Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ger amounts or any amount of 'harder' recreational drugs like heroin or cocaine are less
likely to avoid legal consequences. Searches upon entering clubs are common.
If arrested, you have the right to make a phone call and are presumed innocent until proven
guilty, although you may be held in custody until trial. If you don't know a lawyer, contact
your embassy.
Medical Services
The standard of healthcare is high and there are many English-speaking doctors in Berlin.
Call-a-Doc
( 01805 321 303;
www.calladoc.com
;
24hr) can make free nonemergency
physician referrals in English.
The most central hospital with a 24-hour emergency room is the renowned
Charité Mitte
(
030-450 50;
www.charite.de
; Charitéplatz 1;
24hr;
147,
Oranien-
burger Tor).
If you are a citizen of the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to
reduced-cost or free medical treatment for illness or injury, but not emergency repatriation
home. Check with your local health authorities for information on how to obtain an EHIC.
Non-EU citizens should check if a similar reciprocal agreement exists between their country
and Germany, or if their policy at home provides worldwide healthcare coverage.
If you need to buy travel health insurance, be sure to get a policy that also covers emergency
repatriation. While some plans pay doctors or hospitals directly, note that many healthcare
providers may still demand immediate payment from nonlocals. Most do not accept credit
cards.
There are no vaccinations required to visit Germany.
Pharmacies
German chemists (drugstores,
Drogerien
) do not sell any kind of medication, not even aspir-
in. Even over-the-counter
(rezeptfrei)
medications for minor health concerns, such as a cold
or upset stomach, are only available at a pharmacy
(Apotheke)
. For more serious conditions,
you will need to produce a prescription
(Rezept)
from a licensed physician. If you take regu-
lar medication, be sure to bring a full supply for your entire trip, as the same brand may not
be available in Germany.
