Welcome to German Tips

DB - The Railway System

What is DB? Those initials stand for the national German company "Deutsche Bundesbahn". The company is state subsidized and offers a regular, punctual and comprehensive range of services across the entire country. Check out their website for train schedules, travel information, reduced tickets and much more. This site is in German. It is searcheable.

http://www.bahn.de/

Car rentals at Hamburg Airport

Avis Tel.: + 040 - 50 7523 14
Sixt Tel.: + 040 - 593 94 80
Fax: + 040 - 596 232
Hertz Tel.: + 040 - 593 513 67
Fax: + 040 - 591 273
Europcar Tel.: + 040 - 500 21 70
Fax: + 040 - 500 21 766

Baggage carts

It is possible to use baggage carts for free in most German airports, but usually, you will not be allowed to take them out of the building.

Hair dryer

Forget about taking your American hair dryer to Germany. You would need an adapter, and you would have to change the voltage. It is not worth it. Buy a cheap hair dryer at one of the bigger department stores (Karstatt, Hertie, Wertheim)instead. Prices start at ca. DM 10. You may also want to get one of those that come in a pouch and have a folding handle.

Weather forecast on the radio

Any German radio station will transmit frequent weather forecasts, usually at the top of the hour. The forecast is usually combined with a newsreport.

Carnival in Cologne

If you are traveling Germany, try to make it in time for the annual carnival in Cologne (every February). Other cities that have one are Mainz and Wasung. You will see an unusual side of Germany at its best. I recommend you do a web search on ´Cologne´ for more details. There are also some tips and links in my ´customs´ section. Look for "Fastnacht".

Schwarzfahren

"Schwarzfahren" is the act of using the public transport system for free (for details see tip: subway cops). If you want to engage in this sport, you need to either be a fast runner and an excellent liar. Once you get caught, you will get fined. If you get caught too often, you may be denied access to public transport altogether. Talking your way out of it ("I have a daily/weekly/monthly ticket and left it at home/the hotel") will not help much. Your ID can get confiscated. To retrieve it, you will need to bring the ticket to public transport headquarters, and you will still have to pay a (slightly lower) fine. Ok, being a tourist might help you somewhat. Generally speaking, though, Schwarzfahren is not advisable.

Subway cops

It is possible to get on some subway trains without paying, i.e. there is no barrier between the point where you (should) buy your ticket and the train platform. That´s why plainclothes "cops" are a frequent occurence on the underground. They are legally entitled to check your ticket. If you do not have one, or refuse to show it, they will take you off the train, check your ID and fine you. Fines can be anything from DM 60 to 400, especially if you are a frequent offender. If you can not pay or do not cooperate, they will call the police. Don´t risk it.

Inexpensive lifesavers

Packets of instant oatmeal and other hot cereals can be an inexpensive lifesaver if your hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast. Bring a small supply in your suitcase and replenish your supplies in any German
grocery store. Quick meals in a disposable plastic cup (made by German companies such as "Maggi" and "Knorr") are cheap and widely available.

Car rentals at Koeln/Bonn Airport

Avis Tel.: (02203) - 40 23 43
Sixt Tel.: (02203) - 95 450
Fax: (02203) - 95 45 40
Hertz Tel.: (02203) - 61 085
Fax: (02203) - 69 53 03
Europcar Tel.: (02203) - 353 16
Fax: (02203) - 324 77

Weather news in German at Procumulus.de

Go to the Procumulus website to find information on the current weather trends in Germany.

http://www.procumulus.de/html/news_155.html

ADAC car breakdown service

The ADAC is similar to the AAA in the US. Meaning they will help you out if your car breaks down. Call + (49) 01802 22 22 22 if you need help.

Car rentals at Duesseldorf Airport

Avis Tel.: + 0211-4216747/48
Sixt Tel.: + 0211-942 970
Fax: + 0211-428 095
Hertz Tel.: + 0211-411 083
Fax: + 0211-418 05 83
Europcar Tel.: + 0211 -942 38 0
Fax: + 0211 -942 38 66

Time Zone

Germany is always one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Clocks advance an hour at the end of March and lose an hour in late October.

Use the public transport system

If you visit Germany´s larger cities (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt) you may not need to rent a car. Parking space is limited, and the public transport system (bus, underground, city train) is well developed. Most cities have nightbusses, too. Car rental would be advisable in rural locations only.

Cabs

Cabs are useful if you want to get around at night and do not have access to a night bus. In smaller cities, there might not even be a night bus system. Check for cab companies in your district in the local phone directory. Prices are not always fixed. Generally speaking, German cabs are expensive. Inquire at your hotel for details.

Immersion coil

Should you plan to stay in one or more German hotels, you can save by bringing along an adaptor and a small electric immersion coil, which will enable you to heat up hot drinks and quick meals directly in your hotel room. In general, you will not find a coffee maker in your room, although there may be a hairdryer.

City info Wertheim

This page provides infomation about Kreuzwertheim, Wertheim, Hassloch and Roettbach:

http://www.realschule-wertheim.de/brd/index.htm

Travel Pro German Travel

Travel Pro is the German traveler´s travel agent. Visit them at www.vacationcenter.com, or write to: Travel Pro, PO Box 139, Weston, WI 54476. Phone: 800 - 765 - 0112.