Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Germany depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for GermanyEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 112
Currency
- Name
- Euro
- Code
- EUR
- Symbol
- €
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Oktoberfest runs mid-September to early October
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 5–10% | Round up to nearest €5; hand tip directly to server |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
| Hotels | €1–2 per bag | For porters |
| Fast food / Bakeries | Not expected | — |
Dress Code
- Casual is fine in most settings
- Smart casual for evening restaurants
- Beach and nudist ('FKK') areas exist and are normal — look for signs
- Modest dress in churches
Social Etiquette
- Punctuality is taken seriously — being late is considered rude
- Firm handshake on greeting; use Herr/Frau + surname until invited to use first names
- Greet shopkeepers when you enter a shop
- Direct communication is the norm — not aggressive, just efficient
- Separate recycling bins (Gelber Sack, Altpapier, Restmüll) — use them
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Jaywalking is illegal and police do fine pedestrians
- Cycling while over the alcohol limit (1.6‰) is illegal
- Most shops are closed on Sundays — plan grocery runs for Saturday
- Speed limits on Autobahn sections without signs are advisory, not mandatory, but many sections have limits
- Driving in some city centres requires an Umweltplakette (environmental badge)
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo / Guten Tag | HA-loh / GOO-ten tahk |
| Thank you | Danke | DAN-keh |
| Please / You're welcome | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung | ent-SHOOL-dee-goong |
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