Travel Tips for Germany- Little Tips to Smooth Your Journey

It’s easy to get tripped up or confused when you arrive in a country without having been there before. Customs are different; things aren’t like they are back home. A lot of confusion can be avoided if you know what to expect. These Travel Tips for Germany may make your trip easier, or at least they will save you from some unwanted surprises. Look at the list as tips from a friend who wants to ensure that you have the best possible visit to Germany.

Travel Tips for Germany

Using Public Restrooms is not Free-

Keep coins (Kleingeld) in your pocket or purse. Most public restrooms require money to use them. Consider it a fair exchange for having a clean, well-equipped restroom that doesn’t have a gap between the door and wall for people to see you through. I’ll take that over some of the nasty porta-potties I’ve had the misfortune to visit. At Filling Stations, you may even get a coupon to use in their shop. Note: Some larger restaurants may have staff members stationed there at all times to keep the restrooms clean. There will be a plate or bowl for tips. Don’t stiff her! She has a difficult job. (and yes, she will make change.)

Don’t Walk in the Bike Path–

Walking on a sidewalk in a city? Look down. You might notice that the cobblestones or pavement come in two colors or there is a line down the sidewalk. One side is for walkers, the other is for bicycle riders. DO NOT walk in the bike path. You will get hit by a cyclist. On the other hand, don’t ride your bike on the walking side! If the police don’t ticket you, an Oma will get you with her purse and some strong language.

Don’t Cross Against the Ampelman–

I know this has been said 100 times and in 100 different ways, but when the Ampelman, the little crosswalk manis, red, DO NOT step into the road. I don’t care if you’re 20km outside of town at 3 am and there are no cars for miles. Someone will see you, and you will be either ticketed or Oma, who smacked you for riding a bike on the walking path, will show up to smack you again. Wait for Green.

Green is Coming–

One of my favorite little things is the way a crossing button tells you that the light is going to change. Here at home, I press the button 27 times because I’m unsure if it registered. In Germany, when the button is pressed, a digital display will indicate that “Signal Kommt” (the signal is coming), and you are good to go.

 

Stop Lights Flash Yellow, Before Green–

In the US, we have a simple system. Green means go, yellow means slow down because a red light is coming, and then red means stop. German stoplights will do all that, but when the light is changing from red to green, it will flash yellow; as a heads-up, you are about to go again. It’s nice. I’ve even seen some intersections with notice boards that light up with the words, “The light change is coming.” You will notice that many cars will cut their engine at the red light and then restart at the yellow flash. (For more driving tips–>Driving in Germany)

Speaking of Lights… they are on THIS SIDE of the Intersection-

In the US, we are used to seeing traffic signals positioned far away on the other side of the intersection. But in Germany, you’ll find them on the near side. If you are at the front of the line, you will have to look straight up to see the light changes.

Dining Out Takes Longer–

Do not walk into a restaurant thinking you will be in and out in no time. If you want fast food, go to an Imbiß or Döner shop. Food is more than just nourishment, and a meal is a celebration. Get comfortable and enjoy it. You own that table! In fact, you will NOT get your check until you ask for it. (“Können wir bezahlen?”)

People Greet You or Say Goodbye in Restaurants–

I don’t just mean the owner or waiter/ress; customers will say goodbye as they leave the place. I’ve noticed this, especially at breakfasts in Hotels or Cafes. People come in, and everyone says, “Good morning.” When folks leave, they wish you a nice day and a good rest of your meal.

Drinks DO NOT Come with Refills–

Unlike the bottomless drinks we have in the US, when you order a Cola in Germany, you get A COLA. Finish it, and you can certainly get another, but you will pay for it. The same applies to water, juice, and other beverages. It’s easier and cheaper to order a Kännchen (little pitcher) of coffee or tea instead of a single cup if you know it will take 2 cups to get you going. Many restaurants offer small and large sizes for other drinks.

Be Specific About Your Water-

Water comes carbonated or still. Be specific when you order. If you don’t like carbonated Mineral Water, say “Still Bitte” (Still, Please). You can order a large bottle for the table. Generally, asking for Tap water will get you a weird look.

 

Be on TIME

Germans are sticklers for being on time! Plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early. If you show up 2 minutes late, you will get the LOOK and a sigh. Your best bet is to wear a watch and pay attention to the time! You can find some slick watches for travelers here–> The Watch Company

And never get that LOOK again!

Be Careful When Getting on Trains-

Ever heard the phrase “Mind the Gap”? Honestly, I can not emphasize enough how important that is. The Gap is WIDE. Once upon a time, my 3-year-old fell down into it while boarding a streetcar. Thankfully, my cousin had her by the hand and swooped her back out (I still have nightmares). On Trains, you have the Gap AND possibly a Step. Throw your gear onto the train, and use the hand holds to get in safely.

Train and Streetcar Doors don’t Open Automatically-

When riding the bus or streetcar, be sure to press the button for the stop you want to get off. Otherwise, they may not stop, especially if you are outside of big cities. If you are riding, and the train comes to a stop, you must press a button to open the door. (Note- it will not open while the train is underway) You also have to press if you want to get in, and no one inside is trying to get out.

 

Get On the Right Train, in the Right Car–

The German Train System is fabulous. It gets to most places in Germany smoothly and efficiently. But, there are … umm…. hiccups. Sometimes, the trains get canceled, or the platforms get switched. Be mindful that the train number you want is the one you are getting on. For extra fun, there are various classes of cars. Be sure you are getting into a car that matches what you paid for. Every platform has an elaborate timetable for all trains, and there should be a guide showing the car class order. It looks like a drawing of the train, and each car has a notation. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself fully in Germany by using the Deutsche Bahn App, DB Navigator, on your smartphone, just like all the cool kids.

Most Trains, Buses and Streetcars Have Route Screens

When you are on the train, bus, or streetcar, look up; generally, you will see a screen. It shows the next stop, and sometimes even shows the next few stops, so you can plan your escape or finally figure out if you are going in the right direction.

 

Reserve a Seat–

Most Trains, Buses and Streetcars Have Route Screens

When you are on the train, bus, or streetcar, look up; generally, you will see a screen. It shows the next stop, and sometimes even shows the next few stops, so you can plan your escape or finally figure out if you are going in the right direction.

Worried that you won’t find a seat on the train for a longer trip? You may be traveling with a group of people and want to ensure that you all sit together. Reserve your seat. The seat number will be displayed on your ticket, and the seat itself will be marked as reserved. People in Germany respect the reserved sign.

Don’t Put Your Suitcases and Bags on the Seat–

Just about every train car has a spot near the door for you to stick your bags. They also have overhead racks for smaller parcels as well as hooks by the windows for coats. It’s rude to place your stuff on the seat, especially if others are standing. (And do I have to remind you not to put your feet on the seat? Just don’t. That Oma will find you and SMACK!)

 

People Wish You a Good Journey–

While traveling on a train, if you end up in a car close to other people, they may not talk to you while the train is underway, but when they get up to leave, they will wish you a pleasant rest of your journey. How nice is that?

Cash is King-

Yes, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have cash in your wallet as well. Many places prefer CASH. Do not try to buy your Brötchen from the Train Station kiosk with a debit card. (And the woman running the licorice stand at the Wochenmarkt will lose her mind if you try).

Bring a Debit Card-

Don’t use money changers unless you’re really stuck; instead use a debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM. There are ATMs EVERYWHERE, even in small towns. You will get the current exchange rate and have a nice record of your withdrawals when you get home. It’s virtually impossible to find a bank that will exchange American Dollars unless you have an account with them, and Traveler’s Checks went the way of the Dodo bird.

Expect to Share Tables–

If you are a small party, and the tables are big, you will be sharing. Don’t panic! Just say hello, and carry on. Generally, people say hello and goodbye and will mind their own business.

Use the Cloakroom–

Don’t carry your coat, travel bags and shopping through a museum. All Museums have cloakrooms or lockers, and they all have security that goes bananas if they see you lugging gear through the displays. Make it easy on yourself (you won’t need your jacket, I promise) and check your things. And take my word for it: being hounded by security because of a backpack or jacket over your arm is a drag.

Store Your Bags at the Train Station–

Did you check out early in the day, or perhaps you arrived at a new place before check-in and now don’t know what to do with your bags? Many  Train Stations will store your bags for you. In Cologne, they even have an excellent Automated System! You put in money, it opens up for all your stuff, gives you a ticket, and whisks it away to a secret underground locker. Later, just put the ticket back into the machine, and your things will magically reappear. Fabulous.

 

No Ride-share Services-–

Are you used to grabbing an Uber or Lyft? In Germany, you will generally have to take a Taxi. There are taxi stands around many cities, often near train stations, or you can call for one. Yes, you might see an Uber, but because of German labor laws, they usually operate under a Taxi service. 

Have a Euro Handy for Shopping Carts-

Shopping Carts in German grocery stores are all locked together in front of the store. You can release yours by sticking a Euro Coin into the slot. Don’t worry! You will get the Euro back when you return the cart. This is how they avoid having to round up carts from all over the neighborhood. Remember, they don’t have bagging clerks. Keep reading to find out more.

Bring Your Own Shopping Bag–

Did you stop by the Grocery store for some chocolates or snacks? You will need to provide your own bag or purchase one from the cashier.

Bag Your Own Stuff-

Which brings me to the next surprise. There are no baggers at Grocery stores. You have to be FAST! The checker will flip things through their scanner, and it’s up to you to catch it all up and bag it. Think ‘High Speed Tetris.’ Most people toss everything back into the cart and go to the handy ledge at the front of the store to bag it properly.

Don’t Worry about Calculating Tax, but Prepare to Calculate Pfand–

Say you are at the Train Station or grocery store, and you want a bottle of water. It costs 1,80€. But the guy charges you 2,20€. That difference is not a tax; it’s the Pfand. Pfand is the money paid in to cover recycling. When you return a bottle; you get the money back. I would suggest keeping your bottle until you see a Pfand collection machine (you can usually find them in grocery stores) or reuse that bottle until you get to the airport, where you will see handy “donate your Pfand” bins to collect bottles from people leaving the country.

Walking on Cobblestones is HARDER THAN IT LOOKS–

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to do a lot of walking in old towns. Cobblestones will reach up and grab your ankles when you aren’t paying attention.

Stairs and Elevators–

In older buildings, you might notice that the elevators are small. How small? One or two people and their suitcases will fit, but not more. Make a few trips or take the stairs. And FYI, in OLD restaurants, don’t be surprised if the restrooms are either up or down a steep flight of stairs. It’s a workout. (Don’t forget your change!)

Don’t Expect a Giant Cover over Your WHOLE Bed in a Hotel–

In Germany, it is customary for each person to get their own blanket or feather bed. You won’t have a giant quilt or bedspread to cover you and your other person. Don’t worry; you will get used to not having to share. (Read more tips about hotels here–> German Hotel Tips)

Train Stations have Decent Take-Away Meals-

 

If you are looking for a quick and yummy something to eat, you can usually find sandwiches and other quick stuff at a train station. So many people buy there, that the selection is usually varied, and fresh.

Stores are Closed on Sundays–

Don’t plan your souvenir shopping for Sunday. For travelers, this can be a hassle, especially if you want to grab something quick to eat or a magazine. Have no fear, you can go to the train station. Shops there are generally open.

The Further You Are from a City, the Less Likely You Are to Hear English–

At Frankfurt Main Station, announcements are made in both German and English. Go further out, and it’s just German. Don’t panic. Know where you are getting off, and ask the conductor or a fellow passenger with the DB App for help if needed.

A Little German Goes a LONG Way-

Learn a little bit of German before you go! Words like please “bitte” and thank you “Danke”… Can you help me “Können Sie mir helfen”… and I’d like a beer please “Ich mochte ein Bier bitte”, will go a long way!

 One more important tip? Book your flight with United Airlines Booking... United is part of the Star Alliance, the best way to get to Germany.

Your next trip to Germany will be fabulous. Don’t worry about things going wrong! I’m hoping you take these Traveling Tips for Germany like suggestions from a friend. And when you get there, everything will seem familiar! You’ve got this!

 

Looking for more tips? Check out these Posts

Packing List for Germany

Essential Travel Accessories I Take to Germany

What NOT to Do in Germany

My Favorite Guidebooks for Travel to Germany- Planning your Trip to Germany

Book Ahead! Some Fun Trips and Tours in Germany