Germany

Germany's official language is German. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, and among younger Germans, but less so in rural regions and among older generations. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated.

Buying a prepaid SIM or eSIM in Germany requires ID verification by law — show your passport in store, or complete an online video-ID check when activating remotely. This applies to every provider.

Coverage is strong in cities and along major routes, but weaker in some rural and forested areas. International phones generally work without issue on German networks.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Pharmacies (Apotheken, marked with a red "A") are common and staffed by trained pharmacists who can advise on minor ailments. Most keep standard weekday retail hours, with a rotating on-call pharmacy open nights and Sundays in each area. No special vaccinations are required for entry.

Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism or business. Travelers from countries without a visa-free agreement need a Schengen visa, applied for in advance through a German consulate or visa center.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

Germans value punctuality — arrive on time for reservations, tours, and appointments. Greetings are a firm handshake with direct eye contact; first names are used only once invited. Jaywalking is frowned upon, even when no cars are near, especially around children.

Quiet hours (Ruhezeiten), typically Sunday and late evenings, are taken seriously in residential areas — avoid loud noise, including vacuuming or drilling. Dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites.

Public holidays vary by state, and some are observed only in Catholic-majority regions such as Bavaria. On national holidays, most shops close, though restaurants and tourist attractions usually stay open.

Most shops close on Sundays, including supermarkets — plan grocery shopping for Saturday. Many smaller shops also close for a lunch break or shut by early evening on weekdays.

• By train: Germany's rail network is dense and reliable, run mainly by Deutsche Bahn. Book long-distance ICE trains ahead for the best fares; regional day tickets often cover multiple travelers on regional trains. Book via Deutsche Bahn.
• By air: domestic flights rarely save time over rail between major cities once airport transfers are counted. They are only worth it for long north-south routes, such as Hamburg to Munich.
• By bus: long-distance coaches connect smaller towns not well served by rail, usually cheaper but slower than trains.

Within cities, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg each run extensive U-Bahn, S-Bahn, or tram networks, with a single ticket type valid across buses, trams, and trains within a zone.

Germans typically eat a simple breakfast of bread rolls, cold cuts, cheese, and jam, often with coffee. Lunch was traditionally the main meal of the day, though many workers now eat something light at midday and save the bigger meal for dinner around 6-8pm. Sunday lunch with family, often a roast, remains a tradition in many households.

Regional dishes vary widely: Bavaria is known for Schnitzel and Weisswurst, the Rhineland for Sauerbraten, and the north for fish dishes shaped by the Baltic and North Sea. Bread culture runs deep — bakeries are part of daily life for most Germans, and the country registers thousands of distinct bread varieties. Beer culture varies by region too, from Bavarian Helles and Weissbier to Cologne's light Kölsch, each traditionally served in its own glass. Restaurants range from simple Gaststätten serving traditional fare to international options in bigger cities; canteens (Kantinen) are common for workday lunches.

Germany's cities each have a distinct character. Berlin is the capital, a city shaped by 20th-century history, with major museums and a famous nightlife scene. Munich pairs Bavarian tradition with a wealthy, orderly feel, and serves as the gateway to the Alps. Hamburg is a maritime trading city built around its harbor and canals. Cologne is known for its cathedral and relaxed Rhineland character, while Frankfurt is Germany's financial center, with a skyline unlike anywhere else in the country. Dresden was rebuilt after wartime destruction into one of the country's finest baroque cityscapes.

For scenery and countryside, Bavaria covers the Alps, lakes, and fairy-tale castles in the south, while the Rhine valley further west is known for vineyards and hilltop castles above the river.