Organize your stay Bavaria
Money Bavaria
Since January1, 2002, the euro has been the single currency of the countries of the European Union. Swiss tourists will exchange €1 for CHF1.06, and Canadians €1 for CAD1.52.
Until recently, it was difficult to pay by card in Germany, as cash was the preferred method of payment. Since the Covid-19 crisis, card payments have become more widespread, and cash-only establishments are rarer than before. If in doubt, it's best to take some cash with you on your trip to Bavaria. Ask your bank about its German partner bank to find out where you can withdraw money free of charge. The ATMs you'll see everywhere in the big cities charge exorbitant withdrawal fees (between €4 and €5).
Germans distinguish between debit/withdrawal cards(EC-Karte) and credit cards(Kreditkarte). Some stores only accept payment by EC-Karte. This is even the case with large institutions such as Deutsche Post. French bank cards are almost always credit cards, so you may be refused payment by card. Once again, it's a good idea to have some cash in your wallet to cover this eventuality.
Budget & Tips Bavaria
For your stay in Bavaria, you'll need to set aside a substantial budget for accommodation. Prices vary greatly from one type of accommodation to another. For a hotel, you're looking at an average of around 50 euros per person per night. Restaurant prices, on the other hand, are quite affordable: you can get a hearty meal for around 15 euros. A room in a youth hostel costs just over €10, a small hotel €50 a night, and a nice room over €120.
Taxes are included in all prices. On the other hand, in cafés, bars and restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the price is systematically left as a thank-you for the service. Bavarians don't haggle: neither in the stores nor at the market.
Passport and visas Bavaria
Citizens of European Union member states need only carry an identity card or passport for a minimum stay of 3 months. Nationals of other countries must bring their passport. Please note that if you're traveling with your cat or dog, it will need a passport.
Driver's license Bavaria
French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian driving licences are also valid in Germany.
Health Bavaria
The European Health Insurance Card guarantees that you will be covered under the same conditions as Germans, and that medical expenses will be reimbursed on the spot or very quickly after your return. You need to apply for it at least two weeks before your departure from your local health insurance office. If the deadline is too short, you will be issued with a provisional replacement certificate. No specific documents are required, and the card is valid for one year. It is personal, so each child must also have his or her own.
Once you're in France, you'll need to show your card to doctors, pharmacists and public hospitals. You'll either be exempted from having to pay medical expenses in advance, or you'll be reimbursed on the spot by the German social security organization, often the AOK.
Security Bavaria
In Bavaria you feel safe and secure. Whether in the city or in the countryside, the atmosphere is always calm. Foreigners are treated like other citizens as long as their behaviour remains respectful. However, you should be careful not to offend the local customs with a few incivilities, such as crossing at a red light (which can lead to a fine if you do so, in addition to the reproachful looks of passers-by).
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Advice to travellers" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Bavaria
Like France, Switzerland and Belgium, Germany is at GMT+1. No time difference is required if you come from one of these countries.
Spoken languages Bavaria
With 130 million speakers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol, German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe. In Bavaria, a wide variety of dialects are spoken, including Bavarian proper, Swabian and Franconian. If you took German at school, it's very likely that these dialects will present you with serious comprehension difficulties at first. But with a little patience, you'll get the hang of it. And in Bavaria, almost everyone masters the basics of English, the lingua franca par excellence in tourist circles. French is much rarer. In Bavaria, people greet each other with "Grüß Gott!" or "Servus!
Communication Bavaria
As of June 15, 2017, goodbye to extra costs when traveling in Europe. Indeed, roaming charges no longer apply in the 27 member countries of the European Union. Wifi is often free in most bars, cafés, restaurants and even in the metro.
Electricity and measurements Bavaria
Electricity. In Germany, the voltage is the same as in France. The plugs are also similar, no need for an adapter.
Weights and measures. In Germany, as in France, we measure in meters and weigh in grams.
Luggage Bavaria
For a summer trip, there's no need to overload: shorts, swimsuit, tank top, a good pair of sneakers for sports and walking, and a little sweater for the evening. Temperatures can soar in summer, but beware of thunderstorms..
Winter is harsh, and temperatures can plummet in this season. A heavy coat, scarf, hat, gloves and après-ski will be welcome to face the cold and snow.
