Germany is a country made up of 16 states located in Central Europe. It has the continent's and the world's third-largest auto industry and the continent's biggest economy. Germany is also renowned for its beautiful architecture, ancient cathedrals and castles, forests and mountains, as well as excellent beer and cuisine. Here there is much to discover and enjoy.
A Few Interesting Facts About Germany
- The currency of Germany is the euro, and one euro is worth about 1.12 USD today. You may use the XE Currency Converter to obtain up-to-date currency exchange rates.
- The city of Berlin is well-known for its excellent transportation system. The use of buses and trains is regarded to be the greatest method to travel around the metropolis.
- When visiting Germany, you do not need a visa as long as your stay does not last more than 90 days. You'll need a passport that has been valid for at least three months.
- The most common cellular carriers in Germany are Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. These companies sell prepaid Sim cards. A German address is necessary along with a photo ID (such as a passport).
- We utilize KnowRoaming's $3.99 per day unlimited data plan. Using the promotion code DDSave50, PlanetD readers will receive an additional 50% off their order.
- The value-added tax (VAT) is 19%. Certain purchases, such as food, lodgings, and public transportation, may be eligible for tax reductions.
- To say hello in German, it's "hallo." To say goodbye, say "tschüss" (pronounced like "juice" but with "tch" replacing the "j").
What to See and Do in Germany
- Hike the Bavarian Highlands and see Zugspitz, Germany's highest peak, as well as the Alpspix lookout.
- Neuschwanstein Castle is the most photographed structure in Germany, and it served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty. It's been called the "ultimate fairy tale."
- Don't forget to tour Berlin. Germany's most creative and exciting metropolis.
Take a sightseeing tour along Germany's Romantic Road.
Budgeting
Accommodation
Budget -Many budget hotels are available in Germany, ranging from 22 to 45 euros per night.
Mid Rang e - For mid-range hotels, expect to pay around 65 Euros per night.
High End - "Hallo" is the phrase to use in German to say "hello." To say good-bye, utilize "tschüss" (pronounced like "juice," but with a hard "tch").
Food
Food: Bars and restaurants can be found throughout Germany. For 4-6 euros, you can get wraps and doner kebabs. A cappuccino will set you back around 3 pounds, while pastries may cost as little as 2 pounds each. Europe's restaurants have a wide range of fantastic meals, including the national dish Sauerbraten (a pot roast dish made with beef). Food at lower prices costs between 8 and 15 Euros, while mid-range establishments generally charge 30 to 60 Euros.
Transportation:
Train: Trains are a fantastic method to travel long distances. For one-way trips, tickets cost 30 to 50 euros. If you intend on utilizing the bus frequently, consider purchasing a multi-day pass for savings. Bus: The German public transportation system is highly efficient and can take you almost everywhere you want to go. Single-ticket bus fares begin at 2.8 euros.
Taxis/ Uber: Uber is only accessible in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf at the moment. Taxi rates vary by city but start at around €3.50 and go up to €2 per kilometer.
Car Rental: Renting a car: In Germany, a valid driver's license from the United States is required, with some locations requiring an International Driver's License. To rent a vehicle, you must be at least 21 years old. The starting price for a day rental is 60 euros.
When To Go To Germany
- The months of May and October are the two best times to visit Germany.
- In May, the cherry blossoms bloom and temperatures rise to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a good time to visit.
- October is another popular month to go, as the annual Oktoberfest beer festival is held in Munich, and the Festival of Lights in Berlin.
Where to stay in Germany?
Platzl Hotel - When you're in Munich, this is a fantastic hotel to stay at. It's in the city center, so you can get food and shopping whenever you want. They provide a free breakfast with Wi-Fi.
Hotel Indigo Berlin - When you're in Berlin, you'll like this hotel. You'll be near the action since it's close to Alexanderplatz. They provide an outside patio to enjoy during the summer and a highly rated restaurant.
Le Meridien Hamburg - If you're visiting Hamburg, this is the hotel to stay at. The top of the 9th floor has a lovely view of the city and includes breakfast. There's also a fitness center and bike rentals available. For the best deals on accommodation in Germany, check out our top three booking platforms: Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and Air B&B.
What To Pack For Germany
Depending on where you are going and when, you will need to pack differently. Summers in Germany can be stifling, but the Bavarian Alps provide a refreshing change. Any time of year may see chilly nights. Winter clothing is necessary if you travel to Christmas markets or ski resorts in Germany. nSee our article on How to Pack for the Deep Freeze Seasonn
- Sunglasses: This is the perfect toque for those who want to stay cool on those many sunny days in Germany, especially when venturing out.
- Waterproof clothes/shoes: With so many hiking adventure choices, these are a must-have.
- Power adapter: An adapter will assist you keep all of your gadgets charged appropriately if you use the UK power voltage in Germany.
The Best Websites for Finding the Lowest Airfares
We usually start our trips with these firms. We've tried a lot of different ones throughout the years, and all of them have consistently shown to be the finest in terms of pricing.
We've used each and every one of these, and we continue to do so.
- Booking.com: This is our pick for when comparing accommodation rates. It usually offers the best deals, especially in Europe, and we appreciate their user interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and are assured of the lowest price.
- Trip Advisor: We appreciate Trip Advisor because it allows us to look at all of the reviews before reserving our room. When we want to compare rates with several lodging providers, TripAdvisor is where we go.
- VRBO: When we're looking for a home or apartment to rent, we typically use Google has our main search engine. It may be less expensive than hotels on occasion and is the greatest way to experience a more local atmosphere.
- Hostelworld: Hostelworld is the world's largest database of hostels, making it a must-use site for any shopper looking for inexpensive lodging.
- Skyscanner: This is the first place we look for flights. It consistently returns with the greatest and cheapest alternatives. We may compare a large number of airlines to get the greatest bargain.
- Get Your Guide: We use Get Your Guide for all of our day trip and city guide needs. It offers the world's most extensive list of things to do, with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
World Nomads Insurance: Always have travel insurance when visiting Italy. We've discovered that World Nomads is by far the best value for money option.
