🇩🇪in Germany🇩🇪

Outlet & Plug Types

• US outlets are flush with the wall surface, and plugs are types A (2 flat blades) & B (added round ground pin). 

• German/Austrian/Swiss Outlets are recessed into the wall for safety

• German & Austrian plugs are type C (2 round pins, ungrounded) & E/F "Schuko" plugs (added ground clips on sides)

  • Large, round Schuko plugs fit securely into German outlets

Current 

• US: 120V at 60Hz. vs. Germany: 230V at 50Hz (If your device is not rated to handle 230 volts, it will probably break)

Do I need a voltage converter?

• Most electronics (laptops, phone chargers, cameras) only need a cheap plug adapter

• Read the fine print! If it says...

  • 100-240V, 50/60Hz, use only a cheap plug adapter(2 for $8) OR leave your phone charger brick at home & get an economical plug adapter with 2x USB-A ports ($5 ea.)

  • 120V, 60Hz, use an expensive voltage converter(~$31), OR get something like this hairdryer compatible with German current(<$20) & use a cheap plug adapter only

That Depends! 

While it is expected that you check in regularly with your folks at home, consider limiting the amount of time you spend calling home. Your priority should be getting the most out of your experience in Germany. Spend every possible moment absorbing the culture and language. 

• Also, give up mobile games & doomscrolling for 3 weeks. You can do it.

• WhatsApp, is what we will use for all GAPP communication

• There are several variables that can affect your phone's ability to connect to cell towers in Germany/Austria/Switzerland. The shortest answer is: "Call your provider". For a more complete explanation, visit this site.

  • If you use T-Mobile, you're already golden. Hakuna Matata!!!

  • With other carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Cricket, Metro, Mint, Tello, etc.) you need to make arrangements. (or you will probably be charged significant international roaming fees)

  • The more economical option is an international eSim from a company like Airalo (slightly less convenient)

  • The simplest option is probably your carrier's international calling plan (not most economical)

• All phones/tablets/laptops WILL work on Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is standardized worldwide, and Wi-Fi in Europe is almost as ubiquitous (found everywhere, omnipresent) as in the USA, caveat: speeds are equally as or even more variable.

• All prices INCLUDE tax.

  • It is illegal to exclude the tax (opposite of the US). 

  • This makes purchasing much simpler, as you never have to calculate tax.

• Tipping is technically optional. 

  • It is customary to tip for table service (NOT for counter service), as service employees do not rely on tips to earn a living wage. Germany is somewhat more socialist, and somewhat less capitalist than the US.

  • A tip for a teenage customer is traditionally rounded up to the nearest Euro

• ex.1 Your total is 19€50, so you hand over a 20€ bill and say "Stimmt so." (correct as is)

• ex.2 Your total is 19€50, but you only have a 50€ bill. Hand it over and say, "Zwanzig, bitte." 

Your server will know to give you 30€ change, because you indicated they should keep twenty.

• If you are feeling extremely generous, you can state a higher amount, maximum 10%.

🕘 Germany is usually 6 hours ahead. The time difference depends upon daylight savings, but plan on 6 hours. I usually call between 9 & 10 pm Sommerzeit Germany-time, which is between 3 & 4 pm Eastern-Daylight-Time in PA.

• 📋 Here is my packing list, including recommendations & some links

• My wife, also an experienced international traveler, created this list for ladies (This scarf is very "007"-esque)

• I grew up watch PBS with travel guru, Rick Steves, who agrees with me that packing light is the best strategy. Watch this video. Ignore the part about a travel adapter for Britain (unless you go there in the future)

• Many travelers feel more secure using a travel wallet, or one of these travel belts while traveling to reduce vulnerability to pickpocketing (RFID-blocking recommended)

In order for the trip to run smoothly everyone must adhere to the designated meeting times. We have a very busy schedule and a lot of the times on the itinerary could be missed if just one person holds up the rest of the group. Of course the  tardy arriver will not like the disappointed looks of the other travelers. We will decide upon appropriate consequences for tardiness as a group. The most entertaining on past trips have been pushups for the gentlemen & sit-ups for the ladies, but it must be decided by the group.

There are SO many things to see and do when we get to Germany. We are planning MANY fun & educational trips as a group, but we just cannot fit everything into our group itinerary.

Frau Richards Recommends:

• A tour of the Leverkusen BayArena (soccer stadium near Cologne)

• A tour of the FC Köln RheinEnergieSTADION (Cologne's team stadium)

• ⚠️ A guided tour of the 4711 perfumery (This crashed my browser, but it is the place where the original "Water of Cologne" is sold)

Herr Donovan Recommends:

• A tour of the Ferwärmetunnel (remote heating tunnel that supplies heat to the city)

• A tour of the Cologne Botanical Garden (Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln lovely in the summer)

• A day trip to Aachen, to see where Charlemagne (Karl der Groß) lies interred

  • with a stop for the best cookies in the region, Aachener Printen