From the remains of the Berlin Wall, to the castles of Bavaria, to the famous bratwurst, there’s so much to see and explore when you travel to Germany.
In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it’s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in Germany can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.
Here are some tips for making sure you’re ready for your trip to Germany:
What do I need to know about Germany?
President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Chancellor: Angela Merkel
Religion: Christianity (59.3%), No religion (34.4%), Other (6.3%)
Date format: DD/MM/YYYY
Time zone: Central European Time (EST+6)
What do I need to know about German culture?
Language: The official language of Germany is — you guessed it — German. If you’re learning German, then this is a golden opportunity to practice.
It’s okay, though, if you have no knowledge of the language — people will mostly speak English in more touristy areas, and tour guides will help you navigate. Here are some German phrases that might be helpful for you to learn before you go.
Etiquette: Etiquette in Germany is pretty similar to what you’ll see in the U.S.: They like to shake hands as a matter of greeting. If you speak German, be sure to use du and sie correctly: the former should only be used for friends.
You may also notice a fun German quirk: Germans tend to greet everyone in the room when they walk into a small shop or a waiting room.
Holidays: If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a calendar of German holidays to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates. If you’re anywhere in Germany during the fall, be sure to check out the dates for Oktoberfest and see how the holiday is celebrated in the areas you’ll be visiting.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed Germany as Level 2, the second-lowest level of caution. Travelers are encouraged to “Exercise increased caution.” That means keeping an eye on your luggage and wallet, staying with your group if you’re with a tour, and generally being aware of your surroundings.
Germans drive on the right, so you don’t have to worry about looking the wrong way before crossing the street.
Health: You do not need to have any vaccines to travel to Germany, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Weather: Germany has a temperate climate, meaning you probably won’t find it to be too hot or too cold. However, you should still check out the weather for the areas you’ll be visiting before you go, and pack accordingly.
Food: Germany is known for its heavy, meaty foods like Bratwurst. Other well-known dishes include fermented cabbage, known as sauerkraut, and soft pretzels. You’ll find a variety of foods when you head to Germany, though, and vegetarians shouldn’t have trouble finding a meal in bigger cities like Berlin and Munich.
How do I use my phone in Germany?
International calling and WiFi: The number to call for emergency services is 112. To call the U.S. from Germany, dial 001 and then the number, starting with the area code. Most hotels will offer WiFi.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.
Adaptors: Germany uses a different plug than the U.S., so you will need an adaptor. Be sure to purchase one so you are able to charge your phone abroad.
What do I need to get in, out, and around Germany?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid for six months following your date of departure from Germany. Visas are not required if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days.
Customs: Don’t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into the U.S.
Money: Germany uses the Euro (€), the official currency of the European Union. Other types of paper currency won’t be accepted, though credit cards from the U.S. are fine. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a fee for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your tour dates.
Check out the exchange rate for USD to Euros before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you’re best off using a debit card at an ATM during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
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