Key facts
Germany is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by nine other countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. It has a population of around 81.8 million people and the official language is German.
Germany is known for its varied geography and climate, with many different landscapes from the North and Baltic seas in the north, to the Alps in the south. The highest point in the country is the Zugspitze at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), located in southern Bavaria.
Germany is a major economic power in Europe and is a leader in scientific research and technology. It is also the largest exporter of goods in the Eurozone.
EF EPI’s 2021 rankings placed Germany 11th among 100 nations out of non-native English-speaking countries.
The national currency in Germany is Euro (EUR). The euro (€) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).
German
Banknotes
€5€10€20€50€100€200€500
German
Coins
€1€25c10c20c50c1c2c
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Germany is 170.72 Mbps and mobile is 123.66 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density Germany has more ATMs than most other countries.79.47 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Germany, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Germany. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Germany will celebrate 9 national public holidays. Furthermore, there are 10 holidays that are only celebrated in certain parts of Germany. The next one Labour Day will take place on May 1.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayNeujahr | |
| January 6, 2024 | EpiphanyHeilige Drei Könige | Regional holiday |
| March 8, 2024 | International Women’s DayInternationaler Frauentag | Regional holiday |
| March 29, 2024Moving holiday | Good FridayKarfreitag | |
| March 31, 2024Moving holiday | Easter SundayOstersonntag | Regional holiday |
| April 1, 2024Moving holiday | Easter MondayOstermontag | |
| May 1, 2024 | Labour DayTag der Arbeit | |
| May 9, 2024Moving holiday | Ascension DayChristi Himmelfahrt | |
| May 19, 2024Moving holiday | PentecostPfingstsonntag | Regional holiday |
| May 20, 2024Moving holiday | Whit MondayPfingstmontag | |
| May 30, 2024Moving holiday | Corpus ChristiFronleichnam | Regional holiday |
| August 15, 2024 | Assumption DayMariä Himmelfahrt | Regional holiday |
| September 20, 2024 | World Children’s DayWeltkindertag | Regional holiday |
| October 3, 2024 | German Unity DayTag der Deutschen Einheit | |
| October 31, 2024 | Reformation DayReformationstag | Regional holiday |
| November 1, 2024 | All Saints’ DayAllerheiligen | Regional holiday |
| November 20, 2024Moving holiday | Repentance and Prayer DayBuß- und Bettag | Regional holiday |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas DayErster Weihnachtstag | |
| December 26, 2024 | St. Stephen’s DayZweiter Weihnachtstag |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
Germany is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, which offer a range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views. The Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, and the Rhine Valley are all popular destinations for tourists seeking to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty. These areas are popular for their hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities such as skiing and rafting.
In addition to its natural beauty, Germany is home to a number of vibrant and diverse cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. Some of the most beautiful cities in Germany include Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. These cities are known for their cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as their lively nightlife and dining scenes.
Germany is a country with a rich cultural tradition, and there are many unique experiences that visitors can enjoy. For example, visitors can attend a traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, or visit the famous Christmas markets in cities such as Dresden and Nuremberg. These markets are a popular tradition in Germany, and they offer a variety of holiday-themed goods and activities.
Tourism is an important industry in Germany, and the country is well-equipped to handle the needs of tourists. There are a wide range of accommodation options available, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
What hotel chains are present in Germany?
There are Mariott hotels in 11 cities.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Germany.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Germany.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Germany.
There are Radisson hotels in 28 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Germany.
Local delicacies and must-try foods and drinks in Germany
Tourists visiting Germany can try a variety of local foods and drinks, including:
- Schnitzel:
This is a dish made with thin slices of breaded and fried meat, typically pork or veal. - Sausages:
Germany is known for its wide variety of sausages, which are made with a variety of meats and spices. Some popular types of German sausages include bratwurst, frankfurters, and bockwurst. - Sauerkraut:
This is a type of pickled cabbage that is often served as a side dish or used as a topping for sausages and other dishes. - Pretzels:
These are a type of twisted, baked bread that are a popular snack in Germany. - Spätzle:
This is a type of egg noodle that is popular in Germany, particularly in the southern region of the country. - Rote Grütze:
This is a dessert made with a variety of berries and served with cream or vanilla sauce.
Germany is also known for its beers and wines. The country has a long tradition of brewing beer, and it is home to a number of well-known breweries that produce a variety of beers. German wines, particularly those from the Rhine and Mosel regions, are also highly regarded.
What fast food chains are present in Germany?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Germany.
The KFC chain operates in Germany.
The Burger King chain operates in Germany.
The Subway chain operates in Germany.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Germany.
The Starbucks chain operates in Germany.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Berlin?
Weather data for Berlin (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains , and some of them are high-speed trains.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in 4 cities.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Germany
Sources
- Germany Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Germany (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public places excluding entertainment and restaurants. Local limitations may apply in some areas.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Illegal
Medical usage: Legal in certain circumstances
You are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol if you are under the age of 17.
Alcohol allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
- 110L of beer
- 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
- 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 4L of wine
- 16L of beer
- 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
Tobacco allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Sources
- Travellers’ allowances (Central Customs Authority)
- Alcohol, tobacco, cash and excise duties (europa.eu)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)