Germany

Not all places accept cards — small cafés, bakeries, and local restaurants may be cash only.

Tipping is customary but modest — typically 5–10% or simply rounding up the bill. Large tips are unnecessary and can feel awkward.

ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widely available in cities and towns. Look for those belonging to major banks to avoid high withdrawal fees.

Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger shops and restaurants, but never assume — always check before ordering.

Always buy your ticket before boarding — most systems have no gates, but random inspections are common.

Fine for travelling without a valid ticket is approximately €60 — paid on the spot.

Validate your ticket if required — some systems need you to stamp/validate before boarding even if you have a paper ticket.

Useful apps: DB Navigator for trains and long-distance travel; BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich), HVV (Hamburg) for local city transport.

The Autobahn is not always unlimited speed — large sections have speed limits, especially near cities and in roadworks zones.

Overtaking is only permitted from the left — undertaking on the right is illegal and carries heavy fines.

Maintaining a safe following distance is mandatory and enforced — tailgating is a serious offence.

Aggressive driving leads to heavy fines and can result in licence suspension.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports, phone shops, and some supermarkets. Activation requires a passport and sometimes a video identification process.

See the SIM operator comparison above — Telekom offers the best rural coverage, O2 is the most budget-friendly in cities.

Free Wi-Fi exists in many cafés, hotels, and public spaces, but it can be slow and registration is often required.

Do not rely fully on public Wi-Fi — mobile data is more reliable and faster for navigation, maps, and translation.

Voltage is 230V at 50Hz — travellers from 110V countries (USA, Canada, Japan) must check whether their devices support dual voltage before plugging in.

Plug types are Type C (round two-pin) and Type F (round two-pin with grounding clips) — the same as most of continental Europe.

Travellers from the UK, US, Iran, and UAE need a plug adapter. Hotels rarely provide them.

110V devices used without a converter may be permanently damaged — check the small print on your charger or device label.

Punctuality matters deeply — even a few minutes late is noticeable and considered disrespectful in professional or social settings.

Queues, personal space, and rules are respected by almost everyone — cutting in line or ignoring queues will attract instant disapproval.

Rules are followed even when no one is watching — this is a cultural norm, not just a legal one.

Most shops are closed on Sundays — only airports, major train stations, and some petrol stations remain open.

Shops also close relatively early on weekdays — many close between 6–8 PM. Smaller towns close even earlier.

Noise is restricted after 10:00 PM — this applies in hotels, apartments, and residential areas. Neighbours do complain and authorities do respond.

Sundays are also quiet days throughout the day — avoid loud activity, drilling, or disruptive noise even during daylight hours.

Waste is strictly separated into categories: paper, plastic, glass, organic waste, and residual waste. Bins are colour-coded.

Incorrect disposal earns strong public disapproval — and in some buildings, formal complaints.

Most bottles carry a Pfand (deposit) — return them at supermarket machines to get your money back. Locals almost always do.

Bike lanes are strictly for cyclists — never stand, walk, or stop in them.

In cities, cyclists move fast and have right of way in their lanes — look carefully before stepping off a kerb.

Bakeries are central to daily life — fresh bread, pretzels, and pastries are available from early morning and are affordable.

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Germany. In restaurants, bottled water is served by default — you can politely ask for tap water: "Leitungswasser, bitte?"

Germany has a highly advanced healthcare system — hospitals and emergency services are modern, professional, and widely available.

Basic medicines (pain relief, cold medicine, antihistamines) are available without a prescription from pharmacies (Apotheke).

Stronger medication requires a doctor's prescription — pharmacies will not dispense controlled medicines without one.

Travel insurance is essential — medical costs without coverage are very high, even for minor treatments.

EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to state healthcare on the same terms as German residents.

Book trains, popular restaurants, and museum time slots in advance — last-minute plans often fail due to full bookings.

Keep tickets and receipts until the end of each activity — ticket checks can happen at any time, and receipts may be needed for refunds or venue exits.

Carry a reusable bag — locals almost always do, and single-use plastic bags often cost extra or are unavailable.

Germans are direct and honest in communication — directness is not rudeness, it is efficiency. Small talk is less common than in other cultures.

Respect earns respect — calm, courteous behaviour is noticed and appreciated. Loud or erratic public behaviour is not.

Avoid jokes about sensitive historical topics, particularly Nazism and WWII — this is taken very seriously and can cause genuine offence.

Do not cross the street on a red pedestrian light — even when there is no traffic. It is a social norm as much as a legal rule, and locals will react visibly.

Public toilets often cost €0.50–€1.00 and are frequently cash-only.

Hotel rooms in Germany tend to be practical and efficient rather than spacious or luxurious. Cleanliness and order are guaranteed; grandeur is not.

Expect efficiency — check-in procedures, key systems, and room layouts are functional above all else.

Weather in Germany changes quickly — sudden rain is common even in summer. Always carry a light jacket or a compact umbrella.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential — German cities are best explored on foot, and distances between sights can be significant.

Dress practically rather than fashionably — functional, clean clothing is the local norm. Function over fashion.

Keep quiet in public transport — loud phone calls or music without headphones attracts disapproval.

Maintain distance in queues — personal space is taken seriously. Standing too close is considered intrusive.

• Be punctual—arriving on time is highly valued in Germany.

• Validate your train, tram, or bus ticket where required before boarding to avoid fines.

• Carry a contactless bank card, but also keep some cash, as smaller shops and cafés may not accept cards.

• Follow pedestrian traffic lights, even if the road appears empty.

• Separate your rubbish into the correct recycling bins whenever possible.

• Book accommodation and popular attractions early during festivals such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets.

• Greet people politely with "Guten Tag" or "Hallo" when entering small shops or restaurants.

• Don't cross the road against a red pedestrian light—it is discouraged and may result in a fine.

• Don't make excessive noise late at night, especially in residential areas, as Germany has strict quiet hours.

• Don't travel on public transport without a valid ticket—ticket inspections are common and fines are substantial.

• Don't litter or leave bottles and cans behind; Germany has strict environmental rules and a deposit (Pfand) system.

• Don't assume every shop is open on Sundays—most stores are closed except at airports, stations, and a few convenience shops.

• Don't expect free public toilets everywhere; many require a small fee.

• Don't sit in reserved seats on trains if they are marked for passengers joining later.

• Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so plan grocery shopping in advance.

• Drinking tap water is safe throughout Germany.

• Public transport is punctual—arrive a few minutes before departure.

• Carry a reusable shopping bag, as plastic bags are usually not free.

• Weather can change quickly, especially in the Alps and northern regions, so check the forecast before heading out.

• Beer gardens and cafés often accept cards, but carrying €20–50 in cash is still a good idea.