronics as they are usually dual voltage (110v-250v), you'll only need a plug adapter. The only thing you may need a converter for are hairdriers, irons (anything with a heating element in it that is 110v) but in reality don't bother bringing anything like that.

yeah i'm borrowing a hair dryer and a straightener when i get there so as to try to avoid the voltage confusion.

mostly i only need an adapter for my ipad and phone charger.

same seats? man i hope it's not a full flight. maybe i can move around and get a double seat and stretch out.

i don't have the chip in my debit card. that's the different thing in cards i noticed in canada. our system in the US just basically runs it like a credit card, no chip required, but i usually didn't run into too many instances where they wouldn't take my debit as a credit card, so here's hoping.

can i leave the Dublin airport and come back for my flight to England? Cause that would be nice

You need a card with pin if you intend to use ATMs

" -What are some things you wish someone had mentioned to you about air traveling to Europe for the first time before you went? "

It was 47 years ago and your question reminded me. Wear your most comfortable shoes. I went for fashion and when I got off the plane I could hardly get them on with a very painful subsequent couple of hours.

In addition, be sure to call your credit/debit card companies to tell them where and when you'll be there or they probably won't work. Credit for purchases, debit for cash.

If you are on an overnight flight try to get some sleep, even if it is 30 minutes here and there. I also buy a bottle of water at the airport and try to drink/take sips every 30 minutes or so to keep from getting dehydrated.
Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes (I had very comfy cute sneakers), 2 pairs. Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. That truly saved me.
Do some research ahead of time regarding the trains, generals area, etc.

The planes going overseas are much larger than most of the planes flying within the USA. Wide-body planes that have 3-3-3 seating or 2-5-2 seating. You can stand at your seat without hitting your head (if you're under 6' tall). Plus every seat back has a flat panel monitor with a dozen stations to watch or listen to music (bring your own earbuds!). Most of the flights are overnight so sleeping is always an option. You probably won't sleep much, so having a layover in Dublin will give you the option of napping in the terminal! Ireland is Euro while UK is Pound Sterling.

The only problem I had with my ATM card was that my PIN started with a zero, which didn't work in England or France. I made a call to the 800 number on the back (from my AT&T phone with a local SIM card) and was able to change the number temporarily. Remember to notify your card company that you are traveling so they won't freeze the card (thinking it's been stolen). Try to get about $200 at a time (euros or sterling) so you don't rack up too many fees. Just be smart about your surroundings when you get money. I felt safer in London and Paris than in Baltimore! Learn where the local Tesco's or Sainsbury's are - supermarkets are one of the best places to grab an inexpensive lunch! Soda is especially expensive in restaurants. Save your money for other things

Don't expect a cupful of ice when you order ice water or soda. You might get one large cube. And don't ask for iced tea. You won't get it, lol! When in a pub, look for the signs for ordering. It's done at the bar, not at the table. And NEVER tip the bartender. For some reason they find it offensive. Pub grub is great and pretty cheap. The English (I think all Europeans) eat everything with a knife and fork - except cake. If you don't, you may want to practice at home or you may feel a little odd. Such a small thing, but even my kids started eating with a knife and fork on our first trip.

Paper money is colored and different sizes. Larger domination bills are larger. Coin money is very common. One pound and two pound coins. Tax is already included on items you purchase in shops. The price you see is the price you pay. Ten percent tipping is pretty standard in sit-down restaurants.

I bought an adapter kit from AAA because I was traveling to different countries (England and France have different plugs). I did find out that many of the hotels and B&Bs have a box full of converters accidentally left by previous travelers. That was pretty handy on my last trip when I forgot mine!

The bus service in England is great, you can take a local bus or coach bus pretty much anywhere in the country cheaply. If there are at least three of you traveling together in a larger city (like London), it's usually cheaper to take a taxi than taking the subway - although the subway can get you there faster.

They only let you take one item on board with you when you leave the UK, even if you're on an American carrier (one bag - not one carryon bag and a purse). And you won't need to take off your shoes. Going through Customs will take a while, be patient. They will ask you where you are going and how long you are staying. Don't be offended, they ask EVERYONE the same questions. Many cultures don't wear deodorant and Europeans in general have a different concept of personal space. They also don't smile all the time, but that doesn't mean that they aren't friendly. Being courteous will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.

Sorry, I know it's a lot of information. Probably more than you need or want!

Don't sweat the small stuff. And don't overpack. Shopping for replacements in the local shops is part of the fun!! Hope you have an amazing trip!!

The first thing I do before leaving country for any amount of time, is to call the bank, credit card companies to let them know I will be out of the country, not to where. So, they are aware if any suspicious transactions, is not me.
I never had problems with ATM cards, and that is the best way to get cash, they have the best exchange rate and additional fees. And if you find out which banks have corresponding bank to yours in the US, they give you a better deal.

About converters, I saw this Monday at Costco a Samsonite adapter, key locks and converter set, which looks very nice and streamlined, my converter (quite old) is very clumsy.

About the long flight, nowadays they have such good multimedia, game consoles, depending from where you fly between the movies (always much better than continental US)games, programs, snacks and dinners will go quite quickly, but advise you whenever possible to stand up and stretch those legs and arms.

I have a neck pillow from Tempurpedic, which is bit more expensive than your regular one, but it pays in long run for the comfort.

And, since you are going to England, do not forget a good rain jacket with hood, you'll need it.

Bon Voyage

thanks guys! don't tip the bartenders? hmm. if you don't do that here, they spit in your drink

yeah my debit card can double as a credit card so i'm not TOO worried about that, but we'll see how it goes.

Are there stores here in america that sell converters and i can actually TALK to a person about them? (i saw the costco reference, but sadly i don't have a membership)

thanks again for all the help!

I've been told that tipping the barman is "pretentious", sort of like you think you are superior to them. One thing I did notice was if you are actually drinking in a bar (not just stopping by for a bite to eat), you can always "buy" the barman a drink as a thank you. Sort of like "Have one on me" sort of thing. I've never had one turn me down!
It's also common to buy a round for anyone you've been chatting with for a while. You don't have to buy for the whole bar though

For the adaptor you can grab one at Brookstone or Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I am almost positive mine came from BBB and it was a full set (5 different types) labeled with the area/country it can be used in. Love it.
My travel clock is from Brookstone (buy may also have gotten that at BBB). I like to have it for my own piece of mind and usually set it for 5 minutes before my wake up call just in case I doze back to sleep.

Wobbers: Debit cards have PINs in the US.

Some advice: you do NOT need a converter for your computer, ipad, ipod, ilife, etc.

Do not take any cash with you - just withdraw from the ATM. Know your fees so that you don't keep drawing and charging yourself. A CapOne online account or credit union account will minimize foreign transaction fees.

yeah i just called my bank today to get the run down. not too bad. they have a 1% fee for any international transactions. no biggie.

I need to get a keyboard for my ipad too. i'm not taking my computer over there, but i feel i need an ipad. i know brookstone has them, are they good?

also, i saw this kit online:

http://www.brookstone.com/webassets/product_images/700x700/599498p_alt1.jpg

from what i understand, the plug farthest to the left in the second row is the UK plug.

true or false?

true.

Radio Shack and Best Buy also carry converters and adapters. Usually the package of adapters includes a paper with pictures of which plug is used where.

lol i'm all about pictures making things easier. truly.

Re tipping in Bars/Pubs in the UK...

It's really not necessary and they won't take offence, and definitely no spitting unless you are in a really dodgy pub . It's very different to the US in that you pay for each round of drinks at the bar and take them back to your table.
The only time you might want to tip is if you get table service - more popular in bars than pubs.

If you have layovers use your laptop to pass the time. Or you can explore and eat somewhere. Just don't keep looking at your watch every 5 mins. It will drive you crazy xDD

....The English (I think all Europeans) eat everything with a knife and fork - except cake. ...

What? Do you tear your chicken apart and toss the bones over your shoulder? I must have mixed in superior American circles but all my friends eat with a knife and fork. They transfer the fork to their right hand to eat, but that's another story. Really messy cake is eaten with a fork. If you have afternoon tea, you will be given one.

lol i'm American. I know how to use a knife and fork

and yeah i'm bringing my ipad and buying a keyboard for it..that'll keep me busy. plus eating, drinking, and taking photos of everything. and shopping

A US to UK plug adapter looks like this:
http://tinyurl.com/cadvgv5

A US to continental Europe (Schuko) plug looks like this:
http://tinyurl.com/cv5n636

or this (grounded):
http://tinyurl.com/bou4sky

Don't spend more than a few dollars for them.

So i read on a model on Amazon that a "UK" plug won't work in Ireland. True or false?

and yeah i wasn't looking to spend a lot...that one kit was just an idea.

. And you won't need to take off your shoes. Going through Customs will take a while, be patient. They will ask you where you are going and how long you are staying. Don't be offended, they ask EVERYONE the same questions. Many cultures don't wear deodorant and Europeans in general have a different concept of personal space. They also don't smile all the time, but that doesn't mean that they aren't friendly>>

let's just unpack this a little:

<<They only let you take one item on board with you when you leave the UK, even if you're on an American carrier (one bag - not one carryon bag and a purse)>>

not true. it depends on the carrier. we flew on KLM to Amsterdam from B'ham and could have carried on any number of bags.

<<And you won't need to take off your shoes>>

again, not true. it depends on the agent who is dealing with you are the security check. some will some won't.

<<Going through Customs will take a while, be patient. They will ask you where you are going and how long you are staying. Don't be offended, they ask EVERYONE the same questions.>>

that's passport control, not customs. customs is where you are asked of you have anything to declare and [if you are VERY unlucky] may be stopped to have your luggage searched. it's true it may take quite a while.....or even longer.

<<Many cultures don't wear deodorant and Europeans in general have a different concept of personal space. They also don't smile all the time, but that doesn't mean that they aren't friendly>>

i think this means that we smell and look grumpy. which would be understandable if the former statement were true. i'm not sure about europeans having a different concept of personal space [to americans] - i think that there are so many variations within europe that it's difficult to generalise.

sorry to be picky, Kerry!

"So i read on a model on Amazon that a "UK" plug won't work in Ireland. True or false?"

The same as UK: http://www.dochara.com/info/electricity/electricity-in-ireland/

Kerry has not yet suggested "Try the famous echo in the British Museum Reading Room"
...it's usually cheaper to take a taxi than taking the subway - although the subway can get you there faster...

What s/he calls a subway, in London is officially called the London Underground or colloquially, the Tube.
If you follow a notice saying "subway", you will end up just crossing the road. Subways are a safer way to cross a really busy road, but you have to make sure that you emerge at the right exit. It's utter nonsense to say that a taxi is cheaper than public transport.

MissPrism - i missed those- well spotted.

though to be fair, she does say that if there are three or more of you, it may be cheaper than getting the tube. which with the exorbitant cost of public transport in London, may well be true.

I'm staying with my friend and she's from Manchester, so I'm prolly gonna just stay glued to her side the whole time.

I went through customs in Canada so yeah I know that depending on people, it can take a while.

I have know Middle Eastern folks who will sit RIGHT next to Americans. It weirds us out. lol.

Or people who sit right next to strangers in a movie theater. Weird. lol

Hooameye, that was an excellent, easy to understand, link. Indeed, RoI uses the same three-pin plugs as the UK.

Olliegrl, check the specs on your chargers and devices to insure they say 100-240V 50/60 Hz or something similar. All my camera, cellphone, iPad, and computer chargers do. If so, they are designed to be used either with 110-120V 60 Hz or 220-240V 50 Hz electricity, work equally well on either, and should be used only with the adapter plug and not a converter or transformer.

"So i read on a model on Amazon that a "UK" plug won't work in Ireland. True or false?"

False.

_____

I have know Middle Eastern folks who will sit RIGHT next to Americans. It weirds us out. lol.

Really? How many Muslim countries has the United States and Nato invaded? Who has the right to be weirded out? LOL

>>if there are three or more of you, it may be cheaper than getting the tube. which with the exorbitant cost of public transport in London, may well be true.<<

Only for very short journeys (so short that you might as well walk or take a bus), and if you insist on paying cash per ticket. £12 doesn't get you that far in a taxi, either.

Wow Aduchamp1, that wasn't really an invitation to start a political debate...just a comment...calm down.

thanks Heimdall! Good to know! I might try to bum my friend's chargers when I can

Olliegirl writes:

Wow Aduchamp1, that wasn't really an invitation to start a political debate...just a comment...calm down.
_____

I figured that response was coming, but adding an LOL does not change the tone and the intent of the comment.

great. congrats. You made your point. you get a cookie.

anyway,

I'm glad to hear that I'm not limited to one bag in the UK...i should just take empty suitcases and buy stuff there lol...ah i'm so excited to go! And is it sad that I'm also excited to be on a plane again? Does anyone else feel that way about planes? lol

I forgot to say in all this I'm travling on Aer Lingus. Are they a pretty good airline as far as comfort, etc?

I'm glad to hear that I'm not limited to one bag in the UK..>>

you might be or you might not - as I said above, it depends on the carrier. typically, airlines like BA, KLM, and Aer lingus do not have limits, ones like ryanair and easyjet do.

but you need to check your own flight details to see what the weight limits and limits on hand luggage are for your flight/s.

right right...i know that i can't take more than a 50lb bag with me on the train to Chicago (where i'm leaving the US from) so I think that'll have to set the tone for luggage for the rest of the trip. In my head I wanna pack everything I own, but in the end, I'll prolly settle for a few items i can mix and match and wear more than once. Gotta get a good pair of walking shoes though.

50lbs?!!

the aer lingus limit is 20kgs in the hold plus one [very strictly applied] carry-on, which their website says must not exceed 10kgs and the dimensions given below:

http://www.aerlingus.com/i18n/en/htmlPopups/baggageinformation.html

do make sure that the luggage you are using complies with this BEFORE you leave or life could get very expensive.

good to know! yeah i'm REALLY gonna try and keep an eye on the weather so i know what to pack and i don't overpack. i keep having nightmares about the last time i flew internationally...but i was also going for a month..i think my bags hit 70 lbs total. eh.

Plus, i KNOW i'm gonna shop while i'm there, so i gotta save room for that too.

thanks for the link!

olliegirl - try what I do.

1. put out all the clothes that you think you might need. put 1/2 of them back.

2. get out the case. realise that you still have 2x what you need and put another 50 % of what is left back.

3. put things together. do you need that puffa jacket? that 7th pair of shoes [we have shops, in europe, as you well know]

4. weigh your case. remember that as well as shops, we have laundries. [yes, i know, it's a stretch].

5. wear those walking shoes to travel.

haha! i feel like you know me. i'll only be there for about a week, so laundry prolly won't be necessary.

yeah i'm trying REALLY hard not to overpack.

thanks for the advice!

also, do you have fr

also, do you have fr>>

do i have ??? - yes, olliegirl - clearly we were separated at birth!

hmmm i don't remember what i was writing. oh well, must not be important. i think i tried to post something and it didn't take.

i'm going to vegas next week and i'm trying not to overpack for just 4 days. eh.

My heart is utterly broken from all the harsh words! <dramatic pause>

I've flown out of Heathrow 5 times on different carriers, and I was NEVER allowed to carry more than one bag into the cabin. Maybe I've just been unlucky, but I don't really think so. I've never had to take my shoes off going through security in either England or France. I have had to wait in very long lines coming into Heathrow with thousands of world travelers, like herds of cattle (me included), trying to get into the country. The smell from the masses can be quite overwhelming, especially when so many people are crushed together. I don't think anyone is particularly happy or smelling very nice at that point. Same concept applies to the Underground regarding crushed and smelly, but only during rush hours. Not too different than being on the Washington Metro in the summer actually.

Having to use a knife and fork when given thick stew is not something I've EVER experienced in the USA, I always gotten them in England and Wales. I do generally eat slices of pizza and individual french fries with my hands, especially since I wouldn't order them in a fancy restaurant anyway. Brits eat both of them with a knife and fork. When I picked up a slice of pizza (that I had to cut from an uncut pie), you'd have thought I dropped my trousers in front of everyone! Oh well.

Can't say that I've every thrown a bone over my shoulder, not that I think there's anything wrong with that....

Alas, the only spoon I ever got was the tiny one that comes with tea (or coffee after dinner). I've never been offered a knife OR fork when given sliced cake, even in a tea shop. I have been offered ketchup or salad cream to go with my pizza, but that's a whole different story.

Sure, I misspoke about the "subway", but it sounds like everyone understood what I meant. I could have said "Metro", the "T", the "Underground", the "L", or the "Tube". When the weather is hot, and it CAN get hot in London (it hit the upper 90s when I was there in the summer of 2003), I would still rather travel above ground than in the sweltering Tube, crushed in a sweaty mass of humanity. Done that, in both London and Paris that summer, and have no desire to ever experience it again!

I hope you have an amazing trip with wonderful weather!

Most electronic devices today, as noted, operate on dual currents and will say input 100v-225 v or something like that. In that case all you need is a plug adapter sold everywhere in the UK at Boots or Superdrug for a couple of pounds (colloquially known as quid just like dollars are sometimes called bucks, pounds are sometimes called quid...this costs 5 quid means something costs £5...

2. I believe, Ireland and the UK are part of a common immigration area so you will go through passport control in Dublin and upon landing at Heathrow no passport control will be necessary (this is always subject to change) but as I remember just a year or two ago in flying from Dublin to London there was no passport control at Heathrow for that flight.

3. I always urge people not to use a debit card's "credit cdard" feature. I will explain why. Credit card theft is prevelant throughout the world, no greater or less in Europe than in the USA (although American cards are a bit more prone to cloning because of the lack of chip and pin which is discussed elsewhere here). If somebody clones a credit card, no big deal. You simply tell the credit card companywhich charges are fraudulent, they are removed from your bill and you are not out any money. True a bit of aggrevation the first tme it happen but it's happened to me three or so times over the last 25 years and while I won't say I'm used to it, it can be handled with a few phone calls. If your debit card is cloned, actual money will come out of your account and while for the most part it can and is restored, it is somewhat more of a hassle. While you are waiting for the matter to bge resolved, some of your checks and/or automatic payments may turn to rubber. Do not use your primary checking account's debit card feature. Immediately apply to Capital One for a no fee no foreign currency fee credit card and use it only.

As far as chip and pin vs. the antiquated American cards, there are lots of discussions here. For the most part in ht euK, especially in London, they are used to dealing with US cdredit cards and will know how to swipe them in the terminals so I woldn't worry there.

3. Tipping is included at some restaurants (it is indicated on the menu service included and if not it will also be indicated. Generally in London an acceptable tip is 10% at a restaurant, at least that's what I leave and have never gotten a dirty look (perhaps behind my back). You are not expected to tip the bar tender in a pub.

Guess that's it. You will find London is very used to dealing with Amerian tourists, even novice ones at that. Prices for some thngs will be cheaper, for others more. But then again, at least there should be few language difficulties because as I say all the time, English and American are very closely relatd language and in general we can understgand one another!

i have a shopping related question...i've heard rumors (from family members who have been there) that designer brands (Chanel, LV, Dior, etc) are cheaper over in Europe cause they don't pay the import and shipping fees to the US.

True or false?

again, thanks SO much for all the advice!

False. And "probably" is not spelled "prolly" Any tortoise knows that!