Related Sponsors

Travel Tips

Home » Germany » Frankfurt - Overview and History » Travel Tips

There are several things you should know before traveling to Germany. Knowing these basics will make it easy for you to adjust to your new surroundings.

1) Visa Information
Canadian and United States citizens can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa, whether traveling on business or on vacation.

2) Open Hours
Stores in Germany generally open between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and most close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturday until 4 p.m.; and on Sunday, almost all stores are closed. Exceptions are gas stations and convenience stores, which carry some food items as well as snacks and beverages.

Banks and post offices are generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; some banks have extended hours on Thursday. Pharmacies open at 8 a.m.
Museums are generally closed on Mondays.

3) Money
ATM’s are as easily found in Germany as they are in North America. They are located at bank branches and in shopping, tourist and other busy areas. Credit cards are commonly accepted in Germany. Restaurants, hotels, stores, train stations and other places regularly frequented by tourists will almost all accept them.

A bill you receive at a hotel, restaurant, café or bar often includes a service charge already. A tip is an indication of your satisfaction – 5% is average, whereas 10% indicates exceptional service. Tip taxi drivers about 5% and porters and others who assist you with baggage one Euro per item.

4) Cell Phones
Public phones in Germany operate mostly by phone cards, which can be purchased in the amounts of five, 10 and 20 Euros at newsstands, bookstores and other small shops.

Cell phone coverage is almost 100% throughout Germany. However, frequencies throughout Europe differ from those used in North America. Your service provider can tell you if your phone is compatible with the German/European system.

2) Internet
While in Germany, the internet is easily accessible. You can often log on from your hotel, either right from your room or in computer rooms and business centers which offer internet access to guests. If neither is available, ask for directions for an internet café. There is usually one in every neighborhood.

Sources
http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cms/tourismussuite/en/tourist_information_frankfurt/frankfurt_city_history.html
http://www.visits-to-germany.com
www.frankfurt-airport.de

Next Page: Frankfurt - Restaurants and Activities Overview

Related Frankfurt - Overview and History Articles