Germany: Trip Preparation & Destination Information (2024)

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety?Check out theUS Department of State'swebsite for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, you can safely drink tap water in Germany.The quality of German tap water is strictly regulated by the government, making it one of the cleanest tap waters in the world.

Do I need a Visa?For Visa information, visitclickhere.Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

What about vaccines?For vaccination information, clickhere.

Do you recommend travel insurance?While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner,worldnomads.comor from a provider of your choice.

What does public transportation look like? Public Transportin Germany and Europe is usually excellent. It is very practical to live in any large German city or metropolitan area without owning a car. Even medium-sized cities have good public transportation networks that use buses, trams, and urban/suburban rail lines to move people around.

How much should I pack?As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

Is Uber or Lyft available?Uber is available in larger cities like Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

What about Wifi? There is wifi in hotels and airports, stations, restaurants, shops and malls. 4G is readily available and 5G is being rolled out.

Germany: Trip Preparation & Destination Information (2024)

FAQs

What should I prepare for travel to Germany? ›

Warm Hat/Coat - Winters in Europe can be chilly. Best be prepared. Protect Your Tummy - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

Why is Germany a good tourist destination? ›

Why is Germany famous for tourism? It has extremely favorable vacation conditions, such as magnificent mountain ranges, lake and river sceneries, the coasts and islands of the North Sea and the East Sea, numerous cultural monuments and a large number of towns full of tradition, as well as well-developed infrastructure.

What do visitors to Germany have to be careful about? ›

But being a top tourist destination, Germany — and especially its major cities — does have its fair share of pickpocketing, purse-snatching, scams, credit card and ATM fraud, and cybercrime as well.

Where should I go for the first time in Germany? ›

Best places to visit in Germany for the first time

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Munich. Cologne Cathedral. Black Forest.

What do US citizens need to enter Germany? ›

Summary of Required Documents to enter Germany from U.S.
Short StayLong Stay
U.S. Passport*U.S. Passport*
ETIAS for GermanyNational visa**

What are the requirements for Travelling to Germany? ›

Quick Facts
  • PASSPORT VALIDITY: Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
  • BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: Two pages.
  • TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Not required for stays under 90 days.

What is the #1 tourist attraction in Germany? ›

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Cologne Cathedral is popular with tourists and pilgrims alike: With more than six million visitors a year, it is Germany's most popular tourist attraction and also one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe.

Which city is better to visit in Germany? ›

The artsy, history-rich capital

After being separated into East and West during the Cold War, Berlin was reunited in 1990, and is now a hip haven of cool vibes. As one of the best places to visit in Germany for first time travelers, Berlin offers something for everybody.

What is the most tourist visited city in Germany? ›

Berlin is Germany's largest and most visited city.

What is not allowed to bring to Germany? ›

Firearms, explosives, and ammunition, including stun guns and gas canisters. Live animals (the import of animals into Germany is subject to special rules).

How to not stand out in Germany? ›

What Should I Know Before Traveling to Germany?
  1. Avoid flashy American logos.
  2. Don't ask for tap water.
  3. Watch where you walk.
  4. Leave the sneakers and flip-flops at home.
  5. Skip the small talk.
  6. Don't drink excessively.
  7. Respect others' privacy and personal space.
  8. Always keep cash on you.
Jan 4, 2022

What not to do on Sunday in Germany? ›

You cannot take your empty glass bottles to the containers where you should deposit them. In some apartments it is forbidden to use the vacuum cleaner, so you have to wait until Monday. Hammering or drilling will annoy your neighbors, so don't do any DIY project on a Sunday. Better don't do any loud party.

How to prepare for a trip to Germany? ›

3 – 6 months in advance:
  1. Book accommodation.
  2. Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier – the best deals go fast)
  3. Book rental car.
  4. Book tours, events, and tickets.
  5. Book travel insurance.

What is the safest city in Germany to visit? ›

Munich, Germany, is among the safest cities in Europe, with a safety index score of 79.0. This city of Bavaria, renowned for its lively culture and extensive history, also does a fantastic job of keeping both locals and tourists safe.

Do I need a negative Covid test to fly to Germany? ›

Entry to Germany is permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visits). It is no longer necessary to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result for entry to Germany. Please see here for further information on travel restrictions.

Is there a tipping culture in Germany? ›

Tipping isn't mandatory in Germany. Instead, it's seen as a gesture of appreciation for a good experience. A tip is always welcome, but in Germany, it's usually based directly on the quality of service. If you're satisfied, leaving a tip is a way to show it.

How much bank balance is required for a Germany tourist visa? ›

However, in general, you should have at least 7,300 INR (€80) in your bank account for each day of your stay in Germany. You may also need to show proof of other financial resources, such as a job offer or a letter from a sponsor. What is the document checklist for a Germany tourist visa from India?

Do US citizens need a transit visa for Germany? ›

The vast majority of foreign travelers benefit from the “transit privilege” - if during a stopover at a German airport, you do not leave the International Airport Area and if the destination is not in a Schengen country, you do not need a transit visa.

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