My wife & I depart on a tour to Scandinavia July 27, same one as Jenny who posted earlier, and I have a few "dollars and sense" questions:

As to dollars, since we will be only a couple of days in each of four Scandinavian countries, I am curious if shops and restaurants accept U. S. currency, also how about tipping? We expect to use our credit cards as much as possible.

As to sense, I am a little uncomfortable about traveling in Europe with a group of Americans due to the Iraq incursion. It so happens that we were strongly opposed to the invasion and continue to agonize about the occupation. What will be the reception of people on the streets and is there a subtle way to convey my own feelings?

Any further advice appreciated...and thanks already for those who have posted suggests on what to see and where to eat!
Bill in Missouri

No, you can't pay with US dollars in shops and restaurants, definitely not in restaurants.
I don't think anyone in the street will care about you, and I don't know of any subtle way to convey you "anti-occupation" feelings.

IMHO, leave your politics at home in the closet.....enjoy your trip because wherever you are,the "locals" will be hoping that you are indeed enjoying yourself in their locale.

I agree with your political views, but I would definately leave it at home and avoid the topic if it comes up. Don't ruin a good vacation.

I live in Switzerland and can answer your questions generally, having never been to Scandinavia. You MAY (a big may) find shops and restaurants which take US Dollars; however, they will not give you a good exchange rate at all, and you will get change in the local currency. Credit cars are fine; however you may find that smaller shops and restaurants will not take them at all. Get and ATM card linked to a checking account and use it. IMO, part of travelling is experiencing how the locals live. You do not sound like the quintessential Ugly American, so get some local currency and learn its value and how to use it.

Europeans generally do not tip. You can leave small change if you have it, but as most people are paid a fair wage, they do not live on tips. This is esp true in places like Scandinavia which have a comprehensive state social security and health insurance scheme.

At this point, you will find very little anti-war sentiment. Even at the height of the war, I never felt uncomfortable or targeted. Europeans are capable of making a distinction between the governmental policy of a country and the views of the citizens of that country. Relax and enjoy.

I agree...leave your politics at home.I got back from Italy last week and encountered no anti AMerican feelings. On the contrary, with tourism from the States down, many people were very happy to see us.

Regarding using US Dollars. Use an ATM or credit card. While a store may accept US $$$, the rate of exchange is likely to be poor.

Of course you've seen on TV anti-war demonstrations in San Francisco. Now as their cardboards are useless here, I can send you a couple for your trip so people won't have to guess which side you were on.

"...and is there a subtle way to convey my own feelings?"

Are you WANTING to convey your feelings, or are you afraid of the opposite - that you'll give off some kind of personal-politics-vibe and everyone will be staring and pointing at you?

Unless you are going on vacation with the agenda to deliberately walk around starting 'should we have or shouldn't we have' discussions, then just leave the politics at home and use your time in Scandinavia for what it's intended for....a VACATION.

Have a great time!

Hundred dollar bills will rarely insult any restaurant worker when they are left as a tip.

Or you can do what you would expect a Scandinavian customer to do in your place of business: obtain the appropriate currency for that country, and leave an appropriate tip, if you desire to.

Best wishes,

Rex

Bill?

Can I use Euros or Kroner in New York? I really can't be bothered to exchange money into dollars when I stop over in NYC enroute to Mexico on Continental next month. I only have a 12 hour layover so do you think the shops in NYC will let me use Euros? I have some Korean Won from when I was last in Asia, I guess i will be able to use that up as well? What about Mexico do you think I can use my left over currency there?

What a stupid question. Unbelievable. Is it any wonder many other nationalities think Americans are from another planet, not another country.