Germany is on everyone’s bucket list, and it’s a country that you definitely need to visit more than once to experience all that it has to offer. It’s essential, therefore, to plan your trip in advance, at least in some detail, and to utilize the time you have there as best as you can.
Our list provides a few tips that will help you find your way around Germany and adapt to some quirks of local culture and city life.
How Long Can You Stay?
Tourists that visit Germany from outside the Schengen zone can stay in Germany for 180 days every six months. This is more than enough for most tourists, and it is enough to cover most road trips as well. If you’re traveling from the Schengen zone, as a citizen of one of the 26 countries of the zone – there’s no limit.
You’re not allowed to work in Germany during your stay as a tourist, but you are allowed to rent vehicles and property as long as you have the proper documents with you.
Go on Road Trips
The best way to experience diverse German scenery and culture is to go on road trips across the country. That way, you make all the stops you want and go beyond the tourist traps. It’s advantageous if you’re interested in the countryside and the less known parts of the country.
In order to drive as a foreigner in Germany, you’ll need an international drivers license and a national permit as well. You’ll also need to show a photo ID, and for most tourists, that’s a passport. The international permit expires after a year, and it can be renewed online.
Paying and Tipping
The local currency is Euro, and in most cases, you’ll be able to pay with a card. However, it’s not that uncommon for cafes and small bars not to accept cards. Make sure to have some cash at hand with you at all times. Just use a reliable bank that you’re familiar with to make the exchange.
Tipping is done somewhat differently than in the US – in fact, it’s mostly not expected for a customer to tip in restaurants and in bars. The price of service is included in the check. It is, however, common to tip taxi drivers for some reason.
The Language
In most cities and among the younger population, you’ll always find someone who speaks English and is friendly enough to help you with directions. This is especially so in the service industry, where everyone is used to working with tourists and speaking English.
When you move to the countryside, and when you speak with the elderly, however, you may find yourself in a bit more trouble. That’s why it helps to try and learn a few key phrases in German beforehand. The language is rather difficult to learn, but a few phrases are all you need.
Getting Around Big Cities
When you’re in one of the bigger German cities, the most convenient way to get around is to park your car and use public transportation. It’s very well organized and it’s made to be tourist friendly so that it covers and marks important landmarks that most tourists would want to see.
Germans also have an excellent railway system for long distances and a simple schedule that’s easy to follow. However, this means you’ll need to stick to it, and that’s why we prefer renting a car for long-distance travel. The roads are in perfect condition, and the traffic isn’t that heavy.
How Safe Is It?
Germany is a relatively safe country, and you shouldn’t have any issues in most cities. As is the case in most large cities, there are areas that are considered a bad part of town, and it’s easy to figure out which ones are those. It’s best not to walk alone there, at least not at night. Locals and hotel staff will help you out if you have any questions in this regard.
It’s also important to note that pickpocketing is somewhat common in touristy parts of town. That’s something that goes with the territory of visiting high-traffic places, and it’s best to be on the lookout.
Electronic Devices
Germany uses what are known as Type C outlets, sometimes also called E/F plugs, with 230 Volts of power. Those are the plugs with two prongs usually used in Europe but not used in the US and the UK. If you plan to bring your devices with three prongs, you’ll need an adapter.
In some cases, UK and US devices run voltages from 120 to 240 volts. If you bring along one of such devices, you’ll need both an adapter and a converter in order to use it. These are easy to find at tech stores.
What Do You Need to Know About Renting a Car?
In order to rent a car in Germany, you’re going to need an international driving permit and a national license as well. You’ll also need an ID and to purchase an insurance policy on the car as well.
Keep in mind that most German cars have a shift stick which can be someone challenging to American drivers that aren’t used to it. If you’re driving slowly on the highway tracks, move to the right lane since that’s what it’s designed for.
Don’t Rush to See Everything
There’s a lot to visit and do in Germany, and it’s best not to try to see it all in one take. That way, you won’t pay enough attention to any of the sights you’re visiting, and the whole stay will feel both rushed and overwhelming at the same time.
Instead, make a loose itinerary and pay attention to the places that you’ve actually decided to visit. It is a more rewarding experience even though it does mean you’ll need to visit Germany more than once in order to see it truly. It’s worth doing so, and each trip will be a slightly different experience.
