Do they sell standard size AA & AAA batteries in Europe

Yes.

Kinda hard to tell which question Michael is answering. Yes, they sell those in Europe so, no, you don't need to lug them along.

Yes they sell them. But you might want to bring a pack if you have room becuase they are cheaper here. I saw a 4 pack of standard duracell AA Batteries in London for 3.69 ($6.50), while I got mine at Target for $2.39.

Peter,

Yes, Batteries are sold in Europe however as someone else noted they're usually more expensive than here. I always pack along about six of each size in my Camera bag. I like to have a few spares readily available so that I don't have to interrupt my touring to look for a store. I replenish the batteries when I have time.

Cheers!

All the others are correct. Duracell is readily available, but at least double the price (in Rome nearly triple).

I'd recommend either packing a bunch -- or -- so what I did after I got a little smarter (I'm a little slow), and invest in a few rechargeable in your most used sizes. I bought a charger that does AA or AAA size, and 4 of each.

Just remember to charge them every night... or you'll end up buying a 4-pack of Duracells for the equivalent of $9 in Basel Switzerland... like I did.... ;)

Lot's of good advice. Thanks everyone. I had a thought. Maybe I should bring over a case or so of batteries and sell them on the street to offset the cost of my trip! Rechargeables sounds good. A bunch of lithiums might also hold me for the six weeks.

Thanks all!

Definitely suggest the rechargeables! Also, I find they last longer on a charge than the regular batteries do anyway (at least, in a camera they did)

Rechargables are really the way to go. Saves tons of money.

Just know that not all battery chargers are 120-240V capable, and in my experience it can be hard to determine this from the outside packaging.

Also, it's a drag to remember to recharge every night. I travelled with someone who had rechargeables. She had to lug that charger + transformer + plug adapter -- which she'd have to unhook to use her hairdryer. Sometimes the charger didn't work right due to something wrong with the wall plug, sometimes she forgot, sometimes we were out shooting away with her camera and the charge failed. Me, I just bring a 10-pack of Duracells, and my camera case always has a fresh pair in in for back-up.