Useful Tips for Visiting Germany

Useful Tips for Visiting Germany

People are planning for holidays in 2021 and 2022 and it is fun doing the research if you have never been there before. Now we are older, we don’t rent a car from Auto Europe but take the train to anywhere we want to go. With five international airports, it is easy to get around with a connection to the train service.

Some basic facts:

Electricity. The voltage is 230 volts and you will need an adapter

Emergency Phone Numbers. 110 for the police, 112 for fire and ambulance service

Language. English is widely spoken

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens with valid passports do not need a visa. Your passport must be valid for 3 months after date of departure.

Mobile Phone Service: To use a U.S. smartphone, the device has to be unlocked from the provider. A rechargeable German SIM card (German phone number) with individual data plans can be purchased at mobile shops, supermarkets and drugstores. Using international roaming service is another option

Money and Currency. The Euro is the legal currency. A nationwide network of ATM’s at various banks is available to withdraw cash 24/7, All major credit cards are accepted.

Shops. Usually open 10.00am to 8.00 pm. Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Tax free shopping. VAT is 19% and U.S. travelers are able to benefit from tax free shopping with a minimum purchase of 25 Euro. You can reclaim the tax when leaving the airport, for a small fee.

Time Zone. Germany is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time Zone, and 9 hours ahead of Pacific.

Tipping is usually 10%.

Heritage Travel. Around 44 million Americans have Germany roots and they can learn about their heritage by visiting the various historic sites, museums and memorials throughout the land. www.germany.travel/heritage

City of Music – Leipzig. This is a buzzing city in the east of Germany, only 70 minutes by train from Berlin and worth visiting for one of the music festivals. It is second only to Vienna for music.

www.leipzig.travel/cityofmusic if you need help with booking - incoming@ltm-leipzig.de

Bach Festival – 11-20 June 2021. Tickets go on sale November 2020

Mendelssohn Festival – 31 October – 7 November 2021. Tickets go on sale March 2021

Wagner Festival 2022. 21 June until 14 July. Tickets on sale

In 2021 we have 100 years Mozartfest Wurzburg. Mozart’s music will be celebrated from May 28 to June 27, 2021. Tickets will go on sale in December 2020. www.mozartfest.de Since 1920 tourists from all over the world have enjoyed concerts in the Imperial Hall of the Residence Palace.

International Beethovenfest. Held in Bonn, August 20 to September 10, 2021. Ludwig van Beethoven will celebrate 250 years. www.beethovenfest.de

Hope all this information is of interest to you in planning a future holiday in Germany.

Auf Wiedersehen

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com