DanckTravel

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and looking for some tips on what you may need and what you should consider, look no further. Below is a list of important resources and tips to get you started.

Getting to Germany

1. Get a Passport

The first step to going to Germany is getting a passport. However, there are a few important things to note before you go:

• 6 months: Your passport expiration date cannot exceed six months from the date you travel. If it expires in six months, you need a new passport.
• Signature: Your passport must be signed before going to Germany. This can cost you up to $5,000, according to the US Embassy Berlin’s Facebook page. 

2. EITAS Authorization (starting in 2025)

As of now (2024), no VISAs are required to enter Germany or the EU. However, American citizens will soon need to fill out what is known as ETIAS. This is a travel authorization that will be required for entry into the European Union.  It should last three years once approved.

Budgeting and Money

3. Get Euros

Credit cards are not as common in Germany. Additionally, German debit cards are not tied to a credit card provider. Instead, Germans use something called an EC card, which is directly tied to a German bank account. 

Small stores may not accept credit cards (though most large ones will.) Be sure to have cash on hand for this reason.

Trains & Airports

4. Major Airports for Getting to Germany

There are several major airports that make it easy to get to Germany:

Frankfurt

This is the largest airport in the country and most international flights will come from this airport. While the city has a lot of opportunities in terms of career, it’s not much of a tourist destination.

If you need to catch a connection, I recommend booking a ticket to Frankfurt and taking the train to your final destination. Germany has high-speed rail and this may cost you less than booking a flight to a location like Stuttgart, since you’ll have more flight options.

Munich

Munich is a popular tourist hub and has several direct flights from the United States. This is also where Oktoberfest is located if you are looking to go there.

Zurich

Zurich is technically in Switzerland, but may be closer to specific destinations (such as Lake Constance)

Other Airports

You may need to transfer to make it to your final destiantion. There are many other smaller airports in Germany that have no connections or limited connections to the United States. In that case, you will need to transfer by either taking a train or booking a short flight. Additional airports include Hamburg and Stuttgart.

5. Use the Train

Germany has a lot of different train options, which means you may not have to rent a car during your entire stay. The whole country is connected via a system of trains and buses, making it possible to get anywhere you may need to go.

In terms of the train, there are several train types that you may need to know:

ICE

This is the high-speed rail. If you’re looking to get from one place to another more quickly, this is the train to book.

Please note: If you have a discount ticket, it will not generally include the ICE.

RegioBahn

This is the regional train. There are usually more stops on this train, than on the ICE.

6. Save on Train Fare

There are several ways to save on train tickets. Below are some that we’ve used:

BahnCard 50 or Bahncard 25

This may only make sense, if you are living in Germany for a longer period of time. However, you can save between 25%-50% off of all train tickets.

Eurorail

If you’re traveling across Europe, this could be the best deal for you. It usually includes unlimited train rides in specific countries.

Check Ticket Deals

Germany will often have ticket deals to encourage people to take the train. For example: In the summer, some states have offered 9 Euro passes for an entire month of unlimited, regional train travel.

Book Tickets in Advance

If you book your tickets in advance, you can usually save on train fares. However, you will not be able to take a different train than the one noted on your ticket. 

7. Pay for Your Tickets

On some of the trains or buses, there is not always someone checking if you paid for your ticket. However, you will pay a hefty fine if security controls happen to check. 

For some cities, you may also need to validate your ticket, so that it can be used at a certain date and time. Even if you buy your ticket, make sure to do this step too.

Please note: This is generally not true for trains traveling longer distances, since those will have the date on it already. 

8. You Probably Don’t Need an IDL

When renting a car in Germany, I have never had a problem with my American license. However, it’s always good to confirm with your rental company before booking. If you need one, they are super easy to get through a service like AAA.

Logistics

9. Language

The main language in Germany is German. However, many young adults and teenagers will speak good English, since it’s taught in school. If you’re in a high tourist area, you’ll likely have no problem with English.

10. Get the Right Converters

As noted in our tips for traveling to Switzerland, it’s important to make sure you have the right outlets and right converters for your trip.  In Germany, the voltage is higher than in the US (230 V) and they use a type F outlet.

11. Stores are Closed on Sundays

Like many countries in Europe, stores are closed on Sundays. This includes important stores like grocery stores and pharmacies. There will be an emergency pharmacy open on Sundays, should you need it. You can use this search to find which are open in the area you are staying.

12. Don’t Walk in the Bike Lane

Germans do take their bikes everywhere and this region of the sidewalk will be marked. Don’t walk in this section. You may get hit with a bike and a lot of people will be angry with you.

13 Some People Will Get Mad if You Jaywalk

I’ve gotten yelled at for jaywalking in Germany, even in the middle of the night. Adults view it as setting a good example for the kids, so if kids are around – definitely don’t do it.

14. Bathrooms Cost Money

Most public bathrooms will cost a Euro or two, which is why it’s always important to carry some change.

Restaurants

15. The Default is Seltzer Water

Germans usually drink something called “Sprudel” or seltzer. This is the most common type of water served. If you want still water, you will need to specify. 

Please note: Just because you order still water does not mean you will get the water for free. German restaurants don’t serve tap water.

16. Paying for Refills

Refills in American restaurants are included since everything is served from a soda fountain. In Germany, this is not the case. All drinks are priced per drink. If you want another soda or water, that will be charged separately. 

17. Restaurant Culture is Very Different

Servers are paid a fair wage, so they aren’t pressured to flip tables during their shift at the same rate. As a result, restaurant culture is more of a leisure activity. Waiters typically leave you alone to enjoy your time. Be aware of this if you are in a rush. 

18. Tipping

Since servers earn a fair wage, tipping in Germany isn’t expected in the same way that it is in the US. If the service is good, you can leave 5-10%.

Festivals

19. Oktoberfest Starts in September

If you’re planning on going to Oktoberfest, be sure to check the dates before booking your flight. Oktoberfest actually starts in September and ends in early October.

20. Book a Tent

Drinking at Oktoberfest only occurs in the tents. You’ll have to book a tent months in advance. Otherwise, you’ll need to stand in line (very early in the morning) to get into one.

The Christmas market in Nuremberg

21. Check out the Christmas Markets

Oktoberfest is not the only festival worth checking out in Germany. There are numerous Christmas markets throughout the country, including the famous Heidelberg and Nuremberg holiday markets. You can go shopping, ice skating (in some cities), and enjoy mulled wine (Gluhwein).

Politeness

22. Say Hello

While Germans aren’t as big of fans of small talk, it’s generally considered polite to say hello to people in a small store before ordering or as you pass them on a hike. 

Famous Cities & Sites

23. Hamburg: Beautiful Port Town

Hamburg is known as the little Venice of Germany for good reason. It is beautiful and a perfect place to catch a boat and enjoy the water. It’s also very historical with great museums and food.

24: Munich: The Site of Oktoberfest

Don’t let the name fool you. Oktoberfest actually takes place primarily in September and if you want to drink beer in a tent, you will need to book early. On top of the famous festival, Munich is a cool city with surfers (really) and the Hofbrauhaus.

25. Heidelberg: The Oldest Univeristy and a Beatuiful Castle

Heidelberg has the oldest university in Germany and the surrounding history is fascinating. Check out the student prisons or explore the castle. Heidelberg also has a cute nightlife, filled with local bars and breweries.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Are There COVID Restrictions in Germany?

As of 2024, COVID restrictions in Germany have been lifted. However, it’s always important to check the German government website, in case there has been a rise in cases or if there are other restrictions (such as wearing masks on public transit).

How Much Does It Cost to Go on Vacation to Germany?

The cost of Germany will depend entirely on the time of year and what you decide to do. From the United States, flights to Germany can range from $450 to over $1,000, depending on the time of year and the airport you leave from. However, the cost of living is usually cheaper in Germany. If you are looking to save money, consider checking out Hostel World for cheap accommodation or grocery shopping (Prices are much cheaper than in the US).

What is the Cheapest City to Fly Into?

This will depend entirely on the airlines that fly into your home city. However, Frankfurt is one the of the biggest airlines and will likely have the most options (leading to a good price). Plus – Frankfurt is pretty central, making it easy to reach wherever you need to go via train.

When is the Cheapest Time to Go to Germany?

The cheapest time of year to go will likely be between January to March. The weather is likely not as good and many of the famous festivals will be over (this includes the Christmas markets). Please note: some Christmas markets will be open until January 6th. So this could be a cheaper time to see those that are still open.

When is the Best Time to Visit Germany?

The best time to travel to Germany will vary based on your preferences. Summertime generally has the best weather. However, the Christmas markets are also very magical, making December also an attractive option. If you want to experience Oktoberfest, you will need to go in September and if you want to ski, you will need to visit in the winter.

How Many Days Do I Need in Germany?

How many days you need will depend on what you’d like to see. We’d recommend two weeks, so you can spend some time visiting various cities across the country.