Since the early 2000s, the number of tourists visiting Germany has grown by over 220 percent. When you consider the beautiful scenery, rich history, and friendly people, it’s no wonder why Germany is one of the most visited countries worldwide!
However, regardless of where you’re traveling from, Germany’s distinct culture leaves many travelers in a state of both wonderstruck and confusion.
Those planning a trip to Germany need to be prepared for the culture shock they’re about to face. Thus, to make your trip run as smoothly as possible, we’re going to discuss three critical tips for traveling to Germany.
Understand Pedestrian Etiquette
Many western countries don’t pay mind to traffic laws when walking the streets. Germany, however, is much more strict when it comes to walking in high-traffic areas.
If you’d like to cross a street, wait for the light to change before crossing. Otherwise, you’re going to annoy both drivers and other pedestrians. Jaywalking is illegal in Germany, so you may find yourself getting a ticket by ignoring this law.
It’s also important to note that many people in Germany travel by bicycle. Consequently, many sidewalks have a designated bike lane. If you find yourself walking on a sidewalk, be sure to avoid the colored route, as this lane is designated for bikers.
Learn Some German
If you plan on spending some time in Germany, it’s essential to communicate with people.
Of course, you don’t need to spend weeks attempting to learn the entire German language. Instead, focus on learning essential words and phrases to help you get around.
Some important words and phrases you should learn include:
- Hallo (Hello)
- Danke schön (Thank you)
- Entschuldigen Sie (Excuse me)
- Können Sie mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
- Sprichst du Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
- Wo finde ich… (Where do I find…)
- Wieviel kostet das?? (How much does this cost?)
If you’re looking to learn some basics, Languageholic is a great place to start. Knowing some of these words and phrases will make your trip a lot easier!
Familiarize Yourself With the Transportation System
If you spend any time in Germany, you’ll likely find yourself on a train, subway, or bus at some point. Germany has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. Therefore, before going to Germany, you should make it a point to understand how they operate.
Each city has zones that require a specific ticket to travel into them. Although these tickets are relatively cheap, prices can vary based on where you’re traveling.
Often, people who travel to Germany receive tickets because many subways lack a barrier. As a result, many believe they can board for free. However, some plain-clothes officials check for tickets.
Therefore, it’s vital to purchase a ticket for the zone you’re traveling to. Otherwise, you may end up with a hefty fine for breaking the rules.
The Top 3 Tips for Traveling to Germany
Germany is a beautiful country, full of breathtaking architecture, advanced transportation systems, and friendly people. However, Germany is also unique and can be confusing for first-time travelers.
Therefore, there are several vital tips for traveling to Germany. These include understanding pedestrian etiquette, learning a few basic German phrases, and familiarizing yourself with the transport system.
We hope these tips help your trip to Germany an unforgettable experience. If you found benefit in these tips, be sure to check out our other travel guides.
