Passport/Visas
Holders of a valid US or Canadian passport do not require a Visa to stay in either of the five countries for up to 90 days. For more information, please call the nearest consulate of the respective country. The same goes for information on travel with pets.

Time difference
Central Europe is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Daylight Savings Time is in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Electricity
The voltage used in all five countries is 220V, with 50-cycle alternating current, compared to 110V, 60-cycle AC in the U.S.

Money matters
The Euro is the official currency in Austria, Germany and Italy. Swiss Francs are used in Switzerland. All major credit cards are widely accepted. We suggest to use cash for purchases in smaller shops, cafes, grocery stores and for taxis and public transportation. ATM machines can be found throughout the Alpine region.

Shopping Hours
Be aware that opening hours are not as liberal as in the United States. In general, shops are closed on Sundays, and during the week, shopping hours vary from country to country, but usually do not last past 8 p.m.

Telephone
There are two different kinds of public phones in use, one operated with coins, the other with phone cards, available at post offices, or newsstands. Making international calls from hotels can be very pricey, ask for alternatives such as international calling cards at local newsstands or post offices. The best times to call are usually during the weekend and late in the evening, when the tariffs are a little lower.

Country Code for Austria: ++43
Country Code for France: +33
Country Code for Germany: ++49
Country Code for Italy: ++39
Country Code for Switzerland: ++41
For calls to the US dial: 001 plus the area code and the local number.