Working abroad in Europe while backpacking....

Previous discussions of this subject, here, have agreed that you need to obtain a work visa to legally be employed in Europe. Here are links to some of these discussions; the first link is a more detailed discussion:issues re working your way across Europemore work permit issuesLink to discussion on another forum:http://www.eurotrip.com/category/forums/specialinterest/workingeurope

You may get an answer on this page, but do plenty of research to determine if the country you visit allows your working. Some cities have restrictions. It will help if you name the countries you will visit.

Spend as much time as you can checking the web for information about this subject. From what I have read, working in Europe is not as easy as it is here. That doesn't mean it is impossible.

I would not put high hopes in this plan, for several reasons. First, yes, you would technically need some type of work visa..but just as in the US, for informal employment, most does not get reported, so you might get by. Second, if you are moving around alot, it makes it difficult to find the right employer willing to have you just for a few days or weeks. Basically what you are talking about is picking up a few euros doing odd jobs or helping out given the right opportunity. Most people I know that did something similar had some common traits...they knew some of the language or at least another European language...they had some level of service skills, like bartending, DJ, ESL, translation...and, they had personality going for them. Basically they showed up, got to know a few of the locals, found a need, and traded their services for a meal, a room, maybe a few euros, and moved on. A couple were musicians and would do the street thing or entertain in a bar or cafe, but that's a special instance. Overall, they did not depend on the income, or even considered it employment, just bartering and getting by.

If you are a student, you might be able to find temporary work legally. Years ago I had friends who were able to find work legally by going through Council Travel but I don't know if the program even exists anymore. They were college students.

I taught English for a English language institute and I didn't have a visa. The only problem is I had to stay in Rome while I was working. If you are backpacking through Italy, how do you think you are going to work? Anyway, good luck and have fun

A better idea would be to make that extra pocket cash NOW, while you're in the US. Work a second or third job, skip the lattes, save all your coins, whatever works. I'm sure you think you're doing all that you can now, but isn't that better than relying on the vague possibility of making enough money to eat for a few days while you're there?

If you are going to backpack, you won't be staying much in one place, I assume. Even if you ahve all the requirements, who would hire you for a few days?
Plus you will be busy working instead of visiting.
I suggest to have the "little pocket cash" BEFORE you go.

"I taught English for a English language institute and I didn't have a visa"

Mark, I wonder how this was possible? You didn't need a tourist visa or work visa? Those are 2 different things.

I am not supporting nor nixing this idea, but to comment further:

Work Visa's: Yes, you need a work visa to be able to hold a job, but to use a US comparison, this would be more critical for a formal position (apply for a job, get a regular check, do your W-4, pay witholding taxes, etc.) Informal positions, not so much. You pay the kid down the street to mow your lawn, it's cash, you do not claim him as an employee, you do not ask for his passport or green card, he probably does not claim it as income. Same if a neighbor fixes your roof and you feed him a steak. My point is, do not plan on getting a formal job without a visa, something informal? under the right circumstances, maybe. It can be observed that the service industries (restaurants) or seasonal jobs (Tourism, at one time farm work) probably blur the lines more often than industry and commerce, but then what is sought here is not long term employment. I always want to offer restaurants the service of editing their awful english language menus into a nice explanation of the dishes in return for a bottle of wine and a great meal...but always forget my work visa at home. On the other hand, some of the menus can be great entertainment.

In Germany there are often "raids" on restaurants and construction sites for "illegal" workers. I don't know how it is for working during harvests - like in the vinyards, but one probably has to be legal. Teaching English is a good way to get a visa though. There are so many companies out there that will help you with that process. BUT - one would need a place to live. You can't go putting Youth Hostel #3 on your paperwork. Many companies are not even that concerned if you have a degree in teaching or any degree at all. They have their own method and just want a Native Speaker to teach it.