What is an eSIM card? What medication can I bring? Do I need cash on tour? Your burning travel questions haven’t gone unheard – we’ve listened and answered 10 of the most common queries from our guests right here. Consider this your pre-travel guide to make sure you have everything you need before you leave home.
What is an eSIM card?
An eSIM is simply just a digital SIM – instead of a physical SIM card, there’s a tiny chip built into most modern compatible phones (or other devices like smartwatches or tablets) that supports your virtual eSIM. Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible.
Like a traditional SIM card, it still controls your calls, texts and data – and it’s particularly useful when you’re traveling as it can help reduce roaming costs.
You can buy one online and activate it by scanning a QR code, and it starts working right away. International eSIMs can be much cheaper than using your provider’s roaming add-ons.
When you buy an eSIM through your provider, you don’t need to change your number.
What does an eSIM card include?
eSIMs work like traditional SIMs for calls, texts and data, but the exact details of your allowance will depend on which contract you choose.
To check if your phone supports an eSIM, dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad – if you see a pop-up which includes an Embedded Identity Document (EID) number on the screen, that means your device should be compatible.
Your network provider will then email or post you a QR code, which you scan using your smartphone. Simply follow the instructions on your phone to activate the eSim on your device. It’ll usually be done instantly, but it can sometimes take a few hours.
How do I choose the right eSIM card?
If you’re staying within your own country, or if you are from the UK or Europe and only taking a short trip within the EU, it’s unlikely an eSIM card will save you much cost.
However, if you’re traveling outside the EU, traveling to Europe from non-EU countries, or taking a considerably longer trip, switching to an eSIM will save you money and make it easier to use your phone as usual abroad.
Check with your current network provider that your SIM can be switched to an eSIM before you travel. If that’s possible, then go online and buy an eSIM for the country you are visiting. Your provider will then email or post you a QR code, which you scan using your smartphone. Follow the instructions to activate the eSIM on your device – often it’s activated instantly, but it’s best to activate it a few hours before traveling just to be safe.
Websites like eSimfy and SimOptions offer an easy way to compare global eSIM providers – make sure to do your research before committing to one!
Are there any restrictions on bringing in prescription medication in Europe?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be taken on your trip to Europe without any restrictions – just make sure you follow the guidance on how to carry it (keep it in its original, labeled packaging and have it easily accessible in your hand luggage).
However, prescription drugs or controlled substances such as narcotics and opioids come under stricter restrictions. Each country has different regulations in terms of the dosage you can carry, and what documentation you need to have with you to prove the validity of your prescription.
When traveling with a controlled substance across Europe, you must have a medical prescription from a licensed healthcare professional from your country before traveling. You may also be required to translate the prescription to the language of your destination country. You can only carry enough medication to last you for the duration of your trip.
Find how each European country regulates the dosage limit according to their specific rules and laws here.
What currency do I need?
Find the currencies for some of our top destinations below.
Europe:
The euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of 27 EU member countries in the euro area, including France, Spain, Italy and Germany. Be aware that the following European countries do not use the euro: Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Denmark. Find out which currency you’ll need in each European country here.
United Kingdom:
Pound Sterling (£) is the official currency of the United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each pound is made up of 100 pence.
America:
The US dollar ($) is the official currency of the United States of America. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
Australia:
The Australian dollar ($) is the official currency of Australia. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
Japan:
The Japanese yen (¥) is the official currency of Japan.
Turkey:
The Turkish lira (₺) is the official currency of Turkey. One lira is divided into 100 kuruş.
India:
The Indian Rupee (₹) is the official currency of India. One rupee is divided into 100 paise.
Egypt:
The Egyptian pound (£) is the official currency of Egypt. One pound is divided into 100 piastres.
Canada:
The Canadian dollar ($) is the official currency of Canada. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
Argentina:
The Argentine peso ($) is the official currency of Argentina.
Brazil:
The Brazilian real ($) is the official currency of Brazil.
Chile:
The Chilean peso is the official currency of Chile.
Costa Rica:
The Costa Rican Colón (₡) is the official currency of Costa Rica.
Peru:
The Peruvian nuevo sol is the official currency of Peru. One nuevo sol is divided into 100 céntimos (‘cents’).
Vietnam:
The Vietnamese dong (₫) is the official currency of Vietnam.
China:
The Chinese yuan (¥) is the official currency of China (also called renminbi). Each yuan is divided into 10 jiao.
South Korea:
The South Korean won (₩) is the official currency of South Korea.
Do I need to take cash on tour?
Though porterage, tips and gratuities are included as part of your tour price and taken care of by your Travel Director for anything included as part of your tour experience, it’s best to have a small amount of cash with you in case you wish to tip yourself – servers may not receive tips when left on a credit card, so always try to tip in cash whenever possible. Cash is also useful if you want to buy a local souvenir, as many markets or sellers won’t take card, or purchase additional Optional Experiences (although these can be paid with by card).
Remember – only carry as much cash as you need at any time, and avoid displaying large numbers of notes when making payments.
What’s the best travel bank card for traveling to different destinations?
The good news is there are lots of bank cards that don’t charge you extra fees when you travel abroad. Top-rated companies include Monzo, Revolut, First Direct and Starling if you’re after companies that won’t charge fees for spending abroad, but the ‘best’ one is up to you to decide – here is a comprehensive list of the top travel cards from Which?.
What are the rules for Europe’s new EES entry/exit system?
Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated border control system keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area. With an initial launch in October 2025 and a full rollout throughout 2026, non-EU travelers must now apply for a special permit to visit 29 European countries in the Schengen Area including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.
Instead of passport stamps, the EES will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of non-EU nationals and citizens of the Schengen area, and calculate the duration of their authorized stay. The aim is to strengthen security and eventually make the border process smoother.
It will apply to those travelling for a short stay (a duration of up to 90 days and taken within a 180 day period) on holidays or business trips. In most cases the EES checks will take place when you arrive at your European destination (ports or airports), and when you leave at the end of your trip.
What to expect? Non-EU travelers must register their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and scan their passport when entering the Schengen area for the first time after EES is launched. While that process may take a few extra minutes, subsequent visits should be much faster, requiring only a passport scan. The EES registration will be valid for three years. Find FAQs answered from the EU here.
What plug adapters do I need to bring?
Before you travel, identify the plug type(s) used in your destination country or region and check the voltage compatibility: Ensure your devices are compatible with the voltage of your destination. Tip: Some travel plug adapters include voltage converters, while others don’t.
Type A & B (two flat, parallel pins & two flat, parallel pins with a round grounding pin) are found in North America, Central America, and parts of South America and Asia.
Type C (two round pins) is the standard plug in most European countries.
Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle) is found in the UK, Ireland, and some former British colonies such as Kenya and Nigeria.
Type I (two flat pins in a V-shape with a grounding pin) is used in Australia, New Zealand, and some Asian countries such as China.
When will I hear from my Travel Director and receive documentation?
Your Travel Documents will be available in My Trafalgar Travel Portal account if your profile is complete (make sure your emergency contact details and passport details have been supplied) approximately 21 days/3 weeks before your departure. You’ll meet your Travel Director on your first night of tour.
Extra travel tip:
Take photos of your passport and driver’s license and email them to yourself, just in case the worst should happen and you lose your documentation on your travels.
Got more questions? Discover our Travel FAQs for help on every stage of your trip, from before you book to what to expect once you’re on tour.