I am traveling to Barcelona, ??Spain on business this September. What should I pay attention to when transferring via Zurich?

Bring an invitation letter to your destination (Spain) or a work certificate issued by a foreign party with you to avoid trouble when entering customs. In addition, all knives (including nail clippers), liquids or emulsions cannot be carried with you. If necessary, I will post the precautions and required items for my company to go abroad:

Preparation before going abroad

1. Passport

You must carry your passport with you when traveling abroad. Customs will inspect it when entering or leaving the country. Pay special attention not to lose your passport during the entire trip. It is best to keep a copy of your passport before leaving the country and carry it separately with your passport. If you find that your passport is lost, you must report it to the local police station and issue a certificate, and then go to the Chinese embassy in the local country to apply for a temporary travel certificate.

2. Visa

Please check again whether the visa has expired and keep a copy at home for emergency use.

Note: Guests holding a business visa must carry the invitation letter with them for reference when entering the country. If you encounter problems when entering the country, please contact the local embassy immediately.

3. Ticket

Please confirm again that the name, flight and time on the ticket are completely correct.

IV. Plug

European voltage is 220V, cylindrical double-hole socket, which is different from China. If you need to charge mobile phones, cameras, etc. that you carry with you, please prepare a European standard conversion plug.

Note: In most parts of Europe, European standard plugs are sold in major supermarkets (conversion plugs), such as Germany, France, Northern Europe, Spain, etc.

5. Currency

Most of Europe uses the euro. Chinese customs regulations stipulate that each person can carry no more than 5,000 U.S. dollars in equivalent foreign currency when going abroad. (Note: The use of credit cards in Europe is very common. It is recommended to bring a credit card when traveling abroad)

6. Travel supplies

Schedule, map, camera, film, battery, sunglasses, rain gear (Europe) It often rains), always keep medicines, toiletries, slippers (European hotels do not provide toothbrushes and slippers), and when going to sunny countries such as Spain, prepare sunscreen products, etc.

7. Travel Clothing

The climate in European countries is changeable, so please prepare suitable travel clothing according to seasonal characteristics; special reminder, please also prepare a thin jacket in summer to wear in the morning and evening.

8. Drinking water

Those who are used to drinking hot water or tea need to bring their own tea and electric kettle. Hotel rooms in Europe only have drinkable tap water and do not provide hot water. .

9. Taboo items

In order to prevent the spread of avian influenza, the European Union has recently stipulated that all passengers coming from affected countries and regions must have their luggage inspected by professionals such as customs and veterinarians. , poultry, meat and their products, instant noodles and condiments that are often carried by Chinese tourists are prohibited from being brought into Europe.

Entry, Entry and Boarding Instructions

1. Gathering

When taking an international flight, you need to gather at the airport 2-3 hours in advance, bring your passport, visa, air ticket, and luggage, and prepare for entry, exit and boarding procedures.

2. Customs declaration

According to Chinese customs regulations, if your luggage contains valuable items such as video cameras, long-lens cameras, laptops, etc., you must fill out the customs declaration form in accordance with the regulations and take the red channel to pass.

Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos; 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. Alcoholic products: 1 liter of wine with an alcohol content of more than 22%; or 2 liters of wine with an alcohol content of less than 22%; or 2 liters of sparkling or alcohol-added wine; or 2 liters of ordinary wine. 500g coffee or 200g espresso essence. 100 grams of tea or 40 grams of concentrated tea essence. 50 grams of perfume or 0.25 liters of toilet water (Eau de toilette). In particular, please note that each person's tobacco and alcohol must be carried separately, otherwise they will be regarded as items carried by one of them.

Note: Duty-free tobacco and alcoholic beverages can only be brought into the country by persons over 17 years old. Coffee must also be brought into the country by persons over 15 years old.

3. Boarding pass and checked baggage

Go to the counter of the airline to which the ticket belongs, and queue up to get your boarding pass and checked baggage; Note: Baggage will usually be checked directly to the destination city, so be sure to keep it safe with the airline Baggage slip for you: According to airline regulations, each person can check in one piece of luggage for free (the weight must not exceed 20 kg, and the total length, width and height must not exceed 269 cm).

Four. Carry-on luggage

According to airline regulations, each person can carry up to 10 kilograms of luggage. The size of the luggage must comply with the airline's regulations (the total length, width and height must not exceed 115 cm); cash, jewelry, etc. Valuable and fragile items or items that can be accessed at any time (such as medicines) must be carried with you to avoid loss; any knives are not allowed to be carried on the plane. If they are carried, they must be checked.

5. Entry and Exit

China Customs stipulates that each passenger must fill in an exit form when leaving the customs, and fill in an entry form when entering the customs; when exiting the customs, he must submit his passport, visa, boarding pass, exit form, etc. to the customs for inspection ; European countries generally do not need to fill in the entry form (required by the UK), but they need to submit passports, visas, air tickets and even invitation letters.

6. Boarding

Please follow the boarding pass or the on-site announcement instructions to line up for boarding and take your seats. When the plane takes off and lands, turn off all electronic devices (mobile phones, computers, game consoles, etc.); Smoking is prohibited.

Seven. Pick up your baggage

After arriving at your European destination city, pick up your baggage promptly and check it. If you find any loss or damage, report the loss or damage to the counter of your airline at the airport with the baggage tag.

Things to note when traveling in Europe

1. Language

Every European country has its own language. France speaks French, and the Nordic countries speak their own languages; but most people can basically understand English.

2. Accommodation

European hotels usually do not provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and slippers in the bathrooms, but only shampoo, bath soap and soap; European hotels usually do not have strict star classification except for 5 stars. , some hotels managed by international hotel groups usually mark the hotel with star rating; European hotels are generally not as advanced and modern as domestic hotels in terms of hardware facilities, the lobby is not spacious and bright enough, and the rooms are small, especially the elevators are small and old, but most The hotels are very clean and tidy, with unique decoration, giving people a warm and comfortable feeling.

3. Food

Hotels in European countries usually provide Western-style buffet breakfasts. Each country has slightly different habits. The breakfasts in Germany, Scandinavia, and France are slightly richer, while those in France and other countries are relatively simple. There are Chinese restaurants in various European countries, which can provide Chinese Our team provides Chinese-style lunch and dinner, but after all, we are in a foreign country, and the food is not as delicious as the food at home. Moreover, there are differences in different countries and cities, so you can only go back to China and enjoy Chinese food.

Four. Transportation

Europe's highway network is very developed and suitable for traveling by car; cities are generally small in size, and ground and underground bus transportation is extremely convenient;

5. Communications

Communications in Europe are also very developed. my country's GSM mobile phones can be roamed to Europe. International calls are relatively expensive, but short messages can be used. Hotels also charge service fees for calls in hotel rooms, so It is recommended that you use IC phone cards as it is more cost-effective to call back home; the dialing sequence when calling from Europe to China is 00 (+) China international dial code 86 + city area code + phone number (you can omit the city area code when dialing a mobile phone).

6. Convention

According to common practice, European hotels generally stipulate that check-in must be at 14:00 pm and check-out must be at 12:00 noon. Early check-in or late check-out will require additional room charges; when traveling in Europe, there are usually It is customary to tip drivers and tour guides every day. You also need to tip extra after dining in a restaurant or taking a taxi. You also need to pay to use the public toilet in Germany. If the bellman helps you transport your luggage at the hotel, please also pay. Tip him.

Seven. Currency

Most countries in Europe began to use the euro as a unified currency in 2002, but the United Kingdom continues to use the pound, Denmark, Norway and other countries continue to use the original krona, and Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, etc., but it can be freely exchanged with the euro. , the specific exchange rate refers to the local exchange rate at that time.

8. Etiquette

When traveling in Europe, you must abide by traffic rules. Europeans pay attention to order and queue up for shopping and riding. Europe has clear laws stipulating the daily driving time and rest time for drivers, which need to be followed by everyone. , to avoid artificially causing drivers to drive overtime or drive fatigued. In this way, not only will the driver be punished for breaking the law, but it may also endanger everyone's safety; the bar and pay TV in the hotel room are monitored by computers. If you drink or watch, you will be charged when checking out. You need to pay proactively; if you do not drink the drinks in the bar, please do not move to avoid miscalculation of charges.

Nine. Religion

Most Europeans believe in Catholicism and Christianity, and a few believe in Islam; so we can see churches in all European cities. Please respect their beliefs and do not wear miniskirts or hats. Church, do not make any noise when visiting the church.

10. Safety

During travel, you must pay attention to personal safety, abide by traffic rules, be sure to bring the hotel's name and address card when going out, and try not to go to places with poor security; in Europe, we also remind you to pay attention Personal property safety, especially when visiting scenic spots and dining in restaurants, be sure to pay attention to money and other luggage to avoid being robbed, cheated or stolen; similar incidents have occurred in Europe in the past, especially in Italy and Paris, France , Spain and other places where tourists from all over the world gather; never leave your handbag, and it is best not to count cash in front of others to avoid future troubles.

Eleven. Entertainment

Evening entertainment venues in Europe include bars, nightclubs, casinos, etc. Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter. Entrants should dress neatly and carry their passports.

Twelve. Shopping

Europe has internationally renowned watches, clothing, perfumes, leather products, etc. Chinese customers can enjoy tax refund for shopping in Europe, but please ask the store where you shop for the specific tax refund ratio and shopping amount; please note that in Europe Unlike in China, stores are closed on all holidays, including Saturdays and Sundays, and their daily opening hours are usually only around 18:00, and sometimes they close earlier.

Thirteen. Specialties

Travel souvenirs that Chinese tourists often buy in Europe include:

France: perfume, skin care products, red wine;

Germany: Leica cameras, Vision STEINER is the world's top telescope, sausage, beer and health care product.

Fourteen. Temperature

The climate conditions of European countries are different. Temperature tables for each country are provided for reference. Please pay attention to the world weather forecast before going abroad. (Temperature table attached)

Region August, September, October

Madrid 19 20 13 9 6

Barcelona 28 26 22 17 14

Fifteen. European Union Customs Regulations

European Union Customs regulations stipulate that each person can only bring 200 cigarettes (one carton), and only one bottle of highly alcoholic beverages. If the amount is found to be excessive, the customs will impose heavy fines. In particular, it should be noted that the group's tobacco and alcohol must be carried separately, otherwise they will be regarded as items carried by one of them.

Sixteen. Emergency number

The common emergency number in Europe is 112, which can be dialed for free from any phone, including mobile phones without Internet access.

Seventeen. Smoking

Many countries stipulate that smoking is prohibited indoors, otherwise a high fine will be imposed (the maximum fine in Italy is 275 euros). High prices are one of the measures to restrict smoking in Europe. Cigarette prices in Europe are much more expensive than in China. Customs in some countries specifically seize excessive amounts of cigarettes brought by Chinese tourists. Restaurants, airports, stations and other public places have designated smoking areas, and smoking is prohibited outside the smoking areas. Areas that generally do not provide ashtrays are non-smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited on most European flights. The train has special smoking cabins, which can be declared in advance when booking tickets.

Eighteen. Time Difference

Daylight Saving Time: Most countries in Europe observe daylight saving time. European Summer Time is from April to November every year, and the time is one hour ahead of winter standard time. The summer time difference between China and European Standard Time is 6 hours, and the winter time difference is 7 hours. The above is Continental European Standard Time. Portugal and Iceland are one hour behind Continental European Standard Time. Finland etc. are one hour ahead of European Standard Time.

Nineteen. Tax Free

European locals have to pay consumption tax - value-added tax (V.A.T.) when making purchases. European customs regulations stipulate that exports of goods will receive tax rebates. Therefore, tourists holding short-term visas of less than 3 months can obtain a consumption tax refund after shopping in European countries and taking the goods out of European countries. The amount of the tax refund will be determined based on the tax rate of the country where the goods are purchased and the value of the goods purchased. It is usually between 10-15%. Some countries also charge a certain percentage of handling fees through intermediaries to handle tax refunds. Different countries also have different minimum purchase value restrictions for processing tax refunds.

The tax refund procedure is:

1. Ask the store for a Tax Free Check when shopping;

2. Fill in your name on the tax refund form , passport number, contact address, etc.;

3. Apply for tax refund at the last stop of leaving Europe, that is, before exiting customs. Before tax refund, customs usually needs to inspect the goods to prove that the goods were indeed taken out of the country. For goods to be checked in, you must declare when checking in that there are goods in your luggage that require tax refund. After attaching the check-in tag, take the luggage to the customs for inspection procedures, and the customs will stamp the inspection stamp on the tax refund form; (Note: Different countries and airports may have different procedures)

4. Take the tax refund form stamped by the customs to collect cash at the cash refund office (Cash Refund) at the airport or border.