Germany Travel Information

From January 1st of 2002, the currency in circulation is the euro. There are some notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. The nominal values of the coins are the following : 1 cent (or 1/100 of euro), 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar and 2 euros. The conversion of traveller-checks (Reiseschecks) can be carried out in all German banks. Branches of banks or foreign exchange offices (Wechselstuben) can be found in most border posts, in main railway stations and airports. Cash dispensers increasingly accept the visa card but it is not usual. The rule remains the use of the "EC" card or Eurocard and the payment in cash is very frequent.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)
To find out the locations of ATMs in Germany , click on the link to your credit card: Visa, Mastercard or American Express

Transportation

Road
Roads are in good condition and the network is very dense. Jams and slowing downs are frequent. Highways are free and there are no official speed limits. However it is advised not to exceed 130 km/h. Except on highways. The authorized maximal speed limits are: in cities 30 in 50 km/h, outside cities 70 in 100 km/h. There are many gas stations.

Rail
Very good. Connections are frequent and with high speed trains between the main cities of Germany and the big cities of frontier regions (Alsace, Lorraine, Luxembourg). High speed lines (ICE) join Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt and Cologne. With regards to the road network which is regularly saturated the train turns out to be an excellent compromise and enables to respect meeting schedules.

Internet

The Internet suffix is: .de

Basic conversation guide

Yes = Ja
No = Nein
Thank you = Danke
Hello = Guten Tag
Hello = Guten Morgen
Goodbye, Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
I do not understand = Ich verstehe nicht
Which is price? How much that cost? = Wieviel kostet das?
I would like = Ich möchte

Languages spoken

Official language: German. In former West Germany, according to certain estimations, 58% of the population speak English (85% of people between 14 and 34 years old), 22% of the population speak French. However, 7% speak Italian, 5% Spanish and 1.6% speak Russian.