Would like to know how safe train travel is in central-eastern Europe? i.e.
Krakow to Vienna. Any truth to rumours of bags being stolen, harassing
passengers, train personnel looking for pocket lining,......

rome <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
    > Would like to know how safe train travel is in central-eastern Europe?
i.e.
    > Krakow to Vienna. Any truth to rumours of bags being stolen, harassing
    > passengers, train personnel looking for pocket lining,......

Not especially bad. You need to exercise general caution of course, but it
is unlikely anything too bad will happen. The risks are comparable with
western Europe. There are often-told stories of peoples cabins being gassed,
but I think that may have just been isolated incidents.

When handing over your ticket to the conductor, act casually and avoid
saying anything. That way it wont make it obvious you are a tourist. If they
do start requesting money, demand an explanation, and make certain you get
an official receipt if you do hand over cash. Don't be afraid to strike up
conversation with the folks in your cabin, as it is possible they will speak
english, and they can help you with language issues should a border guard or
conductor try something. They are working hard to stamp out corruption in
most eastern European countries, so don't be too afraid.

Wearing sunglasses when you are snoozing means that people can't tell if
your eyes are open or not. Very useful! Leaning against your bag will put
people off touching your stuff too. Also, don't do anything stupid like put
valuables in side pockets etc.

These techniques I have used mostly in Asia, and found that eastern European
countries are very safe. Overall, it's not something you should worry about
too much.
---
DFM

On Thu, 21 Aug 2003 13:15:52 -0400, rome wrote:

    > Would like to know how safe train travel is in central-eastern Europe? i.e.
    > Krakow to Vienna. Any truth to rumours of bags being stolen, harassing
    > passengers, train personnel looking for pocket lining,......

We did Crakow to Prague overnight back in 1997. Sleeping compartments.
Shared a double with my wife, and our daughter, a triple with some
Australian folks.

Only thing of minor significance; one of the two Australian females had
planned to have the other one switch with her BF. Which with our duaghter
there was a no no.

Difference with Western Europe: the conductor did not keep our passports
overnight. We were woken up first by the Polish border guard, then again
by the Czech one. Maybe also by some customs guy?

rome wrote:
    >
    > Would like to know how safe train travel is in central-eastern Europe? i.e.
    > Krakow to Vienna. Any truth to rumours of bags being stolen, harassing
    > passengers, train personnel looking for pocket lining,......

Don't know about harassment, but stories about luggage theft are true -
particularly on overnight trains. They ran a series about France-Italy
night trains a couple of years ago and reckoned you actually should
*expect* to get turned over on these trains. Personnel are always on the
"earhole" for a tip.

6079
--
There will always be death and taxes; however death doesn't get worse
every year.

"6079 Smith W." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > rome wrote:
    > >
    > > Would like to know how safe train travel is in central-eastern Europe?
i.e.
    > > Krakow to Vienna. Any truth to rumours of bags being stolen, harassing
    > > passengers, train personnel looking for pocket lining,......
    > Don't know about harassment, but stories about luggage theft are true -
    > particularly on overnight trains. They ran a series about France-Italy
    > night trains a couple of years ago and reckoned you actually should
    > *expect* to get turned over on these trains. Personnel are always on the
    > "earhole" for a tip.

What utter bollocks. Travel on them often do you?

Tony

"6079 Smith W." <[email protected]> skrev i meddelandet
news:[email protected]...
    > Don't know about harassment, but stories about luggage theft are true -
    > particularly on overnight trains. They ran a series about France-Italy
    > night trains a couple of years ago and reckoned you actually should
    > *expect* to get turned over on these trains.
I've travelled extensively over most rail systems in Europe in the last 30
years and never lost anything onboard. Never seen anything particular
unpleasant either.
The stations are the places to look out though

Personnel are always on the
    > "earhole" for a tip.
Nonsens, never been asked for a tip ,never seen the smallest indication that
a tip is necessary.
L.P