Germany Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Berlin
- Currency
- EUR (Euro)
- Best time to visit
- May–September for best weather. October for Oktoberfest. December for Christmas markets.
Visa requirements
EU citizens travel freely. Non-EU can stay up to 90 days in Schengen zone without a visa.
Getting around
Germany's Deutsche Bahn network, including high-speed ICE trains, connects cities efficiently, complemented by FlixBus coaches and rare domestic flights. Cities have excellent U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus systems on integrated tickets (and the cheap nationwide Deutschland-Ticket), with taxis and apps like Uber, Bolt and FreeNow widely available.
Safety
Germany is very safe. Emergency number is 112.
Tipping customs
Tipping is customary but modest, usually rounding up or adding about 5–10%. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay as you settle rather than leaving cash on the table, round up taxi fares, and leave a euro or two for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Travel tips
Sundays many shops are closed. Public transport is excellent.