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Practical Information
Germany is a country that is well prepared to receive visitors.
Public services operate smoothly and efficiently, and the health
system is good. Every town, large and small, has a tourist
information center that can offer guidance on finding accommo-
dation and information about local restaurants, attractions and
activities. Germany is a safe country for travel, and its police are
highly trained to deal with any emergency. Communication
networks are good and almost all banks have ATMs.Language
Although all Germans do speak
German, many of them use dialects
that are sometimes almost incom-
prehensible, especially to foreigners
with limited knowledge of German.
The most difficult dialects to
understand are probably those
of southern Germany, particularly
Bavarian and Schwabian, but Frisian
and Saxon dialects are also likely
to cause communication problems,
even for German-speaking visitors.
However, English is usually
understood, particularly in larger
cities and in places frequented
by foreign tourists.Passports and Visas
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand and EU member states
do not need a visa to visit Germany
as long as their stay does not exceed
three months. However, visitors from
South Africa do need a visa. Nationals
from most other countries require a
Schengen Visa, named for the 1995
Schengen Agreement that abolished
passport controls between Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, andAbove Police patrol vanBACK ROADS GERMANY
Sweden. This visa is valid for stays of
up to 90 days. Visitors should check
with the German embassy or
consulate in their own country prior
to traveling or visit the Federal
Foreign Office website and search for
“visa agreements.”
Most embassies, including those
of the US and the UK, are located in
Berlin, but consulates can be found
in other major cities.Travel Insurance
All travelers are strongly advised to
take out travel insurance that covers
for a broad range of possible
emergencies. It is mandatory for all
foreign visitors to have a medical
insurance policy with sufficient
protection on a visit to Germany.
In addition to medical insurance,
a comprehensive policy will normally
cover the holder for loss or theft of
luggage and other belongings, such
as passports and money, damage or
injury to a third party; personal
accidents; and delayed or canceled
flights. Most policies also cover
legal costs up to a certain limit. A
standard policy will not cover hazar-
dous or extreme sports, so anyone
planning to go surfing, skiing, or
rock-climbing must check theirpolicy; extra coverage can usually
be added for a small premium.
Most credit card companies offer
insurance for lost luggage; one is
also entitled to compensation in case
of flight delays and cancellation.Health
Germany poses no serious health
hazards for travelers and no
vaccinations are required before
entering the country. Ticks are
prevalent in rural areas, especially
during the summer months. Avoid
long grass, keep to paths and wear
long pants and sturdy shoes.
Those who require prescribed
medication should ensure that they
take enough to cover their stay, as it
may not be available locally. Citizens
of EU member states can obtain free
medical assistance in Germany if
they hold a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC). Travelers can
apply for the card by filling in form
E111 at any of the main post offices
or online before leaving home. To call
an ambulance in the event of an
emergency, dial 19222 plus the area
code if using a cell phone or simply
112 without the area code if calling
from a pay phone. Pharmacies
(Apotheke) can be identified by a sign