Destinations / Germany
Here's everything you need to know — currency, tipping, language, safety, and the tips that actually matter.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
German
Emergency
112
Plug Type
Type C / Type F (two round prongs)
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Driving Side
Right
Tap Water
Safe to drink from the tap (but restaurants serve bottled by default)
U.S. Embassy
Berlin: +49 30 8305 0
5-10% is standard. Tell the server the total you want to pay when they bring the bill.
Round up or add 5-10%.
€1-2 per bag. €2-3/day for housekeeping is generous.
Round up to the nearest euro.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Danke | DAHN-keh |
| Please | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| The bill, please | Die Rechnung, bitte | dee REKH-noong BIT-teh |
Many places are cash-only ('Nur Barzahlung') — carry euros
Don't jaywalk. Germans take pedestrian signals seriously, even at 3am on an empty road
Tap water in restaurants isn't free — you'll get charged for bottled water unless you ask
Sundays are quiet — most shops are closed
Recycling is serious. Bottles with a 'Pfand' deposit can be returned for €0.25
Layers are key — weather can shift quickly
Bring a rain jacket year-round
Comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
A Type C or Type F power adapter
Currency, tipping, phrases, emergency info, and city guides for Germany — offline and instant.