15 practical tips for Gulf travellers in Europe

Southern Europe is welcoming, safe and full of beauty, but daily life works a little differently from home. These fifteen tips will help families from the Gulf travel with ease in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Türkiye.

Money and shopping

1. Cards everywhere: contactless cards work almost everywhere, but carry some cash for small shops, markets and tips.
2. Tax-free: ask for the tax-free form when you shop; non-EU visitors get part of the VAT back at the airport.
3. Sunday closing: in many cities small shops close on Sunday. Plan your shopping for Monday to Saturday.
4. Tipping: service is usually included. Leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not required.

Daily life

5. Late meals: in Spain, dinner starts after 21:00, and many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
6. Siesta heat: in July and August, see the sights early, rest after lunch and go out again in the evening.
7. Plugs: Europe uses round two-pin plugs (types C and F; Italy also uses type L). Bring adapters for UK-style plugs.
8. Water: tap water is safe in all the cities we cover. In Rome, the street fountains are free and cold.
9. Prayer: big cities have mosques; elsewhere hotels can give you a quiet room and the qibla direction.

Safety

10. Pickpockets work in crowds, metros and tourist squares. Keep bags in front of you and phones off café tables.
11. Passports: leave the originals in the hotel safe and carry a copy – but in Türkiye and some situations you may be asked for the original ID, so ask us before.
12. Official taxis only: use metered taxis or a car booked in advance, never offers inside the airport hall.

Planning

13. Book the big sights: the Alhambra, Sagrada Família, the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Last Supper sell out weeks ahead.
14. Do less, enjoy more: one main visit in the morning and one in the evening is enough with children.
15. Travel insurance: it is required for Schengen visas, and medical care for visitors can be expensive. Choose a policy that covers your whole family and all countries.