Country information
General
Time
Germany uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
German
Border formalities
Travel documents
Germany is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card, also for trailers and caravans - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
Can only be imported tax free together with a towing vehicle. All trailers and caravans with a permitted weight over 750 kg must have a separate vehicle registration and number plate
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Germany if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm
Currency
The currency in Germany is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Germany. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Opening times vary by region and by bank but branches close at 18:00.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Germany (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/
Opening times and Public holidays
Post
Genereis open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. On Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Post offices on stations in larger cities are open till late in the evening on weekdays.
Shops
Normal opening times in large cities: 09:00/10:00 to 18:00/20:00 (Monday to Saturday). Supermarkets in large towns are open from 08:30 to 20:00. Shops in smaller towns open from 09:00 to 18:30 and are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Shops also open every Saturday till 16:00. In large towns shops are allowed to remain open till 20:00, but not all of them do.
Chemists
Open Monday to Friday from 08:00 till 18:30; and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00. Night and weekend service is displayed at every chemist shop.
Doctors
Doctors genereis hold surgeries from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 except on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Local duty doctors are available for emergency help after 18:00 and at weekends.
Public holidays
For the whole Federal Republic:
- New Year’s Day
- 6 April (Good Friday)
- 9 April (Easter Monday)
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- 17 May (Ascension Day)
- 28 May (Whit Monday)
- 3 October (German Reunification Day)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
On 6 January Epiphany is celebrated in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt.
On 4 February ‘Rosenmontag’ is celebrated in North Rhine Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
On 7 June Sacrament day is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hessen, North Rhine Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
On 15 August The Assumption is celebrated in Saarland and the Catholic parts of Bavaria
On 31 October Reformation Day is celebrated in Brandenburg, Meckelenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thüringen.
1 November is the feast of All Saints in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Saxony
22 November is a public holiday in Saxony
Roads and traffic
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Germany drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Germany uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Speed limits unless otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas: 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- main roads outside built-up areas 100 km/h (± 62 mph)
- on motorways an advisory limit of 130 km/h (± 81 mph).
Cars with a trailer or caravan on motorways 80 km/h (± 50 mph). To tow a trailer or caravan faster than 80 km/h (± 50 mph), maximum 100 km/h (± 62 mph) you need a special permit. To qualify for a permit the caravan according to its carrying capacity must be less than the unladen weight of the car. Moreover the caravan must be fitted with an anti-skid system and the car must be fitted with an ABS braking system. A new requirement is that the vertical load must be equal to the maximum that applies to the car or, if that is lower, the maximum clutch pressure of the caravan or trailer. Speed limits are rigorously checked near road works on motorways. Drivers may only phone from the car if this is handsfree. Even cyclists who use a phone which is not handsfree risk a fine
At tailbacks on motorways you should wherever possible move to the right or left to leave room in the middle for emergency services. Failure to do this may result in a fine. An alcohol level above 0.05% is an offence.
From May 2006 cars in Germany (including tourists’ cars) are required to take extra precautions in winter conditions. This means they need to be fitted with winter tyres and have sufficient antifreeze in the windscreen washers. Take care that when winter tyres are fitted you restrict your driving to the maximum speed that applies to them; if this is lower than that of the car a sticker must be visible to the driver.
In the event of breakdown
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club (ADAC) has a patrol service throughout Germany. You can call the ‘Strassenwachthilfe’ at emergency phones every 2 km on the motorway. Elsewhere call ADAC on 01802-22 22 22. The national alarm number is 110. In most parts of Germany you can call 112 for fire and accident, other parts of Germany (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland) use 19222.
Camping
Voltage is 220V. Nearly all camp sites have a midday break (usually from 13:00 to 15:00) which is strictly enforced.
Fishing
There is a new rule in Germany which requires foreign visitors to take their own fishing licence with them to obtain a German fishing permit. When applying you will need to produce your national fishing licence and a passport photo. Because regulations vary by region you are advised to contact the local Tourist Information office in advance.
Useful addresses
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany / Consulate
23 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PZ
Tel: 020 7824 1300
Fax: 020 7824 1435
E-mail: mail@german-embassy.org.uk
Web site: http://www.german-embassy.org.uk/
German National Tourist Office
PO Box 2695
London W1A 3TN
Tel: 020 7317 0908
Fax: 020 7495 6129
Brochure Request: 09001 600100
e-mail: gntolon@d-z-t.com
internet: http://www.germany-tourism.de/
