TRAVELLERS' INFORMATION

For people planning on travelling to:

Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia

Immigration and Customs:

Since the entry of the following Eastern European countries into the European Union on 01 May 2004, visas are no longer required by Australian and New Zealand passport holders for the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia for tourist stays of up to 90 days. In addition, visas are not required for Croatia (up to 90 days) and Bulgaria (up to 30 days). Visas are still required for Romania. Other passport holders should check with their travel agent or with Beyond Travel regarding requirements.

While immigration and customs facilities in Eastern Europe have improved greatly in the past few years, please be prepared for delays and some lingering bureaucracy.

Porters / Luggage Handling:

Porters and luggage trolleys are not always available in the airports and railway stations of Eastern Europe. Therefore, please be prepared to carry your own luggage, often over long distances and, in the case of railway stations, up and down the stairs as well as in and out of train carriages. Your own portable luggage trolley or luggage with wheels is highly recommended.

Please also understand that your departure transfers are to the railway station or airport entrances only. Your drivers cannot assist you beyond this point.

Hotels:

Many travellers to Europe find that the local star ratings are not equivalent to the services and facilities found in most hotels in Australasia. In particular, many European hotels - especially older hotels - are smaller than our more modern hotels and often do not have comparable facilities.

Finally, many Central / Eastern European hotels, even of a four-star standard, do not have air-conditioning (all hotels have heating during winter months).

Your Train Journeys:

Prior to your first day of travel, it is necessary to have Passes validated / stamped at a railway station. Prior to each day of travel, be sure to enter the date of travel in the corresponding box of the calendar prior to boarding the train; and / or

•  Seat Reservations

Unless you have specifically requested and prepaid for seat reservations, your rail tickets are without seat reservations. For most trains , it is not necessary to hold a seat reservation and there are normally enough available seats (on many regional trains, it is not possible to reserve seats in any case). For certain trains - usually long distance, high-speed trains - seat reservations are compulsory and must be made prior to boarding the train.

If desired, seat reservations can be made in Australia and New Zealand prior to travel (costs apply), but please note that many trains in Eastern Europe can only be reserved within 45 days of travel. In Europe, seat reservations can be made at any major railway station at any time prior to travel.

Arrival / Departure Transfers:

If you have pre-paid transfers, please note:

•  If arriving by plane, please look for your driver holding a sign with your name or Beyond Travel in the arrivals area immediately after exiting Customs.

•  If arriving by train, please look for your driver holding a sign with your name or Beyond Travel at the exit end of the platform by the first carriage.

•  If departing by plane, your transfer pick-up from the hotel will normally be 2-3 hours before your flight and stated on your voucher. If not stated on your voucher, please reconfirm with the local service provider. Meet your driver in the hotel lobby.

•  If departing by train, your transfer pick-up from the hotel will be approximately 1-1½ hours before your train departure (see voucher). If not stated on your voucher, please reconfirm with the local service provider. Please meet driver in the hotel lobby.

NB Your transfers have been booked according to the flight and train information as stated on your vouchers. In the event of a travel delay or rearrangement of your itinerary which necessitates an amendment of your arrival or departure transfer, you must notify the local service provider in advance (during business hours). Failure to advise the local service provider of any changes will result in forfeituire of this service, and any additional costs will be at your own expense. Please be sure to amend your transfer well in advance as last minutes changes may not be possible.

In some cases you may be unable to advise the local service provider of a late arrival due to unexpected flight delays, lengthy waits clearing immigration/customs, lodging lost baggage claims, etc. However, please understand that drivers are only able to wait a reasonable amount of time, normally about one hour, after your scheduled arrival time. If a transfer is missed as a result of such delays which are not the fault of the local service provider, you will need to arrange at your own expense an alternative transfer to your destination. Refunds will not be issued but may, in some cases, be claimed through your travel insurance.

Temperatures:

The average maximum daytime temperatures for each month of the year are set out in the following table:

Security:

You should not encounter major problems of personal safety in Eastern Europe if you take the standard precautions one would take anywhere else in the world. However, your attention is drawn to the prevalence of pick-pocketing and minor thefts in public transport (e.g. crowded buses and trains) and in popular tourist areas, especially in Prague and Budapest. Particular attention must be paid to gypsies who often congregate and operate in groups.

In most hotels individual safety deposit boxes are available at reception for the safekeeping of your main documents (i.e. air tickets, passports, visas, etc.) during your stay. A comfortable money wallet which may be worn securely under your clothing at all times is highly recommended for carrying cash, credit cards and travellers' cheques when outside your hotel. On sightseeing tours, carry the minimum amount of cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards you expect to use on that day.

In addition we highly recommend that you refer to the websites of the Australian and New Zealand Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

http://mfat.govt.nz/travel

Here you can find general travel tips and information, along with specific 'Travel Advisories' for most countries in the world. Travel advisories provide an assessment of the risk of travel and up-to-date information about the security environment in a particular country, including possible terrorist threats, problems with law and order and natural disasters. They also provide advice on a range of practical issues like visa requirements, health and medical issues, cultural or religious differences and local diplomatic missions.

Currency:

The Euro ( € ) is the currency of most Western European countries including Austria and Germany. The other local currencies in Central and Eastern Europe are the Czech Korun (CZK), the Slovak Koru na (SKK), the Slovenian Tolar (SIT), the Polish Zloty (PLN), the Hungarian Florint (HUF), the Croatian Kuna (HRK), the Romanian Lei (ROL) and the Bulgarian Lev (BGL). However, since the entry of m any Eastern European countries into the European Union on 01 May 2004, the Euro is now the major second currency in Eastern Europe and you will often notice prices listed in Euros as well as the local currency. Sometimes, especially in shops, restaurants, taxis and market places - cash payment may also be made in Euros.

Throughout Eastern Europe, cash in local currencies is readily available from ATMs. In general, any major currency including EURO, USD, GBP and AUD, can be exchanged for local currencies at numerous exchanges, banks and hotel desks in all the major cities. Travellers' cheques may also be exchanged but high commissions usually apply.

Voltage:

220/230 AC 50 volts. Plugs are normally European round, two pin. Adaptors are usually, but not always, available in hotels and it is a good idea to carry your own, if possible.

For people planning on travelling to:

Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Baltic States, Finland, Trans-Siberian / Trans-Mongolian Railway Journeys

Visas, Immigration and Customs:

Visas are required by Australian passport holders for Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, China and Mongolia. Australian passport holders currently do not require visas for Finland, Estonia and Lithuania or Latvia. Other passport holders should check with their travel agent or Beyond Travel. Please note that visas are required even if only transiting by train through a country - for example if travelling by train from Moscow, St Petersburg or Vilnius to Europe (or vice versa), a visa is required for Belarus. (Belarus currently does not have diplomatic representation in Australia and visas must be obtained prior to travel at a Belarussian Embassy in the capital of a neighbouring country, e.g. Warsaw, Moscow, Vilnius, etc).

All visas are stamped in your passport except for your Russian visa - this is a separate document that should be carried with your passport at all times.

On arrival in each country, it is necessary to present your passport and visa. While immigration and customs facilities in the former Soviet Union have improved greatly in the past few years, be prepared for some delays and a little bureaucracy.

It is no longer necessary to complete Customs Declaration Forms on arrival in countries of the former Soviet Union unless you are carrying large amounts of cash (i.e. USD 1500 or more); in which case you should declare it by way of a Customs Clearance Form on arrival to avoid any questions on departure. Forms are distributed on flights or trains arriving into Russia (if required).

Visa Registration:

In Russia and the Ukraine, it is necessary to hand over your passport and visa on arrival at your hotel for registration and stamping. Your visa and passport will be available again after a few hours.

In Russia it is necessary to pay a small charge (usually USD 2-3 per person) to the first hotel for registration of your visa within the Russian Federation. This charge is NOT included in your pre-paid accommodation and must be paid separately to the hotel.

If your accommodation is in a home stay, our local representative will arrange for registration and stamping of your visa by the relevant local authorities and may be more expensive.

Arrival / Departure Transfers:

For those who have pre-paid transfers:

•  If arriving by air, please look for your driver in the arrivals area immediately after exiting Customs. The driver will be holding a sign bearing your name or Beyond Travel .

•  If arriving by train, look for your driver at the exit end of the platform. Again, the driver will carry a sign bearing your name or Beyond Travel.

•  If departing by air, your transfer pick-up time from the hotel will normally be 2-3 hours before your flight and the time will be stated on your voucher. If it is not, please reconfirm with the local service provider. Please meet the driver in the hotel lobby .

•  If departing by train, your transfer pickup from the hotel will be approximately 1-1.5 hours before your train departure and will be indicated on your voucher. If not, please reconfirm with the local service provider. Please meet the driver in the hotel lobby .

Your transfers have been booked according to the flight and train information and will be shown on your vouchers. In the event of a travel delay or re-arrangement of your itinerary, please contact our local representative prior to arrival or departure to advise any changes. Please note that failure to advise changes in advance may result in forfeiture of this service or an additional cost at your expense. In the unlikely event that you fail to meet your driver on arrival in any city, please proceed by taxi to the hotel. Please return your unused transfer voucher for a refund.

Voltage:

220/230 AC 50 volts. Plugs are normally European round, two pin. Adaptors are usually, but not always, available in hotels and it is a good idea to carry your own.

Security:

In Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic Republics, you should encounter no major problems of personal safety if you take the standard precautions you would take in any other city. You will, of course, be immediately recognisable as a foreigner (and hence automatically assumed to be wealthier than the local population), and you should not draw attention to yourself unnecessarily. Valuable jewellery, expensive luggage and other personal effects which might attract attention should be left at home.

In most hotels there will be individual safety deposit boxes available at the reception for the safe-keeping of your main documents (i.e. air tickets, passports, visas, etc.) during your stay. A comfortable money wallet that can be worn securely under your clothing at all times is highly recommended for carrying cash, credit cards and travellers cheques when outside your hotel. Pay particular attention to cameras, wallets, bags etc in areas frequented by large numbers of tourists, e.g. Red Square ( Moscow ), Nevsky Prospekt ( St Petersburg ), museums, churches, Metro stations and other public areas.

Contrary to some media reports, foreigners are in no physical danger from the so-called 'Mafia' and should encounter no problems, as long as the normal precautions are observed.

It is recommended that you have a photocopy of the first four pages of your passport including the pages with your relevant visas (including your Russian visa), plus a record of the numbers and amount of all unused travellers'cheques. Keep these separate from the originals in case of loss.

Health:

As you will be travelling in areas largely free of major infectious diseases, there are no official vaccination requirements for foreign visitors. However, we strongly recommend that prior to departure you consult your doctor or vaccination centre for current health warnings and recommended vaccinations.

While most Western pharmaceutical items (including prescription items) are now available in the European or American-managed medical centres operating in most major cities, we suggest that you bring a small supply of basic items for personal use.

Throughout the former Soviet Union and China , it is recommended that you drink bottled mineral water throughout your journey and refrain from drinking tap water unless properly boiled. Mineral water is usually automatically provided with meals and is readily available. It is always wise to keep a bottle in your hotel room for personal use.

Currency:

Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia and China each have their own currencies which can be purchased and exchanged only in that country. In all major cities there are numerous banks and exchanges, not only at airports and the normal locations, but often also located in hotel lobbies, major shops, restaurants and museums.

Cash in USD and EURO can be easily exchanged in large or small amounts.

Note that the city governments of Moscow and St Petersburg have recently implemented a local sales tax of 5%. This tax applies to all purchases paid with credit card or cash. In the case of charges signed to your room account (e.g. room service, telephone, minibar), the tax will automatically be charged to your room account upon check-out. You do NOT have to pay this 5% tax on the room price as this has been pre-paid.

By law all transactions in each country should be done in the local currency. Because of unstable local currencies, prices in hotels, restaurants etc are often listed in USD or EURO, but payment must be made in local currency at the daily exchange rate which will be published. However, many street vendors and small shop-keepers from whom you are likely to be purchasing souvenirs and small items may ask for payment in USD or EURO (although you may, of course, pay in local currency). You may also have more chance to bargain with USD and EURO and thus avoid the need to change your foreign currency into local currency which must then be exchanged back into 'hard currency' when you leave.

If bringing USD or EURO, it is essential that your banknotes are clean and new looking, and for USD the serial dates are from 1990 or later. While old and worn notes are still legal tender in the USA, it is virtually impossible to exchange them in the former Soviet Union and China.

Credit cards are increasingly accepted, especially in major hotels, restaurants and shops, but generally you will find them of no use for your general purchase of souvenirs or light meals, or indeed anywhere not mainly frequented by foreigners. However, ATMs are readily available in most major cities for dispensation of cash in local currencies. Cash advances on Visa and MasterCard can be arranged in many banks, and the American Express offices in capital cities will exchange travellers' cheques for cash and offer cash advances in local currency on American Express cards.

Travellers' cheques are of little use and not recommended in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Mongolia. In China and the Baltics, banks and other establishments are now more willing to handle travellers' cheques, but they should not be relied upon.

Due to liberalisation of the local banking systems and more or less free conversion of the local currencies, there is generally no longer any difference between 'black market' rates and 'official' rates. There is no need to change money on the street, as it is now easy to obtain local currency in the officially registered exchanges or banks

Sightseeing, Theatre etc:

Your pre-booked sightseeing, theatre tickets or other services are listed on your vouchers and provided during your stay by our local representatives.

In Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Belarus and Mongolia, all tours (except walking tours and Moscow Metro tours) are in a private car with your own guide and include all applicable entrance fees. Please meet your guide in the hotel lobby near the reception desk at the time specified on the voucher. Should you wish to extend the time of your tour, please agree privately in advance with your driver and guide as to an appropriate additional fee. These guides are also a source of useful local information such as recommended restaurants, telecommunications, public transport, opening hours, local customs and etiquette.

NB. Travellers staying at the Rossia Hotel ( Moscow ) should meet their guide and/driver in the West Wing Lobby.

In China all sightseeing is done in scheduled coach tours and includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Please be waiting in the hotel lobby near the reception desk at the time specified on the voucher.

In Helsinki, the Helsinki Expert Sightseeing Tour included with your Helsinki Card should be pre-booked on arrival in Helsinki at the coach departure point or by telephone (2288 1600).

If you have pre-booked theatre tickets, these will be provided to you by your local guide or our local representative in each city. As theatre programs in Russia and the Ukraine are usually published no more than a month in advance, it may be necessary to reconfirm with your local guide after arrival your choice from the various performances available during your stay.

NB. Performances usually begin at 19:00 hours (7.00pm). Transport to and from the theatre is not included and we recommend you take a taxi from your hotel. You may also wish to negotiate with the driver to return at the end of the performance to meet you. Reconfirm the price in advance.

Tipping:

As elsewhere in the world, tipping of local guides, drivers, porters and restaurant staff is now generally accepted. While tips are at the discretion of the individual, the following amounts may be used as a general guide:

Guides: USD 5 up to USD 10 (half day up to full day)

Drivers: USD 3 up to USD 8 (half day up to full day)

Porters: USD 1-2 per person, depending on amount of luggage

Waiters: in inexpensive establishments, round up the bill. In more expensive establishments, 5-8% of the total bill would be the customary gratuity.

Tips once common in the Soviet era such as Marlboro cigarettes, chewing gum and stockings should not be given as tips as these items are now readily available in local shops.

On the Train:

With the exception of St Petersburg - Helsinki (or vice versa), virtually all your rail journeys will be by overnight trains with reserved sleeping compartments.

In the former Soviet Union, 'first class' compartments contain 2 lower berths and 'second class' contains 4 berths (2 upper, 2 lower). On Chinese domestic trains, both first class ('soft class') and second class ('hard class') compartments contain 4 berths (2 upper, 2 lower). On certain international routes in and out of China, 2-berth ('deluxe') compartments are also available. Some trains originating in China are Russian trains and vice versa.

Your train tickets are booked, purchased and provided to you by our local representative in the city of origin of travel. If you have pre-booked transfers and/or sightseeing, your local guide or driver will give you your tickets during the transfer or sightseeing. If you do not have pre-booked transfers and/or sightseeing, it is your responsibility to collect the tickets from the office of our local representative during normal business hours (Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 17.00). Please call in advance to reconfirm your collection day and time. Ticket delivery to your hotel can be arranged, but usually at an additional cost (responsibility of the passenger).

It is usually necessary to pay approximately USD 2 per person (in local currency or USD) directly to the conductor for the use of the linen provided on overnight sleeping trains. As there are usually no catering facilities on the trains (except Trans-Siberian and international trains) apart from tea and coffee provided by the conductor, you may wish to take your own drinks and snacks.

In large cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg and Beijing, there are several railway stations. If you are making your own way to the railway station, check carefully from which station and platform your train departs.

As there have been occasional incidents of thefts on the trains, be sure to lock your compartment when asleep and to place your passport, wallet, travel documents and other valuables under your pillow or mattress when sleeping. Carry all valuables with you when away from your compartment.

Baltic Coaches:

St Petersburg - Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius - Warsaw

Unless you have pre-paid for hotel delivery of your coach tickets, tickets should be collected from our local representatives during normal business hours (Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 17.00). If not stated on the tickets, please reconfirm with our local representatives the addresses of the coach terminals.

Trans-siberian Travellers:

In addition to the general travel information, Trans-Siberian travellers should be aware of the following:

Meals:

Breakfast is included daily in the hotels (or home stay) unless otherwise stated. (NB. Breakfast not included on day of arrival). Meals are NOT included on the trains.

Restaurant cars are provided on most major trains on the Trans-Siberian/Mongolian/Manchurian Railways (except Tr # 263/264 Ulaan Baatar - Irkutsk and vice versa). It is suggested that you arrange your meals with the restaurant manager when boarding the train as places in the restaurant are often assigned first to groups travelling on the train with pre-set meals. In the case of a negative reaction, a small gratuity or Australian souvenir will usually find you a place in the restaurant and it is best to keep a good relationship with the restaurant manager as well as your conductor who can do much to make your trip more comfortable. Current information is that you will require approximately USD 12-15 per day per person (in yuan, roubles or other local currencies) for meals in the restaurant car.

Most travellers, however, usually take a travel mug, plate and knife, fork and spoon and a supply of food and drinks with them, including packets of soup, biscuits, preserved meats and cheese, bread, dried fruits etc. On Chinese trains you are provided with a thermos of hot water at the beginning of each sector and on Russian trains there is a samovar with boiling water in each carriage. You may easily supplement your supply of food from the private farmers selling their fresh produce at each station, including vegetables, fruit, bread, cooked chickens and eggs, milk, yoghurt, cheese etc. This is the choice of most travellers.

It is recommended that you take a supply of mineral water on the train for drinking. You will be able to supplement your initial supply along the way and your conductor can usually sell you bottled water but at higher prices than you might pay elsewhere.

Train Times:

Train timetables in China and Russia are always listed in Beijing or Moscow time - which can vary by up to 7 hours (e.g. Vladivostok = Moscow time +7 hrs, Irkutsk = Moscow time + 5 hrs etc.). On Beyond Travelvouchers and itineraries, we have attempted to list both Moscow (or Beijing ) times as well as local times.

Travel between the China/Mongolia and Mongolia/Russia borders may occur at night and take several hours as border officials from both countries hand out currency documents for passengers to complete for later collection. When shunting takes place, the toilets will be locked and you will be locked in your carriage, unless you have alighted from the train to observe the process, which is quite interesting. If you are locked in your carriage, please be patient.

Important:

All train times are subject to amendment, so please reconfirm prior to travel.

For winter you'll need a long, thick wind-proof coat; a hat with wind-flaps to guard against frostbite; gloves and scarf; and thermal underwear.

In spring, summer and autumn, come prepared for sudden chills and rain. In autumn, you'll need a hat and a raincoat or light overcoat.

In Moscow and St Petersburg you can dress casually for an evening out - although you may feel more comfortable with something a little smart for evening and theatre. You will require modest clothing for visiting churches and mosques, possibly including a head-scarf for women.

Average Maximum Daytime Temperatures:

Russia (Embassy)

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034, Russia
Tel: (095) 956 6070 Fax: (095) 956 6170

Vladivostok (Consulate)

42 Prospect Krasnogo Znameni
Vladivostok, Russia
Tel: (4232) 427 464 Fax: (4232) 426 916

Ukraine ( Kiev Consulate)

18 Kominterna Ul, Apartment 11
Kiev 252032, Ukraine
Tel: (044) 225 7586 Fax: (044) 244 3597

Belarus - Minsk

The Australian Embassy in Moscow is responsible for Belarus

Finland (Swedish Embassy responsible for Finland )

Sergels Torg 12
Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: (8) 613 2900 Fax: (8) 247 414

Beijing ( Embassy also responsible for Mongolia )

21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Sanlitun
Beijing 100600, China
Tel: (10) 6532 2331 Fax: (10) 6532 4605

Shanghai (Consulate)

17 Fuxing Road West
Shanghai 200031, China
Tel: (21) 6433 4604-10 Fax: (21) 6437 6669

Austria www.austria-tourism.at

Berlin www.berlin-tourism.de

Budapest www.budapestinfo.hu

Bulgaria www.travel-bulgaria.com

Croatia www.htz.hr

Czech Republic www.visitczech.cz

Germany www.germany-tourism.de

Hungary www.hungarytourism.hu

Poland www.polandtour.org

Romania www.romaniatouristoffice.com

Salzburg www.salzburginfo.or.at

Slovakia www.slovakia.org/tourism

Slovenia www.slovenia-tourism.si

Vienna www.info.wien.at