Europe and back

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Introduction

You haven’t been anywhere until you’ve been to Europe and for many this means the countries at its core: France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. There is no other place on earth where so many cultures and so much history are jammed together so close. It’s a patchwork quilt of tiny dots, and connecting them has enthralled generations. Travelling around these countries you can see the art you’ve always dreamed of, see the places you’ve always heard of and have the kinds of adventures you’ll always speak of. So pack a bag with lots of extra room to fill with memories and head out on everyone’s trip of a lifetime.

Destination Facts

Name: France (French Republic)
Population: 60.5 million
Area: 547,030 sq km
Capital city: Paris
Language: French

Name: Greece (Hellenic Republic)
Population: 10.7 million
Area: 131,940 sq km
Capital city: Athens
Language: Greek

Name: Italy (Italian Republic)
Population: 57.3 million
Area: 301,230 sq km
Capital city: Rome
Language: Italian

Name: The Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Population: 16.25 million
Area: 41,526 sq km
Capital city: Amsterdam
Languages: Dutch, Frisian

Name: Spain
Population: 44.1 million
Area: 505,000 sq km
Capital city: Madrid
Language: Spanish

For more information, check out Lonely Planet’s extensive range of books on Europe.

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming but also extremely exciting. From the food, wine and beauty of France, the warmth and charm of Spain, the beer and 17thcentury wonders of the Netherlands, and of course all those centuries of wonders in Italy and Greece spiced up by today’s pleasures – explore it all and revel in delight after delight.

France

France is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, and deservedly so. Strewn liberally around the place are remnants of a rich, often illustrious past: unimaginably old prehistoric cave paintings, grand Roman ruins, awe-inspiring medieval cathedrals and impressive public palaces. France retains a confident culture today with a strong sense of identity and a correspondingly rich treasure house of art and architecture.

French cuisine and wine are almost without peer – they’ll argue against it but few other European countries are as spoiled for choice by the bounty of farm, forest and vineyard, not to mention ocean and sea (the Atlantic and Mediterranean).

A little French will take you a long way with the locals. At the very least make the effort with greetings and pleasantries. The more effort you make the more you will get back, just as the more you travel in France, the more wonders you’ll discover.

Greece

Perennially popular, Greece has been saying yasas (hello) to travellers for thousands of years. Today, visiting the country’s magnificent archaeological sites leads travellers on a journey not only through the landscape but also through time, witnessing the legacy of Europe’s greatest ages – the Mycenaean, Minoan, classical, Hellenistic and Byzantine. You cannot wander far in Greece without stumbling across a broken column, a crumbling bastion or a tiny Byzantine church, each perhaps neglected and forgotten but retaining an aura of its former glory.

A trip through time isn’t the only attraction of Greece – an island-hop around Greece’s 1400-plus islands is equally as popular. Greece has more coastline than any other country in Europe and a breathtaking variety of island experiences await the visitor, from the relentless party atmosphere of Mykonos to the medieval splendour of Rhodes’ old town.

Among the myriad attractions, travellers to Greece inevitably end up with a favourite location they long to return to – it’s just up to you to find yours.

Italy

Rare is the traveller who isn’t smitten by Italy. Everyone loves the Italians – their quirky, outspoken zest for life – and their gorgeous country. Teeming with history, artistic splendour, divine food and wine, and a romantic olive grove–dappled landscape, Italy leaves you wanting to visit again and again.

From dazzling Renaissance and baroque masterpieces to stunning natural beauty, Italy offers tangible pleasures to all. Whether you’re cycling through Tuscany, ancient ruins–hopping through Rome, sunning on the Amalfi coast or hiking in the Dolomites, the cities and landscapes will undoubtedly enrapture you.

Natural and historic beauties aside, modern Italy is exceptionally vibrant and simmers with a hedonistic passion – for food and wine, soccer and the everyday happenings of the dolce vita. If you come looking for efficient systems, fast-paced living and a low-carb menu, best leave your expectations and diets at the border. Instead, prepare to indulge yourself.

The Netherlands

Simply put, there is no place like the Netherlands. Start with the Dutch cities. Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee shops and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train. Haarlem, Edam, Groningen, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Leiden, Delft, Deventer, Breda, Maastricht – the list seems endless, a mind-boggling concept considering the size of this small nation.

Outside the cities, the Netherlands once again borders on over-achievement. Its splendour of national parks and sheep-patrolled polders is perfectly complimented by shimmering lakes, sandy coastlines and a chain of windswept islands. Best of all, it can all be seen from the comfort of a bicycle seat.

As we’ve already said, there’s no place like the Netherlands. But don’t take our word for it, come join the Dutch in their gezellig ways – you won’t be disappointed.

Spain

Yes, this is the land of flamenco, fiestas and fun in the sun, but peer past Spain’s tourist-brochure image and you’ll find a fascinating country rich in history and culture.

A mammoth peninsula jutting out from southern Europe, Spain is home to just about every imaginable landscape, from the beaches of the Costa de la Luz to the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, from the damp green of Galicia to the sunburnt plains of Castilla. This varied landscape was the backdrop of a long and turbulent history that reveals its presence at every turn.

Yet not all of Spain’s glory lies in its past. The vibrant nightlife in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona is proof of the country’s boundless energy, and international acclaim in art, design and cuisine show that Spain’s creative juices are flowing.

Safety & Security

Before heading to Europe, travellers should always check the travel advice online at smartraveller

There is a high incidence of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, throughout France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport in large cities. The perpetrators are often highly skilled at stealing valuables, including passports and money, without attracting the owner’s attention. As you would in Australia, be alert to suspicious activities and use common sense.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in the General Advice to Australian Travellers section of the smartraveller website.

You should avoid protests and large public demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Money

Currency France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain all use the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. There are coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and €1 and €2. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. The one- and two-cent coins are still in circulation but are unofficially being phased out; most, if not all, shops now round up or down to the nearest five cents.

Changing money You’ll find ATMs everywhere in Europe, especially in the major cities, and you can get cash advances on your debit or credit card (fees can sometimes be quite high, so always check). Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards.

It may be harder to get money in some of the smaller country towns so always make sure you take enough with cash you. You’ll find that there’s at least one moneychanger in smaller towns and several in the cities. Post offices and banks are a good place to exchange money as they offer official rates. Watch for private exchange bureaus that might charge high commissions and offer inferior rates.

A mixture of cash, cards and travellers cheques is your best bet for travelling around Europe.

Bargains & Basics

Better bring that extra suitcase – Europe is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find everything you ever wanted here: from the latest designer clothing, gourmet treats and gorgeous jewellery to kitschy trinkets and folk art. It’s not all high-end prices either; bargains can be found at markets (prepare to haggle) and at sale time.

Fashion is probably one of the first things that springs to the mind of the serious retail lover. The big cities – Milan, Athens, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona, not to mention Paris – are home to countless designer boutiques spilling over with clothes, accessories and shoes by all the great names, and many equally enticing unknowns.

Foodies will have a ball with wonderful wines and all sorts of delicious goodies. Enjoy cheese, ham and other fare while you’re away as you can’t bring fresh produce home with you.

Best Buys

France Renowned for its luxury goods, particularly haute couture, high-quality clothing accessories (for example, Hermès scarves), lingerie, perfume and cosmetics, France is an amazing place to shop. Such goods may not be any cheaper here than at home though.

For local crafts and art head directly to the source. In Brittany, look for colourful Quimper faïence (earthenware) and in Normandy pick up unique Rouen faïence or intricate lace from Alençon. Other good buys include crystal and glassware from Baccarat in southern Lorraine or enamel and porcelain from Limoges in Limousin.

Even though wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne are available everywhere, you’ll get a better selection in a local wine shop. Local brandies make good souvenirs since they may not be available in your home country. Try cognacs (from Cognac!) and Calvados, pommeau or Fécamp Bénédictine (from Normandy). Corsicans sell unusual liqueurs in local markets and Charentes is the place to pick up Pineau de Charentes.

Greece Shopping in Greece for Greeks and visitors alike is big business. At times a tourist town can look like one big shop with all kinds of goods and trinkets on display. Athens’ Flea Market has a wide array of items on sale and you can find some good bargains there.

Shoes and clothes are excellent buys, especially in the postseasonal sales, and if you have room in your suitcase or backpack there are some really excellent quality artisanal works to be picked up from small boutiques and galleries including pottery, jewellery and metal-worked objects.

Italy Clothes, shoes and accessories are probably top of the list for shopping in Italy.

Wine-lovers will want to bring home some souvenirs for the cellar ranging from class wines (especially from Tuscany, Piedmont and the Veneto) to local tipples (such as Benevento’s La Strega, grappa from Bassano del Grappa, or limoncello, the lemon-based liquor common in Naples and Sicily as well as other parts of the south).

Many cities and provinces offer specialised products. Sicily springs to mind for its ceramics, as does the town of Gubbia in Umbria. Shoes and leather goods are one of Florence’s big calling cards. In Venice, seek out beautifully handmade Carnevale masks, along with Murano glassware and Burano lace.

The Netherlands Not exactly a shopper’s haven – there’s not a lot in the country that you won’t find back home – you can still find some interesting items. Clogs are one item you normally won’t find outside the Netherlands, but they’re available in almost every town across the country.

Amsterdam is also a diamond in the rough, so to speak. For centuries it has been a centre for a girl’s best friend, and while prices aren’t necessarily cheaper here than elsewhere, diamond quality is high and prices are at least competitive.

Dutch bicycles may also catch your eye. Prices are generally comparable to those in other European countries, but the variety – from lazy cruisers and kiddie carriers to streamlined, space-age speedsters – is quite astounding and very tempting, considering how easy it is to transport your new transport on trains and planes.

Spain Label lovers and fashion victims can keep themselves well occupied in the big cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, where local and international names present a broad range of options.

Inexpensive rugs, blankets and hangings are made all over the country, notably in Andalucía and Galicia. In Andalucía head for Las Alpujarras and Níjar for colourful items. Other textiles include lace tablecloths and pillowcases (especially from Galicia), and embroidery. Places particularly known for embroidery include Segovia, La Alberca (Salamanca province), Carbajales (Zamora province), and Lagartera, Oropesa and Talavera (Toledo province).

In Andalucía, every major city centre has a cluster of flamenco shops, selling embroidered shawls, hand-painted fans, flat-top Cordoban hats and of course lots of flouncy dresses in primary colours. Crockery, jugs, plant pots and tiles are also cheap.

Worst Buys

When shopping, it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring back into Australia. Common items from Europe not allowed into Australia include:

Europe in general

  • Fresh fruit including apples, bananas and citrus
  • Fresh or noncommercial herbs and spices
  • Sausages, hams and other meat products – uncanned
  • Wooden souvenirs containing bark or unprocessed hides.

France

  • Products that contain egg such as paté varieties, foie gras, mayonnaise and sauces
  • Fruit teas containing citrus or apple peel and/or seeds
  • Raw chestnuts.

Greece

  • Fresh olives
  • Dairy products (trahanas)
  • Fresh or noncommercial nuts
  • Noncommercial honey, honeycomb.

Italy

  • Egg pasta
  • Lettuce and legume seeds.

The Netherlands

  • Plant bulbs, corms or tubers, for example tulips, lilies, irises
  • Cut flowers such as roses/carnations
  • Christmas decorations with seeds/pine cones.

Spain

  • Christmas decorations with seeds/pine cones.

Some of these items are allowed into Australia if accompanied by an import permit and/or are treated by Quarantine (which will cost you money). Talk to Quarantine prior to departure about obtaining an import permit.

For more information about what you can’t bring back to Australia visit website 

Top Shops

Don’t get so overwhelmed by all the great buys that you spend your money on stuff that won’t be allowed back into Australia. Meat and egg products are a definite no-no, and anything made from animal products and plant material must be declared to Quarantine (and may need treatment) when you get home.

France

Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen rue des Rosiers, 18e, Paris

Founded in the late 19th century this huge flea market, also spanning rue des Rosiers as well as av Michelet, rue Voltaire, rue Paul Bert and rue Jean-Henri Fabre, is said to be Europe’s largest. It has 2500 stalls grouped into 10 marchés (market areas), each with its own speciality (for example, Marché Serpette and Marché Biron for antiques, Marché Malik for secondhand clothing). Bargain hard.

Colette
213 rue St-Honoré, 1er, Paris
ph. 01 55 35 33 90

If you want to know what’s hot, this Japanese-inspired concept store remains the ultimate place to take the temperature. Not just an exquisite selection of clothes and accessories, Colette has books, art, music and beauty products. Limited-edition sneakers, candles that smell like happiness, cutting-edge clocks – it’s worth a look even if you’re not buying.

Colette’s famous sales see huge reductions on the designer stock, including Prada, Marc Jacobs and far more.

Kiliwatch
64 rue Tiquetonne, 2e, Paris
ph 01 42 21 17 37

Kiliwatch is always packed with hip guys and dolls sorting through rack after rack of new and used street- wear and designs. There’s a startling vintage range including hats and boots, plus art/photography books and the latest sneakers. It also carries flyers for very on-to-it clubbing and cultural events.

Cacao et Chocolat
29 rue du Buci, 6e, Paris

You have not tasted chocolate (around which there is a veritable religion in France) till you’ve tasted this stuff. ‘Cocoa and Chocolate’ is an exotic and contemporary take on chocolate, showcasing the cocoa bean in all its guises, both solid and liquid. The added citrus flavours, spices and even chilli are guaranteed to tease you back for more.

Presqu’île Lyon
Lyon

This is the hot spot to shop in Lyon: mainstream shops line rue de la République and rue Victor Hugo. Upmarket boutiques and big-name design houses stud parallel rue du Président Édouard Herriot, rue de Brest and the trio of streets fanning from place des Jacobins to place Bellecour.

Galerie Bordelaise
rue de la Porte Dijeaux & rue Ste-Catherine, Bordeaux

A 19th-century shopping arcade, where luxury label boutiques concentrate within ‘le triangle’, formed by the allées de Tourny, cours Georges Clemenceau and cours de l’Intendance. An antique market (place St-Michel) fills the square on Sunday mornings.

Greece

Athens Flea Market
Plateia Avyssinias, Monastiraki

Athens’ traditional market is a scaled-down version of what it used to be, though it still has a festive atmosphere, with the nearby cafés and restaurants brimming on weekends. The permanent antique, furniture and collectables stores have plenty to sift through and run the gamut from high quality to trashy kitsch.

Mesogaia
cnr Nikis & Kydathineon, Plaka, Athens
ph 210 322 9146

A wide range of traditional food products from all over Greece, including cheeses, yogurts and biscuits for immediate consumption or take-home jars of honey with walnuts, olives, olive oil and other delectable products.

Hellenic Folk Art Gallery
cnr Apollonos & Ipatias, Plaka, Athens
ph 210 325 0524

Run by the National Welfare Organisation, this has top-quality merchandise and your money goes to a good cause – the preservation and promotion of traditional Greek handicrafts. The gallery has a wide range of carpets, rugs and embroidered cushion covers, as well as a small selection of pottery, copper and woodwork.

WARNING! Endangered plants and animals. Buying products made from endangered species (for example hunting trophies, tortoiseshell, ivory, scrimshaw, furs and caviar) could contribute to the extinction of the species in the wild. However, some species can be imported with the right permits – for more information see website 

Note: if you import wildlife products without the right permits, your products may be seized by Customs and you could face stiff penalties.

Melissinos Art
Agias Theklas 2, Psiri
ph 210 321 9247

He is known as the poet sandal-maker, and septuagenarian Stavros Melissinos’ store is the place to get that pair of traditional ancient Greek leather sandals, now in 32 designs. Son Pantelis is continuing the tradition with his own designs and art.

Fira
Santorini

Shopoholics will fall in love with Fira’s fashion shops in which you can get anything from Armani and Versace to Timberland and Reef. It will cost you though. Fira’s jewellery and gold shops are also numerous, tempting with their sparkling merchandise.

Orama Art Gallery
Fournakia, off Enoplon Dinameon, Mykonos
ph 228 902 6339

There are plenty of art and craft galleries in Mykonos, but this one shows the highly original work of Louis Orosko and Dorlies Schapitz.

Italy

Officina della Carta
Via Benedetta 26b, Rome
ph 06 589 55 57

If you’re thinking of keeping a journal of your time in Rome, this is the place to buy one. This tiny store sells them with exquisite binding and top-quality paper. It also stocks charming marionette theatres, photo albums, recipe books, notepads and photo frames – all of which make terrific gifts.

Materie
Via del Gesú 73, Rome

This boutique sells original jewellery, bags and other accessories designed by local artisans. Everything is well priced and guaranteed to give you more than a modicum of Roman style.

Corso Como 10
Corso Como 10, Milan
ph 02 29 00 26 74

An ultra-exclusive concept shop set up by former Italian Vogue contributor Carla Sozzani, Corso Como is situated in a secluded vine-draped townhouse courtyard. Handpicked limited-edition fashions, fragrances and quirky homewares are displayed like the works of art they are.

Carrying funds in or out of Australia? In 2006, the Australian Government introduced stronger laws to protect Australians from money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Under this new law, you have to report travellers cheques, personal cheques, money orders, postal orders, promissory notes and other bearer negotiable instruments of any amount if a Customs or police officer asks you to.

You still have to report AUD$10,000 cash (or the equivalent amount in foreign currency) using a form available in the Customs area of airports or seaports. Check out Austrac for more information.

Murano Collezioni
Fondamenta Manin 1cd,
Murano, Venice
ph 041 73 62 72

In one elegant showroom you can view an assortment of fine glassware by three of the most prestigious of Murano’s creators, Barovier & Toso, Venini and Carlo Moretti. The accent is on objects you can use at home rather than on florid artistic pieces.

Pineider
Piazza della Signoria 13r, Florence
ph 055 28 46 55

Italy’s most exclusive stationer began business here in 1774 and once designed calling cards for the likes of Napoleon. You can get the elegant writing paper, stationery and other materials in branches around the world but it all still starts here.

The Netherlands

Tulip Museum
Prinsensgracht 112
ph 421 00 95

There’s a small but fascinating museum downstairs, and the ground-level shop has a wide range of tasteful tulip-themed souvenirs – from beautiful ceramics intricately decorated with tulips to elegant coasters, cards and cushion covers. Note that tulip bulbs aren’t allowed back into Australia.

Miaow
Hartenstraat 34-36, Amsterdam
ph 422 05 61

Analik is one of Amsterdam’s edgiest young designers and her latest enterprise, Miaow, is a showcase for her idiosyncratic collections, like-minded labels such as Preen, Karen Walker, Kokon to Zai, and Henrick Vibskof, and changing exhibitions of graphic, media, graffiti and conceptual art.

Beadies
Huidenstraat 6
ph 428 51 61

Once the funky jewellery in the window draws you in, you’ll find yourself here for hours selecting gorgeous beads, gems, charms and trinkets to design your own necklaces and bracelets. Our advice: don’t start from scratch – opt for a variation on Beadies’ fab designs. Fortunately the staff take just an hour to create them!

De Klompenboer
St Antoniesbreestraat 51, Amsterdam
ph 623 06 32

The owner of this store gets his mum to hand-paint all the wooden shoes. The shop displays samples of miniature wooden shoes and a 700-year-old pair.

Decorativa
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 9a
ph 320 10 93

One of the city’s most atmospheric antique stores, Decorativa is so cluttered with candelabra, costumes and chandeliers, that its eccentric owner has put the paintings on the ceiling – look up!

Droog Design
Staalstraat 7b, Amsterdam
ph 523 50 59

Droog means ‘dry’ in Dutch, as in ‘drywit’, and the items here are strong on humour, concept and function. Definitely a place to check out.

Spain

Zara
Passeig de Gràcia 16, Barcelona
ph 93 318 76 75

Started in Galicia, Zara is one of the great success stories of modern prêt-à-porter. Women’s fashion is the name of the game and this megastore on Barcelona’s top shopping street is the most obvious of its outlets.

Camper
Carrer de València 249, Barcelona

This world-famous cool and quirky shoe brand from Mallorca has shops all over Spain. The designs are bowling-shoe chic with colourful, fun styles that are all about comfort.

Prior to travel, you should consult your doctor for advice on how to reduce your risk of illness while travelling, including required and recommended vaccinations and whether booster doses of childhood vaccinations are necessary. Monitoring your health whilst away and when you return is important for your own wellbeing. There is a chance that during your travels you could have been exposed to infectious diseases such as influenza, gastroenteritis or malaria. It is very important that you consult with your doctor if you feel unwell, even after you return to Australia, and consider your recent destinations as a possible source for your illness.

Art Montfalcont
Carrer dels Boters 4, Barcelona
ph 93 301 13 25

Beneath the overarching vaults of this Gothic cavern is spread an incredible range of gift ideas and art. The most appealing are the prints of local and universal inspiration. Thrown in are original works of art by local artists, framed and ready to go, and a whole range of Barcelona memorabilia, from ceramics to arty T-shirts.

El Flamenco Vive
Calle del Conde de Lemos 7, Madrid
ph 91 547 39 17

Flamenco aficionados and novices alike take note: this store devotes itself to the subject of flamenco dance and music. There are books, CDs, instruments and costumes and the knowledgeable staff can give you the lowdown on which flamenco bars to visit.

Antigua Casa Talavera
Calle de Isabel la Católica 2, Madrid
ph 91 547 34 17

The extraordinary tiled façade of this wonderful old shop conceals an Aladdin’s Cave of ceramics from all over Spain. This is not the mass-produced stuff aimed at the tourist market, but comes from the small family potters of Andalucía and Toledo, ranging from the decorative (tiles) to the useful (kitchen items).

El Arco Artesanía
Plaza Mayor 9, Madrid
ph 91 365 26 80

This super-stylish shop sells an outstanding array of homemade designer souvenirs, from stone and glasswork to jewellery and home fittings. The papier-mâché figures are gorgeous, but there’s so much here to turn your head.

Shop Smart

Before you spend your shopping money, it’s a good idea to know what you can and can’t bring back into Australia. That way, you get to keep your travel treasures and save money on any necessary quarantine treatments (or fines).

All food, plant material and animal products from overseas – including many common souvenirs – must be declared for quarantine inspection (and may need treatment) when you return to Australia.

For more information about what needs to be declared to Quarantine visit website

Common items from Europe that must be declared (and might need treatment and/or an import permit) include:

  • Wooden products – artefacts, toys, picture frames, musical instruments
  • Dried flowers, flower arrangements and ornaments
  • Dairy products
  • Boots, shoes and sporting equipment, particularly if worn or used in nonurban areas
  • Herbs and spices
  • Seeds
  • Eggs and egg products, including painted egg shells
  • Canned or shelf stable smallgoods
  • Honey products
  • All fishing rods and nets, waders, kayaks, paddles, life jackets or any other recreational freshwater equipment – clean or unclean – must also be presented for quarantine inspection.

In many cases, declared good are returned to you after inspection. However, any item that presents a disease risk or is found to contain insects or larvae will be withheld by Quarantine.

You will be given a range of options for the item depending on the quarantine risk that it presents. These options include: treatment (for example, fumigation) to make the item safe; holding the item until an import permit is presented; re-exporting the item; or destroying the item. Most of these options will cost you money.

Before You Return

  • Make sure you clean ALL soil from your hiking boots, sports shoes, golf clubs, camping gear and mountain bikes – you still have to declare these to Quarantine
  • Wash shoes that have been worn in rural areas, or near animals including at farms, markets and zoos
  • Pack items for quarantine inspection together, and keep them at the top of your bag so they can be reached easily
  • Make sure you eat or throw away all fruit and vegetables before you land in Australia – they're not allowed in
  • Leave ALL aircraft food on board, including nuts and snacks.

Going offshore...know the medicine law. It’s illegal to take PBS medicine (subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) out of Australia, unless it’s for your own use or the use of someone travelling from Australia with you. Penalties are steep; fines of up to $5000 and/or two years imprisonment.

If you do take PBS medicine overseas, follow these simple steps:

  • contact the embassy of the country you’re visiting to ensure the medicine is legal there
  • carry a letter from your doctor with the medicine, stating what the medicine is, how much you’ll be taking, and that it’s for your personal use
  • leave the medicine in its original packaging, so it’s clearly labelled with your name and dosage.

For more information about taking PBS medicine overseas, call the Travelling with PBS medicine enquiry line on %1800 500 147, or log onto Medicare Australia

Important Tips

Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online at smartraveller, or in person in Amsterdam at Carnegielaan 4, The Hague 2517 KH, ph. +31 (70) 310 8200; in Athens at Level 6, Thon Building, cnr Kifisias & Alexandras Ave, Ambelokipi, ph.  +30 (210) 870 4000; in Madrid at Plaza del Descubridor, Diego de Ordas 3, ph. +34 (91) 353 6000; in Paris at 4 Rue Jean Rey 75015, ph. (33 1) 4059 3315; and in Rome at Via Antonio Bosio 5, ph. +39 (06) 852 721, once you arrive so we can contact you in an emergency. See smartraveller for other European destinations.

Check the latest travel advice for your destination at smartraveller before you go. Subscribe to receive free email notification each time the advice is updated.

Take out travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, like adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

Obey the law of the country you’re visiting. Don’t expect to be treated differently to the locals just because you’re Australian, even if local laws appear harsh or unfair by Australian standards.

Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers’ cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home. Ensure your passport has a minimum six months’ validity.

For more travel tips and advice, check out smartraveller

Important Information

With increased quarantine activity at Australia’s airports, you’d be mad not to declare all items made from food, plant and animal material. The detector dog’s sense of smell (100 times greater than ours), won’t miss a beat – and neither will the X-ray machines or Quarantine officers.

Don’t risk an on-the-spot fine or prosecution, or worse, threaten our flora, fauna and important agricultural industries with exotic pests and diseases.

Some people don’t realise that a lot of things you can get overseas are illegal in Australia and will be seized by Customs if you bring them back. These include blowpipes; BB guns; flick knives; crossbows; nunchakus; knuckledusters; electric flyswats; and cigarette lighters designed to look like weapons; coral; orchids; and reptile skin or ivory goods.

Don’t forget to check Customs website for A Guide for travellers – know before you go or call the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 for advice about your customs clearance and items that must be declared.

Shopping on holidays? If you are 18 or over you are entitled to bring A$900 worth of goods back into Australia. This includes goods purchased overseas, in Australia duty/tax free before you left, or goods for which a refund of tax has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). You can also bring back 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products. Please note: Customs must verify your TRS purchases at least 30 minutes prior to departure. For details contact Customs on 1300 363 263 or check Customs website

Remember when overseas, you are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in Australia. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards. Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include the death penalty.

Last reviewed:
01 Nov 2011
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