Organize your stay Germany
Money Germany
Remember to withdraw money when you see an ATM, as cash payments are preferred in Germany. In restaurants and cafés, cards are often refused, not to mention checks, which are absolutely unheard of on the other side of the Rhine. Ask your bank about its German partner bank to find out where you can withdraw money free of charge. The ATMs you'll see all over town charge exorbitant withdrawal fees (between €4 and €5).
Budget & Tips Germany
Plan your flight or train journey in advance to take advantage of the best fares. At the last minute, unless there's an off-season promotion, you'll pay more. On the spot, if you don't count, prices can go up very quickly! Look out for sausage stands, inexpensive fast-food restaurants and youth hostels or campsites close to your points of interest.
Passport and visas Germany
For French nationals, an identity card or passport (even if expired within the last five years) will suffice. No visa is required for a stay of less than three months in the country.
Driver's license Germany
Your French driving license is sufficient to drive in Germany.
Health Germany
There are no particular risks involved in traveling to Germany. Germany is a very healthy country. Good hygiene, efficient hospital system. It's always a good idea to check that your vaccinations are up to date. The European Health Insurance Card is valid and recommended.
Security Germany
There are no particular dangers to report in Germany that have not occurred in France. Crime levels are the same in all major cities, so the advice to be cautious is the same: simply avoid leaving your brand-new camera unattended on a terrace table, or leaving your cell phone sticking out of your pocket in public transport. For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs.
Time difference Germany
Germany is in the same time zone as France. There is no time difference, but as in the rest of Europe, there is a time change, with summer and winter time.
Spoken languages Germany
While dialects, or strong regional accents and turns of phrase, are still widespread in most German regions, Hochdeutsch (the German learned in schools) is the most widely spoken, especially in the big cities. It's the language of commerce and the media.
If you don't speak a word of German, English is widely spoken, especially among young people. You'll always get by by speaking English. French is not widely spoken, except in border areas like Baden-Baden. But there's no better way to practice Goethe's beautiful language!
Learning the language. There are many different ways to learn some of the basics of the language, and self-study is available in a variety of formats: CDs, DVDs, workbooks or even directly on the Internet.
Communication Germany
The area code for Germany is 0049; each city or small region has its own area code (see the relevant chapter in this guide, as there are many). For example, 030 for Berlin.
In Germany, from a landline or cell phone, dial 030 + the number. From abroad, 0049 + 30 + the number.
In the same city, on a landline, don't dial the city code, dial the number directly, without 0.
From Germany, dial 00 followed by the country code to call abroad. (0033 for France).
Mobile numbers start with 01+ (0173, 0152, 0178...).
Good Internet coverage throughout most of the country, with numerous free Wifi hotspots in town.
Electricity and measurements Germany
Everything is identical in every respect to the French system. We also weigh in grams.
Luggage Germany
Germany's continental climate sometimes throws up surprises: whether you're traveling in summer or winter, be prepared for sudden changes in temperature! So, in summer, in addition to shorts, T-shirts and sandals (unless you buy Birkenstocks on the spot!), it's a good idea to bring one or two sweaters and a windbreaker. In winter, a thick scarf, a hat (the wind can be icy), gloves and snow shoes will do the trick. And if you forget, you can always buy them on site.
