💡 Essential Knowledge

Travel Tips

Culture, packing, and what to bring home — everything you need to know

📚 Full In-Depth Guides:
🎭 Culture Guide 🧳 Packing List 🎁 Souvenir Ideas

🎯 Quick Culture Quiz

In the Netherlands, when invited to someone's home for dinner, what time should you arrive?

15-30 minutes late (fashionably late)
Exactly on time or 5 minutes early
30 minutes early to help prepare
Time doesn't really matter
Correct! In the Netherlands (and most of Northern Europe), punctuality is very important. Arriving on time shows respect. Being very early can be awkward, and being late is considered rude.

Click a topic below to see tips and essentials

🎭 European Culture Guide

Europe isn't Lagos! Understanding cultural differences will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

🔑 #1 Rule for Nigerians in Europe

Time means EXACTLY what it says. If dinner is at 7pm, be there at 7pm. If a train departs at 10:23, it leaves at 10:23 — not 10:25. Europeans (especially Dutch, Germans, Swiss) consider punctuality a sign of respect.

Universal Do's and Don'ts

✅ DO Across Europe

  • Arrive on time for appointments and reservations
  • Queue (wait in line) patiently — it's sacred here
  • Say "please" and "thank you" — even in shops
  • Keep your voice at conversation level in public
  • Tip 5-10% at restaurants (if not included)
  • Respect personal space (arm's length minimum)
  • Validate public transport tickets

❌ DON'T Anywhere in Europe

  • Skip the queue or push ahead
  • Speak loudly on phone in public
  • Assume everyone speaks English (ask first)
  • Bargain in regular shops (only markets)
  • Pay cash everywhere — cards are king
  • Take photos without asking people
  • Touch items in stores without asking

Country-Specific Tips

🇳🇱
Netherlands Direct & casual
🚲 Watch for bikes! Bike lanes are everywhere. Look both ways or you'll get hit (and shouted at).
💬 Direct communication. Dutch people say what they mean. It's not rudeness, it's honesty.
💳 Cards only. Many places don't accept cash. Always carry a card.
🇩🇪
Germany Efficient & orderly
🚶 Don't jaywalk. Germans wait for the green man even on empty streets. Follow the rules.
🍺 Beer is cultural. Drinking beer in public is normal. But know your limit.
🏪 Sunday shutdown. Most shops close on Sundays. Plan your shopping!
🇫🇷
France Formal & proud
👋 Greet first. Always say "Bonjour" when entering any shop or restaurant.
🍷 Lunch is sacred. Many shops close 12-2pm. Embrace the long lunch culture.
🗣️ Try French first. Even "Parlez-vous anglais?" before switching to English is appreciated.
🇨🇭
Switzerland Precise & quiet
🤫 Noise rules. No loud activities after 10pm. Even flushing can disturb neighbors.
💰 Expensive! Budget €50-80/meal. Don't be shocked by the prices.
🚃 Trains are ON TIME. Swiss trains are legendary. Don't be even 1 minute late.
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, observe locals first. Watch how they queue, greet, and behave — then follow suit. Europeans appreciate visitors who respect local customs.

Want more? Our full culture guide has detailed tips for 10+ countries

📖 Read Full Culture Guide →

🧳 Packing Guide

European weather is NO JOKE for Nigerians. Even summer can feel cold! Here's what to pack.

🌡️ Weather Reality Check

Lagos: 25-33°C year-round → Europe: -5 to 25°C depending on season

Yes, you WILL feel cold. Even in "summer." Pack layers!

What to Expect by Season

☀️

Summer

18-28°C

Jun-Aug
Pleasant but evenings are cool

🍂

Autumn

8-18°C

Sep-Nov
Jacket required!

❄️

Winter

-5 to 8°C

Dec-Feb
Full cold gear needed

🌸

Spring

8-16°C

Mar-May
Layers are key

Interactive Packing Checklist

Click items to check them off as you pack!

📄 Documents (ESSENTIAL)

👔 Clothing - Summer (Jun-Aug)

🧥 Clothing - Winter (Dec-Feb)

📱 Electronics

💊 Health & Toiletries

⚠️ Nigerian First-Timer Warning: You WILL underestimate European cold. That "light jacket" you think is enough? It's not. When in doubt, pack warmer clothes. You can always remove layers, but you can't create warmth from nothing!

✅ Packing DO's

  • Pack layers — temperature changes during the day
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk A LOT)
  • Leave space for souvenirs on return
  • Pack a small day bag for sightseeing
  • Bring a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe!)

❌ Packing DON'Ts

  • Don't overpack — 7 days doesn't need 7 outfits
  • Don't pack only summer clothes even in summer
  • Don't bring valuable jewelry (theft risk)
  • Don't pack liquids over 100ml in carry-on
  • Don't forget the EU adapter — Nigerian plugs won't work!

Need the complete checklist? Our full guide covers every item you need

📖 Read Full Packing Guide →

🎁 Best Souvenirs for Family

What to bring back that family will actually appreciate — practical picks for Nigerian budgets.

💡 Souvenir Strategy

Skip the tourist shop trinkets! Focus on quality items they can't get in Nigeria or things that are significantly cheaper in Europe. Think: chocolate, perfume, fashion, and practical luxury items.

Universal Crowd-Pleasers

🍫 Belgian/Swiss Chocolate

Neuhaus, Godiva, Lindt — real European chocolate is on another level. Buy at airports or supermarkets (cheaper than shops).

€5-30
👩 Mom 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Everyone

🧴 Perfumes & Skincare

Duty-free perfumes are significantly cheaper than Nigeria. Brands like Rituals (Dutch) make great gifts.

€30-100
👩 Mom 👩‍🦰 Sister 💑 Wife

👟 Sports Gear

Nike, Adidas, Puma — often 30-50% cheaper in European outlets. Check Schiphol duty-free or outlet malls.

€40-150
👦 Kids 🏃 Athletes

👜 Fashion Accessories

Scarves, watches (G-Shock, Swatch), leather goods. Amsterdam and Milan have great options.

€20-200
👔 Dad 💑 Partner

Country-Specific Picks

🇳🇱 Netherlands

  • Stroopwafels (authentic!)
  • Delft Blue pottery
  • Dutch cheese (vacuum packed)
  • Tulip bulbs (seasonal)
€5-50

🇩🇪 Germany

  • Christmas ornaments
  • Haribo gummies (factory shop!)
  • Beer steins
  • Birkenstock sandals
€10-100

🇫🇷 France

  • Wine (1-2 bottles allowed)
  • Macarons (Pierre Hermé)
  • French soap (Marseille)
  • Hermes scarves
€10-500

🇨🇭 Switzerland

  • Swiss Army knife
  • Lindt chocolate
  • Watches (if budget allows)
  • Swiss chocolate fondue set
€20-500+

✅ Souvenir DO's

  • Buy at supermarkets/airports (cheaper than tourist shops)
  • Check duty-free allowances before purchasing
  • Get VAT refund on purchases over €50 (ask for forms)
  • Pack fragile items in carry-on
  • Keep receipts for customs

❌ Souvenir DON'Ts

  • Don't buy at tourist traps near attractions
  • Don't bring more than 1L alcohol without declaring
  • Don't pack liquids/creams over 100ml in carry-on
  • Don't forget weight limits (excess baggage is expensive!)
  • Don't buy fake designer items (illegal to import)
💡 Budget Hack: Some of the best souvenirs are FREE — postcards from museums, beautiful packaging from shops, or even local supermarket items that look exotic to Nigerian family (Dutch sprinkles, German bread, French mustard).

More ideas? Our full guide has souvenirs for every budget and recipient

📖 Read Full Souvenirs Guide →