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US citizens visiting Germany must possess a valid passport. You can apply for a passport at your local post office. Keep in mind that it may take a couple of months for your passport to arrive, so the sooner you apply the better. US citizens are not required to obtain a visa unless you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.
Currency
Germany is part of the European Union whose currency is the Euro. Bring your debit card for the best exchange rates and to get cash from ATM’s for the many establishments that do not accept cards. Be sure to call your bank before you leave to let them know you’ll be traveling abroad; otherwise they will block your card for suspicious behavior.
Getting Around Munich
An easily accessible and efficient public transportation system makes getting around Munich painless. There are suburban railways (S-bahn), subways (U-bahn), streetcars (trams), and buses. Universal pictographs and signs make it easy to find your destination without knowing the language. Many different tickets and multi-day passes are offered depending on length of stay and number of people in your party. Remember, do not be late! Germans take punctuality seriously and their transit system always leaves on time.
Tipping
Gratuity charges are included in restaurant checks (Bedienung), but it is customary to round up to the nearest Euro (or 5-10%). Don’t leave the tip on the table, that’s considered rude. Give it to the wait staff as you pay the bill. Bartenders appreciate tips but don’t expect them. Housekeepers (per night) and bellhops (per bag) customarily anticipate a €1-2 tip, as well as the desk clerk if they have helped you with any special services. Taxi drivers normally expect a 10-15% tip.
Beer Culture
Munich’s mood is always festive, and even more so during the time surrounding Oktoberfest. Having fun is expected and encouraged, but public drunkenness is not tolerated. Yes, those glass maβ mugs would make a great souvenir, but the guards at the door don’t think so. Buy your own at a souvenir stand or gift shop.
Internet
Hotels typically offer Internet service in the form of WLAN (Wi-Fi) or a PC in the lobby, either with complimentary service or at an extra charge. Public libraries offer PC’s for everyone, and many bars and restaurants will let you surf the web using their wireless connection. There are also Internet cafés that charge a nominal fee for their services.
Phone Calls
International phone calls can be very expensive, especially from your hotel room. Public phone booths can be found around town and in post offices, but are not as prevalent as they once were. Most pay phones are card-operated, so you’ll need to purchase a phone card.
Cell Phones
All of Europe uses GSM (Global Service for Mobiles), which transmits in 4 different frequencies; 850, 900, 1800, & 1900MgHz. Having a phone that works in all 4 frequencies is your safest bet. Your phone will also require a SIM card (either Global or regional) to store number and minute information. AT&T and T-Mobile are the only American providers with phones that use GSM, but there is a difference in US GSM and European GSM. Your phone may not be compatible, not to mention their roaming rates can be astronomical. You can purchase or rent a phone before you go from a reputable company like Telestial or Vodafone, and feel confident that you have the appropriate phone for your trip. Please do not buy a phone from Ebay - chances are it will not function properly.
Electricity
Electricity in Europe is generally supplied at 220V, 50Hz frequency (US is 110V, 60Hz), but can fluctuate plus or minus 10%. In order to charge your cell phone, camera, or laptop you will need a grounded plug adaptor. Buy this before you go as they are hard to find and more expensive in Europe. Make sure all of your appliances are dual voltage or you may need a converter or transformer. An electronics store or travel shop should supply everything you need.
Language
Like most Europeans, many Germans speak a variety of languages, including English. Their first language is German, of course, and there are several German dialects spoken throughout the different regions. The Austro-Bavarian dialect is spoken in Bavaria, the largest German state, which includes Munich, where the Oktoberfest takes place.
Time Zone
Germany is on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 6 hours ahead of New York, 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles, and 8 hours behind Sydney.
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