top things to know before traveling to germany

Heading to one of the world’s most popular and stunning destinations? With its rich history, top-notch arts and culture, and spectacular scenery and cities, Germany is one of the best countries to visit on a trip to Europe.
But before you dive into all things Bavarian beer and picturesque castles, there’s some things you should know before you travel to Germany. Here’s what you need to know. 

It was a month of gentle goodbyes to Spring, as the days become warmer and longer and Summer finally beckons. A month of playing with soft sweet smelling lilac, and beautiful bold peonies, in my studio for styling opportunities, as I stretched my throwing skills further and experimented with new colour palettes with my porcelain slip casting.

Play by the rules

If there’s one thing to know about Germany, it’s how much the country values structure and order. Play by the country’s rules when traveling to Germany. This includes waiting for the light to turn green before crossing the street, having the appropriate lights on your bicycle, and being timely.

Bonus tip: You need to buy and validate your train tickets before you board or you could be hit with a minimum €60 fine. The ticket checkers don’t show much sympathy to those who simply forgot to validate. 

Understand the transportation system

Germany has one of the world’s most modern transport systems, but that doesn’t mean it won’t seem confusing to a foreigner. Beyond purchasing and validating your train tickets in advance, you need to understand the various transport zones of the cities you visit. There are zones for all public transportation: bus, tram, metro, train.

For example, Berlin has 3 fare zones for public transportation. Zone A is for the city center, zone B extends further out from the center, and zone C includes Berlin’s outskirts. You could run into problems if you have an incorrectly zoned ticket. 

Germany Transportation

Make sure you have the right adapter

Traveling to Germany, you’ll need an adapter that supports outlet types C and E/F. These are the two-prong plugs that are common around continental Europe. Instead of buying multiple adapters for your Europe trip, save yourself money and space by using an EU Travel Adapter Kit. This ultra-compact kit comes with dual USB charging ports and accepts American plugs.

Have cash ready

We might be in the 21st century but cash is still king in Germany. Many shops, vendors, and restaurants don’t have card machines or require a minimum amount, so having some cash is highly recommended.

The best way to get euros is to take them out from an ATM once you’re in Germany. You’ll get the current exchange rate and less fees than going through a currency exchanger. 

Try to speak some German

Many Germans speak English, but using German goes a long way in getting around the country and showing respect to locals.

Plus, road and shop signs are written in German, so it’s a good idea to grab a phrase book or download a language app before your trip. 

Venture off the beaten path

Germany is a big country with many spectacular cities and destinations. After you visit the main spots like Berlin and Munich, venture around to lesser-known spots like Dresden or Dusseldorf. Beyond its cities, Germany has awe-inspiring natural scenery, too. Explore the Bavarian Alps Harz Mountains for a scenic experience.