Contemplating a trip to Germany? These Germany Facts
& Travel Tips give you everything you need, all in one handy place.
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Here are some essential Germany facts you’ll want to know before embarking on your Bucket List trip. The details really do matter, and these Germany facts will make your travel planning a whole lot easier!
Based on my many years of experience traveling across the U.S. and the world, I’m also passing along some Kari’s Travel Tips I wish I had known before we left for Germany.
You can use the Table of Contents below to jump to the topics that interest you most, or simply scroll through all the content at your leisure.
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– Best Lodging site: Booking.com
– Book Day Tours here: Viator.com
– Rent Cars here: RentalCars.com
Currency
In Germany, the Euro (€) is the official currency, which is also used across the European Union. You’ll find Euro banknotes (5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€) and coins (1€, 2€, and smaller denominations of cents).
Although most places accept credit and debit cards like VISA and Mastercard, there are still some where you’ll need cash.
- Smaller businesses and local eateries may not take cards and only accept cash.
- Restroom fees (usually 1€ or 2€) are common.
- While accommodation is generally paid for via credit card on the booking platforms, sometimes you have to pay a daily city tax in cash when you arrive.
- If you want to tip your server or tour guide, a few Euros should do the trick. Always pay them in the local currency.
Currency Conversion
We use the Xe app to keep track of currency conversions.
The Euro’s value is close to that of the US dollar, so we don’t spend much time calculating exchange rates. A 3€ snack is about the same as a $3 snack.
Kari’s Travel Tip: It’s best to get some Euros from your bank back home for the best exchange rates. If you need more, use a bank ATM for the lowest fees and best rates. Avoid ATMs at tourist hotspots—they charge much higher fees.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Always opt to be charged in the local currency when using your credit card. This reduces the chance of additional conversion fees. We also found Apple Pay worked in many large stores.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Don’t forget to notify your bank about your travel plans. This will help prevent your card from being blocked due to suspicious overseas activity.
Kari’s Travel Tip: On the last day, try to spend any leftover Euro coins and smaller bills. We use them for food and beverages to avoid returning with small change.
A lot of stores in Germany are closed on Sundays so be sure you pick up whatever you need on Saturday!
Tipping Culture in Germany
Tipping in Europe is less common than in the US, but it does still occur in certain instances.
Many restaurants will add a 10-15% Service Charge to the bill, which means you don’t need to leave a tip on top of that.
However, if no service charge is added, the a 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated. It’s not necessary to leave a tip if the service is just so-so.
Another option is to pay with cash and tell the server they can keep the change.
Fun Fact: In Germany, a tip is also known as “Trinkgeld”. Translated, it literally means “drink money.” The idea is that the receiver can buy themselves a beverage after work, thanks to the generosity of the giver.
Tipping your Guide at the end of a tour is another time when a tip is ALWAYS appreciated.
Language
German is the official language of Germany. Luckily, I remembered quite a bit from my 3 semesters of college German. That it helped us navigate a lot in our first non-English speaking country.
Thankfully, many Europeans, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors, speak some level of English. If you’re chatting in English at a restaurant, they may even provide you with a menu in English.
Kari’s Travel Tip: I often like to say “Hello” when I greet people—it’s universally friendly and signals I speak English. And when I need to find a bathroom, I just ask, “A Toilette?” with a hopeful look, and they usually point me in the right direction.
Kari’s Travel Tip: It’s a good idea to learn a few essential phrases in German. Even if you don’t say them perfectly, the locals will appreciate your effort! Here are a few helpful ones:
- Please = Bitte (“BIT-ta”)
- Thank You = Danke (“DON-kuh”)
- Hello = Hallo (“HALL-owe”)
- Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen (“Auf-VEE-der-zane”)
- That is delicious! = Das ist köstlich!
- Good morning = Guten Morgen
- Good evening = Guten Abend
- Where is a bathroom? = Wo ist eine Toilette?
- Where is a grocery store? = Wo ist ein Lebensmittelladen?
Note, in German, the W’s are pronounced like V’s.
Google Translate
For everything else, I rely on Google Translate. It’s my go-to app for translating both ways—whether I’m typing or using the microphone to speak the words I want to translate.
I often use it in grocery stores, asking things like “I am looking for ham” or “Where are the onions?” I simply type or speak it, and then I show the translation to the store clerk.
The camera feature is amazing, too! I can snap a photo of a menu, food label, or cooking instructions, and Google Translate will instantly translate the text.
Time Zone
The entire country of Germany is in the Central European Time Zone, making it 6 to 9 hours ahead of the continental US, depending on the region. Germany also observes Daylight Savings Time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
I use the city of Munich in the World Clock on my iPhone to see the time in Germany.
Are these Germany Facts giving you the tools you need for trip planning? Keep reading for even more helpful tips!
Date Format
In Germany, dates are written in the DD-MM-YYYY format, which is different from the MM-DD-YY format most Americans are familiar with. For example, June 12, 1954 would be displayed as 12-06-1954 in Germany.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This is especially important when filling out forms or applications. Be sure to enter your birthdate, passport issue date, and expiration date correctly. Always take care to follow the format on the form!
Driving
Europeans drive on the right side of the road, just like we do in the US. Bill and I like to rent a car when we’re in Europe because it’s convenient for our travel style.
The roads in Germany are in excellent condition and we had no problems navigating there.
If you’d rather not rent a car, Europe has a great public transport system—trains, buses, ride-shares, flights, and ferries all make it easy to get from one place to another.
Rome2Rio is a useful app that many people rely on to figure out the best transport options in Europe, both within a country, and between countries.
It gives you the estimated journey time and cost, which is super handy.
International Phone Code
Germany’s country code is +49 (followed by the local number).
To get the + symbol, just press the zero key for about one second while in dialing mode. This will bring up the plus sign. Then, you can add Germany’s country code (49) and the local number.
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Europe (and many other regions).
It’s used for texting, calling, and sharing files—far more than traditional text messaging, iMessage, or phone calls, as we do in the US.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Download WhatsApp before your trip and get comfortable using it. It’s essential for staying connected with drivers, tour guides, hotel hosts, and anyone else you meet while traveling.
We use WhatsApp to stay in touch with our family while abroad. As long as I have Wi-Fi or my Airalo eSim for data, I don’t incur international roaming fees from my US carrier.
WhatsApp uses your US phone number, but only works for communication with others using the app. If you’re sharing your number, remember to include the +1 before your area code.
Airalo eSim
I rely on an Airalo eSim for affordable data while traveling internationally. Using an eSim saves me hundreds of dollars in international roaming charges.
Airalo offers a Germany-specific eSim called Hallo! Mobil for longer stays in Germany or they have a Eurolink Regional eSim, which covers 42 countries across Europe.
It’s simple to install, activate, and manage. You can control which apps use your eSim data. I typically disable apps I won’t need, such as local weather or business apps from back home.
If you run low on data, “topping it off” is quick and easy.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Buy and install your eSim before you leave home but only activate it once you’ve landed and connected to the free Wi-Fi at the airport. This way, you’ll have data ready when you leave and head to your first destination.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Be sure your phone is set up for international roaming and that it’s unlocked to support the eSim.
Plug Adapter
The plug type in Germany is Type C, which is the same as most of Europe. A good multi-country adapter kit will likely include this type.
I recommend the Ceptiks Universal Travel Adapter Kit for its versatility. It has worked great for me all over the world, in many countries.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Most phones and laptops are dual voltage ready, but if you’re bringing appliances like a hair dryer or curling iron, ensure they support dual voltage before use.
I hope having these valuable Germany Facts all in one place is making your planning process a little less stressful!
Can I drink the water?
Yes, the water out of the tap in Germany is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and showering.
Visa Requirements
According to the US State Department, US citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Germany, but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and must have two blank pages.
Schengen Zone Limits
In the Schengen Zone (which includes 29 countries), you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. After 90 days, you must leave and wait 90 days before returning.
Some countries like the UK, Ireland, and Albania are not part of Schengen, which is why long-term travelers often use the “Schengen Shuffle” to extend their time in Europe.
In most cases, you no longer have to show your passport when crossing borders in Europe—unless you’re flying. I was a bit disappointed because I’d hoped to get stamps in my passport from each European country we visited.
If you’re planning a long-term stay in Europe, it’s crucial to understand the Schengen rules. The US State Department has detailed information, but this article explains it in a clearer way.
Safety
If you’re planning an international trip, make sure to check out the US State Department’s website for essential travel safety advice. They rank all countries by their level of risk: Level 1 (travel with normal precautions), Level 2 (travel with increased caution), Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Level 4 (Do not travel).
Their STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) lets you enter your travel details, such as where you’re staying and when. This allows them to notify you of emergencies, like nearby protests or shifts in embassy hours. We’ve gotten alerts before that helped us avoid protests in the area.
Embassy Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Berlin
Clayallee 170
14191 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone +(49) (30) 8305-0
Emergency +(49) (30) 8305-0
Fax +(49) (30) 8305-1215|
Email ACSBerlin@state.gov
Website https://de.usembassy.gov/
Is Germany starting to feel real yet? I hope these Germany Facts are adding to your excitement!
Vaccine Requirements
No vaccines are currently required. I always recommend checking with your personal physician before traveling internationally.
Metric System Conversions
Like most of the world, Germany uses the metric system for units such as distance (meters and kilometers), temperature (Celsius), weight (grams and kilograms), and volume (liters and milliliters).
Kari’s Travel Tip: I always keep a conversion guide saved in my iPhone notes for when I need a quick reference. I’ll provide them here for you to use if you want.
Temperature: Celsius to Fahrenheit
- 0 C = 32 F
- 10 C = 50 F
- 15 C = 59 F
- 20 C = 68 F
- 25 C = 77 F
- 27 C = 80 F
- 30 C = 86 F
- 40 C = 104 F
- 45 C = 113 F
- Formula for calculating: C x 1.8 + 32 = F
Weight: Kilograms to Pounds
This is especially useful for checked and carry-on luggage limits on different airlines. Internationally, the limits are often quite a bit smaller than on US Airlines so it’s important to check. And they do tend to weigh the carry-ons sometimes.
- 7 kg = 15.4 pounds
- 10 kg = 22 pounds
- 15 kg = 33 pounds
- 20 kg = 44 pounds
- 25 kg = 55 pounds
- 30 kg = 66 pounds
- 32 kg = 70 pounds
- 35 kg = 77 pounds
- Formula for calculating: kg x 2.2 = Pounds
Area: Square Meters to Square Feet
This is helpful when you are looking for accommodations to know how big the space is. A standard hotel room in the US is about 300-350 square feet. Rooms in Europe are often quite a bit smaller.
- 20 square meters = 215 square feet
- 25 square meters = 269 square feet
- 30 square meters = 323 square feet
- 40 square meters = 430 square feet
- 70 square meters = 753 square feet
Distance: Kilometers to Miles
At first, we were constantly trying to convert all the kilometers over to miles. But after a while, we just adapted to thinking in terms of kilometers.
- Precise calculation: km x 0.621371 = miles
- Rough calculation: km x .6 = miles or km x 2/3 = miles
Conclusion: Germany Facts
I hope these Germany Facts and Travel Tips have inspired you and given you the information you need to plan your unforgettable German adventure!
If you know of any other Germany facts that would be a good addition for this guide, don’t hesitate to send your suggestions my way!
More Information About Germany
More articles to come soon on exploring Germany – I just need to find time to sit down and write them! If you want to receive an email when new content is added to Achieve Your Bucket List (on any topic), please fill out the short form above.
- Coming Soon: Things to Do in Munich
- Coming Soon: Day Trips out of Munich
- Coming Soon: Where to Stay in Munich
- Coming Soon: How to Travel Around Germany
- Coming Soon: Exploring Königssee and Berchtesgaden National Park