Nothing beats stepping off the plane in Berlin, knowing that weeks of touring Germany await you. “It’s exhilarating,” says Mercedes Matzen, a business analyst for New York Business Analyst Generic Physicians Healthcare. “Germany is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s full of treasures for those who are willing to travel like the locals do and follow their customs.” She has been to the country multiple times to see her family and agrees that the touristy places are popular for a reason. “Bavaria is just gorgeous, and as beautiful as Neuschwanstein Castle is, I think spending a day hiking in the Black Forest can’t be beat.” After multiple visits to Germany and exploring its cities and countryside, Mercedes has a few suggestions for those who want to deepen their understanding of the nation.
Cash is king. Plastic will cause a lot of issues for you in Germany.
No matter how modern Germany’s culture becomes, cash is still the preferred form of payment. “Don’t even think of paying for dinner with your credit or debit card,” advises Mercedes. “It’s a very technologically advanced country, but much of what you buy must be paid for with cash. If you don’t have it, you’ll be stuck in the embarrassing situation of not being able to pay for your bill.”
Remember to speak quietly when you’re out and about in Germany.
As is the case in other cultures, speaking loudly in public is seen as extremely impolite. “You’ll be stared at in restaurants, on trains, and elsewhere if your voice is too loud,” explains Mercedes. “It’s just seen as good manners to keep your voice down so that your conversation doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s.”
Have fun on Germany’s Autobahn, but it’s a bit more regulated than legend has it.
Mercedes agrees that it’s a lot of fun to get on the Autobahn and hit the gas pedal. “It’s a real adrenaline rush,” she says. “However, you must still observe the Autobahn’s limits. There are places where you do have to slow down temporarily, so keep an eye out for that. It’s also important to know that the Autobahn’s recommended speed limit is 81 mph. You can go above that, but if you cause an accident, the fact that you were speeding above the limit can increase your liability.”
Give up on taxis. Stick to other forms of public transportation in Germany.
While taxes can be easier than buses or trains for the new traveler, you won’t have an easy time finding them. “You’re only going to see them at the airport or the city center,” Mercedes states. “Fortunately, though, other forms of public transportation are very easy to find, and once you get used to them, they’re really pretty simple to navigate.”
Germany’s public transportation tickets must be validated, and don’t lose them.
An unvalidated bus or train ticket is essentially akin to not having purchased any ticket. “You don’t want that to happen because you could be fined,” says Mercedes. “I did that once, and I never forgot again! Even if you don’t read German, it’s easy to validate your transportation tickets. In bus and train stations, you’ll see a machine, and any German will be kind enough to show you the ropes. Or, worst-case scenario, you can validate it onboard. When you do, you’ll see a date and time, and how long your ticket is good for is based on that.”
Germany’s navigation app is a boon for travelers.
Mercedes recommends downloading the DB Navigator app because it’s the best place to get schedules, prices, and booking information for public transportation. “This will be a lifesaver for you, especially if you’re in the bigger cities like Frankfurt or Berlin,” she says. “The subway system can be daunting at times, so having this one place for other transportation options will keep the migraine away.”
Sundays are for when you relax and enjoy nature in Germany.
“Everything closes on Sunday, for the most part. This can be hard to get used to if you’re a person who must be on the go all the time,” says Mercedes. “But really, if you plan for it, Sundays can be some of the best days of your trip. After a week of climbing stairs or going up and down hills in old towns, sometimes it’s very relaxing to just have a picnic in a park with other Germans. You can also learn a lot by watching Germans as they walk by or play sports.”
Breaking some rules in Germany will earn you a fine.
While crossing the street in the middle of the road is fine in many countries, you’ll be fined 5-10 Euros in Germany. “While it’s not the end of the world, expense-wise,” Mercedes concedes, “it’s still money you’d rather spend some other way. Along those lines, remember that bike paths really are for bikes. Germans like to cut loose and have fun, but they do, as a nation, follow some rules that we might not in our home countries.”
Plan out where you will use a toilet and have cash for it in Germany.
“This is definitely something to remember,” says Mercedes. “Always have cash so that you don’t get caught without a place to go. Most Germans will head for a mall or a restaurant, where bathrooms are free. Otherwise, you’ll need a little money to use a public restroom.”
Nudity in some places is not the issue in Germany that it is in more conservative cultures.
Germans are very casual about nudity in comparison to more conservative cultures. “The changing rooms are completely open,” says Mercedes. “There are no dividers or anywhere to change in private. That can be a culture shock for some people, but if you know what to expect, you’ll get used to it quickly.”
Go with the flow and enjoy the exploration of Germany’s culture.
“There are always going to be those awkward moments when you feel like a fish out of water,” Mercedes says. “Really, though, Germans are among the kindest people anywhere. They will always stop to help you if you’re lost, and if you ask them questions about their country or culture, they’ll be more than happy to explain it to you. A little bit of cultural awareness and curiosity will take you very far on your vacation to Germany.”
