Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» If you have access to a private phone, you can benefit from cheaper rates by using a
call-by-call access code. Rates can be found online at
www.billigertelefonieren.de
.
» With a high-speed internet connection, you can talk PC to PC for free via
Skype
(
www.skype.com
)
, or, for a small per-minute charge, to landlines and mobiles direct from
your computer.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones operate on GSM 900/1800. If your home country uses a different standard,
you'll need a multiband GSM phone in Germany. If you have an unlocked multiband
phone, a prepaid rechargeable SIM card from a German telecom provider will always
work out cheaper than using your own network. Cards are available at any mobile phone
store (eg T-Mobile, Vodafone, E-Plus or O2) and will give you a local number without
signing a contract.
Phonecards
Most public payphones only work with Deutsche Telecom (DT) phonecards, available in
denominations of €5, €10 and €20 from DT stores, post offices, newsagents and tourist of-
fices.
For long-distance and international calls, prepaid calling cards issued by other pro-
viders tend to offer better rates. Look for them at newsagents and telephone call shops.
There may be a connection fee. Most cards work with payphones with a surcharge.
Time
Clocks in Germany are set to central European time (GMT/UTC plus one hour). Daylight-
saving time kicks in at 2am on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in
October. The use of the 24-hour clock (eg where 6.30pm is 18.30) is common.
Toilets
» Men's toilets are marked 'Herren' (or just 'H'), the ladies' 'Damen' (or just 'D').
» Public toilets in southern Germany's city centres are almost non-existent. Instead use fa-
cilities in department stores, railway stations, markets, beer halls and other public places.
» Toilets are rarely free and those at large railway stations can charge a silly €1 to spend a
penny. At some facilities payment is by donation, thus you pay as much as you like. At
others there's a price list.
