Welcome to Germany 😊

Quick Facts About Germany

Money and Finances

The currency used in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Banknotes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Germany, especially in cities and tourist areas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as not all shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in Germany, particularly Visa and Mastercard. American Express is also accepted in some places, but less commonly. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, especially when visiting smaller towns and villages.

Internet and Phones

Germany has an average internet speed of 39.2 Mbps for downloads and 15.5 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Deutsche Telekom is the largest telco company in Germany, followed by Vodafone and Telefonica. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €30-40 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues depending on your phone provider.

Dialling to Germany

To call Germany from another country, dial +49 followed by the area code and phone number. The area code for Berlin is 30, Munich is 89, and Hamburg is 40.

Transport Around Germany

Air Travel

Germany has several major airports, including Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport, which provide both domestic and international flights.

Train Travel

Germany has a well-developed inter-city train network called Deutsche Bahn, which offers frequent and reliable services between major cities. For example, a one-way ticket from Berlin to Munich starts at around €25 and takes approximately 6 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Many of Germany's major cities have local train networks, such as the U-Bahn in Berlin and the S-Bahn in Munich, which provide quick and efficient transport around the city.

Buses

Germany also has a extensive network of long-distance bus routes run by companies like Flixbus and Eurolines, which provide cheaper alternatives to train travel. For example, a one-way ticket from Berlin to Munich starts at around €12 and takes approximately 8 hours.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Germany, including Uber and BlaBlaCar, which can be a cost-effective option for short trips within cities.

Driving by Car

Driving in Germany is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. The country uses right-hand drive, and the speed limit on most Autobahns is unrestricted (although there are still recommended speed limits in certain areas, especially near cities).

Local Customs

In Germany, tipping is common but not expected. It is customary to round up the bill to the nearest Euro or leave a few extra Euros for good service. When greeting someone, it is common practice to shake hands. Bowing or hugging is not typically done unless in very formal situations. Germans tend to be reserved when speaking with strangers but will warm up once a relationship is established. In terms of addressing each other, it is common to use first names in informal situations and last names in professional settings. Men and women typically address each other with the same level of formality.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Germany has a strong and well-organized health care system, ranking among the best in the world. The system is mostly funded through statutory health insurance contributions and offers universal coverage to all citizens and legal residents. The approximate cost for a visit to a doctor in Germany is around 30-40 Euros.

COVID Situation

Germany was one of the first countries to implement strict measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as widespread testing, contact tracing, and mandatory use of face masks. Although cases have fluctuated since the start of the pandemic, the country has managed to keep infections relatively low through these measures.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Germany include tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and encephalitis, as well as food poisoning from contaminated food or water. Visitors should ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and take necessary precautions to avoid these risks.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Germany, the legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16, and for spirits such as whiskey and vodka it is 18. However, there are some restrictions on drinking in public places and driving under the influence is strictly forbidden and can lead to severe consequences.

Recreational Drugs

The use of recreational drugs is illegal in Germany, including soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs. Possession, distribution, and production of drugs can lead to severe punishment, including imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal and socially accepted in Germany.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Germany has very progressive laws regarding LGBTQ rights. Same-sex couples can legally marry and adopt children since 2017. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.

Firearms / Guns

Germany has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. Gun ownership requires a license, which is granted only to individuals who can prove a need for owning a firearm. Automatic weapons and military-grade weapons are illegal, and the use of firearms is tightly regulated.