Information

A little local know-how goes a long way in Germany. Here you will find all the essential advice and information you will need during your stay.

Personal Security

Germany is generally a safe place for visitors, but it is always a good idea to take sensible precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are known to operate in busy tourist areas, particularly on public transport.

If you have anything stolen, report the crime as soon as possible to the nearest police station. Get a copy of the crime report in order to claim on your insurance. Contact your embassy if you have your passport stolen, or in the event of a serious crime or accident.

Germans are generally accepting of all people, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality. Although long celebrated as a liberal and tolerant country, homosexuality was only officially legalized in Germany in 1994. Despite all the freedoms that the LGBT+ community enjoy, acceptance is not always a given. If you do at any point feel unsafe, the Safe Space Alliance pinpoints your nearest place of refuge. In Berlin The Maneo emergency hotline run by Mann-O-Meter supports victims of homophobic behaviour, while Lesbenberatung is a lesbian safe space that offers help and advice for women, girls and transgender people.

Lesbenberatung

∑ esbenberatung-berlin.de

Maneo

§ (030) 216 33 36

∑ maneo.de

Mann-O-Meter

∑ mann-o-meter.de

Safe Space Alliance

∑ safespacealliance.com

Health

Germany has a world-class health service. EU citizens are eligible to receive emergency medical treatment in Germany free of charge. If you have an EHIC or GHIC present this as soon as possible.

For visitors from outside the EU, payment of medical expenses is the patient’s responsibility. It is important to arrange comprehensive medical insurance before travelling.

Pharmacies (Apotheke) are indicated by a red stylized letter “A” and can be used for help with minor ailments or prescriptions. You may need a doctor’s prescription to obtain certain pharmaceuticals, and the pharmacist can inform you of the closest doctor’s practice.

Pharmacies are usually open 8am–6pm, and details of the nearest 24-hour service are posted in all pharmacy windows or can be found online.

For a serious illness or injury, visit a hospital (Krankenhaus) or call an ambulance. All emergency rooms are part of the public health system, so your EHIC, GHIC or insurance will cover you.

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

Germany has a smoking ban in all public places, including bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels. However, many establishments circumvent these laws by naming themselves a Raucherkneipe, or smoking pub.

The possession of narcotics is prohibited and could result in prosecution and a prison sentence.

Unless stated otherwise, it is permitted to drink alcohol on the streets and in public parks and gardens. Germany has a strict limit of 0.05 per cent BAC (blood alcohol content) for drivers.

ID

There is no requirement for visitors to carry ID, but in the event of a routine check you may be asked to show your passport. If you don’t have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept.

Local Customs

Germany has strict laws on hate speech and symbols linked to the Nazis. Disrespectful behaviour in public places can warrant a fine, or even prosecution. Pay close attention to signage indicating when photos aren’t allowed and think carefully about how you compose your shots. Visitors have come under serious criticism for posting inappropriate photos taken at sites of national significance on social media.

Visiting Places of Worship

Dress respectfully: cover your torso and upper arms; ensure shorts and skirts cover your knees.

Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi

Visitors travelling to Germany with EU tariffs can use their mobile phones abroad without being affected by data roaming charges; instead they will be charged the same rates for data, SMS and voice calls as they would pay at home. Visitors from other countries should check their contracts before using their phone in Germany in order to avoid unexpected charges.

Free Wi-Fi hotspots are widely available in big cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt am Main. Hotels usually offer free Wi-Fi to their guests; cafés and restaurants are often happy to permit the use of their Wi-Fi on the condition that you make a purchase.

Post

German post offces and post boxes are easy to spot with their distinctive yellow Deutsche Post signs. Stamps (Briefmarke) can be bought in post offices, newsagents, tobacconists and most major supermarkets. There are usually self-service stamp machines conveniently placed outside post offices.

Taxes and Refunds

VAT is 19 per cent in Germany. Non-EU residents are entitled to a tax refund subject to certain conditions. In order to obtain this, you must request a tax receipt and export papers (Ausfuhrbescheinigung) when you purchase your goods. When leaving the country, present these papers, along with the receipt and your ID, at customs to receive your refund.

Discount Cards

Many cities have a discount card giving unlimited access to public transport plus free or discounted admission to local attractions for a short period of time. The Berlin Welcome Card and Munich City Tour Card offer free entry to numerous tourist attractions and discounted entry for many more. They also cover the cost of public transport for a specified duration.

Berlin Welcome Card

∑ berlin-welcomecard.de

Munich CityTour Card

∑ mvv-muenchen.de

Need to know Getting Around