Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Checklist
» Ensure your passport is valid for another four months after arrival in Germany.
» Check airline baggage restrictions.
» Inform your bank/credit card company you'll be travelling in Germany.
» Make any necessary advance bookings (accommodation, transport etc).
» Make sure your travel insurance covers all planned activities.
» Check if your mobile/cell phone will work in Germany.
» Find out what you need to provide to hire a car.
Etiquette
Southern Germans are a pretty rigid bunch with elderly people in particular expecting lots
of set behaviour and stock phrases. It's easy to make a mistake, but the following should
help you avoid red-faced moments.
»
Greetings
Until noon say '
Guten Morgen
'; from noon until early evening this becomes
'
Gruss Gott
'. '
Guten Abend
' is used from around 6pm onwards until it's time to say '
Gute Nacht
'. Use the formal '
Sie
' with strangers, and the informal '
du
' and first names
if invited to do so. If in doubt, use '
Sie
'.
»
At the table
Tucking into food before the '
Guten Appetit
' starting gun is fired is re-
garded as bad manners. Place your knife and fork parallel across your plate to show
you've finished. When drinking wine, the toast is '
Zum Wohl'
, with beer it's '
Prost
'.
»
Other dos & don'ts
Always give your name at the beginning of a phone call. When
visiting someone's home, bring a small gift such as flowers or wine. Punctuality is appre-
ciated - never arrive more than 15 minutes late.
Tipping
»
Essentials
You could get through an entire trip around southern Germany without giv-
ing a single tip. Few service industry employees expect them these days, although most
still appreciate a little extra when it comes their way.
