Europe travel tips?

[David]

Im going to prague and germany and parts of east europe and i was wonderin if anyone w/ experience can give me any tips about getting stolen from or anything that i should know

[chgoalex]

I'm a Pole and have lived in Poland the most of my life, so I guess I can come up with some things...

- Learn the basic phrases in each of the languages - carry phrasebooks or dictionaries, anything that might be helpful in understanding the other languages. In the common and mainstream travel sites there will likely be English signs and translations, but if you travel out of those zones, you're pretty much screwed. It sucks when you can't really speak to anyone and are just left to enjoy the scenery - the travel experience is always much better when you get to talk to the locals.

- Bring spare change if you want to go to the bathroom. In Poland, you have to pay just about anywhere to use the toilet. Sometimes, even in the restaurant which you have just dined in. I've actually been to a train station where toilet paper was apportioned. So, also, bring tissues.

- Keep your wallet hidden, preferably in some inside pocket.
It's not like it's that bad and people just rob you on the street, but your valuables might be jacked on a crowded bus.

- Try not to travel by train at night. Trains are a common form of transportation in Eastern Europe. However, in Poland, I wouldn't recommend boarding one for the overnight ride. You might be robbed while asleep.

- Don't buy stuff at the train station. It's just more expensive.

- When exchanging currency, I say head to the nearest bank. Banks usually have the fairest exchange for your dollar. The exchange rates of street vendors vary, and you might lose out if you use their services.

- Be prepared to lose some personal space. It's awesome, the streets are so crowded. It's like people traffic.

Can't think of anything else.
Have fun and good luck!