Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany

Do you want to try traveling to Germany? Consider getting a taste of Old World castles, enjoying traditional German sausages and admiring big cities.

Every explorer will find so much to enjoy in the wonderful country of Germany.Do these things before you go so you have a lot of fun. We make things easy to follow, so you can pay attention to having fun.

1. Finance Matter: Bring Euros and have Cash Handy

Traveling in Germany, you will use Euros as the currency (€). Having various ways to pay is sensible, yet for remote or basic businesses, cash is usually what they want most.

Larger stores, hotels and restaurants take debt and credit cards, but in many traditional cafes, bakeries, markets and some guesthouses cash is all that’s accepted.

Notice that paying with cash, even just coins or small bills, happens a lot for minor expenses. It shows what the culture is like. Just holding a few Euros in your wallet makes it easier to buy little things when you’re out.

City and town centers have plenty of ATMs, so always be sure to get a good amount of cash for a couple of days. Let your bank know in advance that you’re going abroad, to avoid your card being shut down.

2. Using Transportation: Use Germany’s Convenient Public Trains

A car is not necessary to see the sights in Germany. Their brilliant public transport service can help you really explore the country. All parts of Germany are well served by trains (Deutsche Bahn, DB), trams, buses and U-Bahns in city centers and S-Bahns in the bigger cities.

Railways have the reputation of being very efficient, clean and always running on time. Seriously, they are usually on time. Using these table tools is very simple.

Find ticket machines when you’re at the station or search for and install transportation apps. You can buy tickets for single rides, a day pass or a weekly pass and using them for a few days may be cheaper than buying multiple single ride tickets.

To avoid paying a fine, always check to see if you are required to validate your ticket (using the stamping machine).Allow trains, buses and transportation to ease your travel to the favorite spots you chose.

3. Some German words go a very long way in Germany

Most Germans and especially youngsters and those working in the tourist sector, have good English skills. If you are trying to use some basic German phrases, people will really appreciate you.

Showing respect for their culture sometimes helps people have nicer conversations with one another.

Introducing yourself with “Hallo” when you enter and closing the talk with “Danke” is often acknowledged.

Being able to say “Bier” (beer) or “Wasser” (water) will help you get what you want. . Lots of helpful apps are available to teach you these words and phrases free of charge before you travel.

4. In Germany, showing up punctually is very important

Being on time is very important to Germans. Arriving when expected is important, but also being respectful to other people matters. When you have set up a meeting, tour or appointment, try to be on time or a bit before the time.

Just like for flights, public transit often follows their planned schedules very carefully. So, when attempting to get a specific train, arrive at the station a bit before your train is due to leave. People usually find it unpleasant if you are late for no good reason, so try to leave yourself plenty of time.

5. The Sunday Shutdown: Embrace the Slow Sunday

You might see clearly that most stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays. During traveling in Germany, Sunday is considered a day to rest and most stores and big shops are not open.

You need to shop for your groceries or anything else, on Saturday or earlier, so your money is not there when stores pay interest.

Even though shops are shut, a number of businesses will operate on Sundays such as restaurants, cafes, museums, art galleries and tourist spots.

Visiting a park, seeing a museum or just having lunch outdoors sounds like a good way to spend this day.Not wanting to get bored shouldn’t stop you, just have some food ready in the fridge if you want a snack.

6. A Short Guide to Tipping

During traveling in Germany, tipping looks different compared to, for example, the US. Giving a tip is not mandatory, but normally people add a bit extra for helpful service. So, when you order for €18.50 and need to pay, you may say “I’ll have 20” (€20).

For restaurants, a good tip to offer is between 5% and 10%. After they bring the bill, you tell the server the total you want to pay which includes the tip. Rounding up fares is something taxi drivers often do.