Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SMOKING REGULATIONS
Except in designated areas, smoking is not allowed in public buildings or at airports
and train stations.
Smoking is not allowed in restaurants and clubs unless there is a completely separate
and enclosed room set aside for smokers.
Owners of single-room bars and pubs smaller than 75 sq metres, who don't serve any-
thing to eat and keep out customers under 18 years of age, may choose to be a
'Raucherbar', ie allow smoking. The venue must be clearly designated as such.
Shisha bars may operate as long as no alcohol is available and no one under 18 is al-
lowed.
Taxes & Refunds
Prices for goods and services include a value-added tax (VAT;
Mehrwertsteuer
), which is
19% for regular goods and 7% for food and books. If your permanent residence is outside
the EU, you can have a large portion of the VAT refunded, provided you shop at a store dis-
playing the 'Tax-free for tourists' sign and obtain a tax-free form for your purchase from the
sales clerk. At the airport, show this form, your unused goods and the receipt to a customs
official before checking your luggage. The customs official will stamp the form, which you can
then take straight to the cash refund office at the airport.
Telephone
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones (
Handys
) work on GSM900/1800. If your home country uses a different
standard, you'll need a multiband GSM phone in Germany. Check your contract for exorbit-
ant roaming charges.
If you have an unlocked phone that works in Germany, you may be able to cut down on
roaming charges by buying a prepaid, rechargeable local SIM card. The cheapest and least
complicated of these are sold at discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Netto and Lidl, which
are ubiquitous in Berlin. Top-up cards are also available at these stores as well as at con-
venience stores.
