Germany

Entry

You are obliged to be able to always identify yourself with your passport or identity card.

Safety

Germany is considered as a safe country. There may be demonstrations in the big cities. 

Important phone numbers

+49 is the international code

112 - police

112 - ambulance

Language

In Germany the people speak German.

Currency and means of payment

In Germany you pay in Euro (EUR). You can pay everywhere with credit cards. It is accepted as a means of payment in all shops, Restaurant or Hotels.

Tip

With these guidelines you are on the safe side: In restaurants, the service staff receive a tip of about 10% of the total bill. If the bill is several hundred euros, about 5% is sufficient. Taxi drivers receives a tip of 10%.

Transport and infrastructure

The road condition of Germany is very good. The motorways can be used free of charge throughout the country. Germany has an extensive network of rail and bus lines.

Opening hours

In most federal states the large grocery shops are open from 8am to 8pm. Shops in city centres from 10am to 8pm. In smaller towns or villages shops close earlier or are only open a few hours a day. Shops are also closed on Sundays and public holidays.

National holiday

3. October - the German Unity Day commemorates the German reunification.