What should I pay attention to when I go to Barcelona, Spain for business in September this year and transfer through Zurich?

take an invitation letter from the destination (Spain) or a work certificate issued by the foreign party with you to avoid trouble when entering the customs. In addition, all knives (including nail clippers), as well as liquid articles or emulsion, can't be carried with you. If necessary, I'll post the precautions and necessary articles for our company to go abroad for you to have a look:

Preparation before going abroad

1. Passport

Passport must be carried when traveling abroad, and the customs should check it when entering or leaving the country. Pay special attention not to lose your passport during the whole trip. It is best to leave a copy of your passport before going abroad and carry it with you separately. If you find that your passport is lost, you should report it to the local police station and issue a certificate, and then go to the local embassy in China to apply for a temporary travel certificate.

2. Visa

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

note: guests with business visas must bring the invitation letter with them when entering the country for future reference. Contact the local embassy in time if you encounter any problems when entering the country.

iii. air ticket

please confirm that the name, flight and time on the air ticket are completely correct.

iv. plug

European voltage is 22V, and it is a cylindrical double-hole socket. Unlike China, if you need to charge your mobile phone, camera, etc., please prepare an adapter of European standard.

Note: plugs with European standard are sold in supermarkets in most parts of Europe, such as Germany, France, Northern Europe, Spain, etc.

V. Currency

Euro is used in most parts of Europe. According to the regulations of China Customs, each person can take the equivalent foreign currency of no more than $5, abroad. (Note: the use of credit cards in Europe is very common, so it is recommended to take credit cards to travel abroad)

VI. Travel supplies

Schedules, maps, cameras, films, batteries, sunglasses, rain gear (it often rains in Europe), standing medicines, toiletries, slippers (no teeth and slippers are provided in European hotels), and sun protection products should be prepared when going to sunny countries such as Spain.

VII. Travel clothes

The climate in European countries is changeable, so please prepare clothes suitable for travel according to the seasonal characteristics; Special note, please prepare a thin coat in summer, and wear it in the morning and evening.

VIII. Drinking water

People who are used to drinking hot water or tea need to bring their own tea and electric kettle. In Europe, there is only potable tap water in hotel rooms, and hot water is not provided.

IX. Taboo items

In order to prevent the spread of bird flu epidemic, the European Union recently stipulated that all passengers from countries and regions with epidemic situation should have their luggage inspected by professionals such as customs and veterinarians, and poultry, meat and its finished products, instant noodles and condiments that China tourists often carry are prohibited from being brought into Europe.

notes on entry, exit and flight

1. Assemble

To take an international flight, you need to assemble at the airport 2-3 hours in advance, take your passport, visa, air ticket and luggage with you, and prepare for entry, exit and boarding procedures.

II. Customs declaration

According to the regulations of China Customs, if you have valuables such as cameras, long-lens cameras and laptops in your luggage, you need to fill in the customs declaration form and go through the red channel.

tobacco products: 2 cigarettes or 1 cigars; 5 cigars or 25 grams of tobacco. Alcohol products: 1 liter of alcohol containing more than 22 degrees; Or 2 liters of wine containing alcohol below 22 degrees; Or 2 liters of sparkling or alcoholic wine; Or 2 liters of ordinary wine. 5g coffee or 2g espresso. 1 grams of tea or 4 grams of concentrated tea essence. 5 grams of perfume or .25 liters of Eau de toilette, it is especially important to note that everyone should carry tobacco and alcohol separately, otherwise it will be regarded as an item carried by one of them.

Note: Only people aged 17 or above can bring duty-free tobacco and alcoholic beverages into the country, and coffee must also be brought by people aged 15 or above.

3. Boarding pass and checked baggage

Go to the counter of the airline to which the ticket belongs and queue up for boarding pass and checked baggage; Note: Generally, luggage will be checked directly to the destination city. Please be sure to keep the luggage tag given to you by the airline. According to airline regulations, each person can check one piece of luggage for free (the weight should not exceed 2kg, and the total length, width and height should not exceed 269cm).

IV. Hand luggage

According to the regulations of the airline, each person can carry 1 kilograms of luggage at most, and the size of the luggage should meet the requirements of the airline (the total length, width and height should not exceed 115 cm); Valuable and fragile items such as cash, jewelry, etc. or items that can be taken at any time (such as medicines) should be carried with you to avoid loss; No knives can be carried on the plane. If they are carried, they must be checked.

V. Entry and exit customs

According to the regulations of China Customs, every passenger must fill out an exit form when leaving customs, and an entry form when entering customs; When leaving the customs, you should submit your passport, visa, boarding pass and exit form to the customs. European countries generally do not need to fill in the entry form (Britain needs it), but they need to submit their passports, visas, air tickets and even invitations.

VI. Boarding

Please queue up at the boarding gate indicated by the boarding pass or live broadcast, and turn off all electronic devices (mobile phones, computers, game consoles, etc.) when the plane takes off and lands; Smoking is prohibited on the plane.

VII. Pick up your luggage

After you arrive in the destination city in Europe, pick up your luggage in time and check it. If it is found to be lost or damaged, report the loss or loss to the counter of your airline at the airport with the luggage tag.

Notes on European Travel

1. Language

All European countries have their own languages, France speaks French, and Nordic countries speak their own languages; But most people can basically understand English.

2. Accommodation

Hotels in Europe usually do not provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and slippers, but only shampoo, bath lotion and soap; Hotels in Europe usually have no strict star classification except 5 stars, and some hotels managed by international hotel groups usually indicate the star rating in their hotels; In terms of hardware facilities, European hotels are generally not as advanced and modern as domestic hotels, the lobby is not spacious and bright, and the rooms are small, especially the elevators are small and old, but most hotels are very clean and tidy, with unique decoration, giving people a warm and comfortable feeling.

III. Diet

Western-style breakfast buffet is usually provided in hotels in European countries, which are slightly different according to their habits. The breakfast in Germany, Northern Europe and France is slightly rich, while it is relatively simple in countries such as France. There are Chinese restaurants in all European countries, which can provide Chinese lunch and dinner for China's team, but after all, it is a foreign country, and the food is really not as delicious as domestic food; And there are differences between different countries and cities, so you can only go back to China and enjoy China cuisine.

IV. Transportation

The expressway network in Europe is very developed and suitable for traveling by car; The scale of the city is generally small, and the public transportation on the ground and underground is very convenient;

V. Communication

Communication in Europe is also very developed. China's GSM mobile phone can roam to Europe, and the international phone bill is relatively expensive, but short messages can be used; The telephone hotel in the hotel room will also charge a service fee, so it is recommended that you use IC calling cards and it is more cost-effective to call back to China. From Europe to China, the dialing sequence is (+) China international area code 86+city area code+telephone number (the city area code can be omitted when calling a mobile phone).

VI. Convention

According to the convention, hotels in Europe usually stipulate that they can only check in at 14: pm and must check out at 12: noon. If they check in early or check out late, they will have to pay more room fees. When traveling in Europe, you usually have the habit of tipping drivers and tour guides every day, and you have to pay extra tips after eating in restaurants or taking taxis. There is also a charge for going to the public toilet in Germany; If the bellman helps you with your luggage at the hotel, please also give him a tip.

VII. Currency

Most European countries started to use the unified currency euro in 22, but Britain continued to use the pound, Denmark, Norway and other countries continued to use the original krona, Switzerland used the Swiss franc, etc., but they were freely convertible with the euro. The specific exchange rate was based on the local exchange rate at that time.

VIII. Etiquette

When traveling in Europe, you should abide by the traffic rules. Europeans pay attention to order, and they will queue up when shopping or taking a bus. There are clear laws in Europe that stipulate drivers' daily driving time and rest time, which need to be observed by everyone to avoid artificially causing drivers to drive overtime or fatigue. In this way, drivers will not only be punished for violating the law, but also may endanger everyone's safety; The bar and pay TV in the hotel room are monitored by computer. If you drink or watch, you need to pay for it when you check out. If you don't drink the drinks in the bar, please don't move, so as not to miscalculate the charges.

IX. Religion

Most Europeans believe in Catholicism and Christianity, while a few others believe in Islam; So we can see churches in all European cities, please respect their beliefs, don't wear miniskirts and hats into the church, and don't make any noise when visiting the church.

X. Safety

During traveling, be sure to pay attention to personal safety, obey the traffic rules, take the hotel's name and address card with you when going out, and try not to go to places with poor public security; In Europe, you should also pay special attention to personal property safety, especially when visiting scenic spots and dining in restaurants, pay attention to money and other carry-on luggage to avoid being robbed, cheated or stolen; In the past, similar incidents have occurred in Europe, especially in Italy and France, Paris, Spain and other places where tourists from all over the world gather; Never leave your handbag, and it is best not to count the cash in front of people to avoid future trouble.

Xi. Entertainment

All bars, nightclubs, casinos, etc. in European night casinos are not allowed to enter. Those who enter should be dressed neatly and carry their passports.

XII. Shopping

There are internationally renowned watches, clothing, perfumes and leather products in Europe, and China guests can enjoy the tax refund for shopping in Europe, but please ask the shopping store for the specific tax refund ratio and shopping amount; Please note that shops in Europe are different from those in China. They are closed on all holidays, including Saturday and Sunday. The daily business hours are usually only around 18: , and sometimes they close earlier.

XIII. Specialty

China tourists often buy souvenirs in Europe:

France: perfume, skin care products and red wine;

Germany: Leica camera and STEINER are the world's top telescopes, sausages, beer and health products.

XIV. Temperature

The climatic conditions in European countries are different. Now, the temperature tables of various countries are provided for reference. Please pay attention to the world weather forecast before going abroad. (The temperature table is attached)

Region August September October

Madrid 19 2 13 9 6

Barcelona 28 26 22 17 14

XV. European customs regulations

European customs regulations stipulate that each person can only take 2 cigarettes (one), and only one bottle of high-alcohol can be taken. It is especially important to note that the group's tobacco and alcohol must be carried separately, otherwise it will be regarded as an item carried by one of them.

XVI. Emergency Telephone

The emergency telephone number in Europe is 112, which can be dialed free of charge by any telephone, even by mobile phones without internet access.

XVII. Smoking

Many countries stipulate that smoking is prohibited indoors, otherwise a high fine will be imposed (the highest fine in Italy is 275 euros). High price is one of the measures to restrict smoking in Europe, and the price of cigarettes in Europe is much more expensive than that in China. In some countries, the customs specifically seized cigarettes carried by tourists from China. Restaurants, airports, stations and other public places have designated smoking areas, and smoking is prohibited outside the smoking areas. Usually, places where ashtrays are not provided are non-smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited on most European flights. The train has a special smoking cabin, and you can make a reservation in advance.

XVIII. Time difference

Daylight Saving Time: Daylight Saving Time is practiced in most countries in Europe. Every year from April to November is European daylight saving time, which is one hour ahead of winter standard time. The difference between China and European standard time is 6 hours in summer time and 7 hours in winter time. The above is continental standard time. Portugal and Iceland are one hour behind continental European standard time. Finland, etc. is one hour earlier than European standard time.

XIX. Tax Free

European locals have to pay consumption tax-value-added tax (V.A.T) when they consume. The European customs stipulates that the export of goods will receive tax refund treatment. Therefore, tourists with short-term visas of less than 3 months can get the consumption tax refund after shopping in European countries and taking the goods out of European countries. The amount of tax refund will depend on the tax rate of the host country and the value of the goods purchased, usually between 1% and 15%. Some countries charge a certain percentage of handling fees for tax refund through intermediaries. Different countries also have different restrictions on the minimum shopping value for tax refund.

The procedures for tax refund are as follows:

1. Ask the store for a tax free rebate when shopping;

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

3. apply for tax refund at the last stop of leaving Europe, that is, before going through customs. Before the tax refund, the customs usually inspect the goods to prove that the goods have indeed been taken out of the country. For the goods to be checked, it is necessary to declare that there are goods to be refunded in the luggage when checking in. Take the luggage to the customs for inspection after attaching the consignment card, and the customs will stamp the inspection stamp on the tax refund form; (Remarks: different countries and airports may have different procedures)

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