Brexit
Consequences for consumers
At the referendum on June 23, 2016, 52 percent of the British citizens voted for Brexit.
The negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom are proceeding slowly. If there is no agreement before the planned leaving date, we are looking at a so-called "hard Brexit". What would that mean for consumers in Europe?
Information from February 2019
Brexit - what is that?
Travel
Before departure
Package travel
As long as you booked at an European tour operator, you are hedged in case of problems (e.g. defects or insolvency of the hotel). Those EU rights do not apply if you booked at a British tour operator, who doesn't direct his activities to or advertises his services in Austria. An additional insurance could be necessary.
Illness
You cannot use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is on the back of your e-card, in the UK. Inform yourself in advance, if and how you could get a reimbursement of costs for emergency medical care and whether you should get an additional travel insurance.
Roaming
It is very likely that your mobile provider will charge additional fees for calls, SMS and the use of mobile data during your stay in the UK.
Streaming
You may not be able to fully access your subscriptions at services like Spotify, Netflix or Kindle while staying in the UK.
Credit cards
The UK wants to continue to prohibit additional charges for credit card payments, like it already does as a member of the EU. Ask your bank in advance about the conditions for a payment in third countries and always pay in the local currency.
Your rights as a passenger
Air travel
There should be no disturbances in air travel as the UK and the EU reached an agreement for this area. At flights departing from the EU or operated by an EU carrier, you are still protected by EU air passenger rights. For flights departing in the UK or operated by an UK airline, British law applies. However, this will - at least for now - mirror the European regulations.
Rail travel
For the part of your journey within the EU, the EU rail passenger rights in case of delay or cancellation apply. For the British part, the British regulations apply.
Coach travel
It is uncertain if bus companies will still be allowed to operate in the EU. If you bought a ticket at a British operator, the journey may be cancelled or you may need to change the bus at the border. For the part of the journey within the EU, the European passenger rights apply, as does British law for the UK part.
Cruises
You are still protected by EU passenger rights in case of delays or cancellation of ferrys departing within the EU or operated by an EU company. For all other cases, British law applies. However, at least for the moment, it is the same as the EU regulations.
You can use your driver's license in the UK, but you should check in advance if you need additional insurance coverage or have to carry any special documents.
Financial services
Onlineshopping
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