First Time Traveling to Germany? 10 Essential Tips You Need!

Hi, I’m Kitty! I backpacked through Southern Germany in 2015 and moved to Germany in 2017. From exploring big cities and hidden gems to using public transport and driving myself, I’ve experiences to share with you if you’re planning your first trip to Germany. In this guide, I’ll share the must-know travel tips, cultural differences, and potential surprises to help you prepare and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Germany!

1. Digital Payments Are Limited – Bring Cash!

In places like Hong Kong or Taiwan, we’re used to convenient digital payments like Octopus or EasyCard. But in Germany, cash is still king. Many locals prefer cash to protect their privacy.

Plus, small businesses often avoid card payments because of high transaction fees. Some set a minimum amount for card use. A friend of mine once tried to buy coffee in Frankfurt Römerberg but couldn’t because he didn’t have the €5 minimum for card payment!

Sometimes, even restaurants face technical hiccups. For example, in 2024, I visited a restaurant in Rothenburg, and the waitress asked me, “The card system is down today—please make sure you can pay in cash before being seated.”

🔗 Rothenburg Travel Guide: Must-See Sights & Unique Souvenirs

To avoid these inconveniences, always carry cash, especially for small shops, restaurants, market stalls, and Christmas markets. Coins like €0.5 and €1 are handy for parking and public restrooms.

Where Can You Use Credit Cards?

You can typically use cards at major supermarkets, hotels, gas stations, and most restaurants. However, some eateries—especially Turkish, Asian, or Italian ones—may only accept cash (possibly to avoid taxes).

Carrying too much cash can be risky, so use your card whenever possible. Be sure to store your cash in different pockets to avoid pickpockets!

Germany’s Currency

Germany uses the Euro (€), not the Deutsche Mark!

A funny memory: before my trip, a well-meaning relative gave me some Deutsche Marks, only for me to discover they stopped being used in 2002. I appreciated the gesture but had a good laugh!

2. Dining Etiquette in Germany

Ordering Food

Once you’re seated at a restaurant, the waiter will usually bring you the menu right away. But here’s a heads-up—they might swing by and ask if you’d like something to drink before you’ve even figured out what to eat. No pressure! You can start with drinks and order food later, or just politely let them know you need a bit more time.

Pro tip: No need to wave your arms or call out loudly to get the waiter’s attention. It’s all about eye contact and timing here. A subtle glance does the trick! 👀

Sharing Food

If you’re used to sharing dishes with friends or family, Germany might feel a bit different. Meals are usually served one plate per person, and people don’t typically grab bites off someone else’s plate.

That said, if you’re traveling in touristy areas, no need to stress! Just let the waiter know upfront that you’d like to share and ask if they can bring an extra plate or two. Easy peasy!

Cheers!

Heading out for drinks or a meal with German colleagues or friends? When it’s time to toast, you’ll hear a hearty Prost! (Cheers!). Don’t worry if you don’t speak German—just remember to make eye contact while clinking glasses. It’s a little sign of respect, and it’s something a German friend once taught me.

3. Tipping Culture in Germany

How much should you tip in Germany?

In the U.S., it’s common to leave a 15-20% tip for waiters since they often have a very low base salary. But when you’re in Germany, you don’t need to stress too much about tipping. Waiters here have labor protections and are paid at least the minimum wage (as of 2024, that’s €12.41 per hour).

It’s not that you don’t tip—if the service is great, feel free to leave a little extra. If the service wasn’t so great, it’s totally fine not to tip, no pressure at all! In general, it’s nice to give about 5-10% if the service was good. If you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, just go ahead and tip 10%.

How do you pay the tip?

Don’t leave the tip on the table when you leave! Instead, when you’re paying the bill, tell the waiter the total amount you’d like to pay, including the tip.

For example, let’s say your meal costs €55,80 (yep, in Germany they use commas instead of dots for decimals!). When you’re ready to pay, just tell the waiter, “We’ll pay €60.” Easy!

A Fun Fact About German Money Culture

When it’s time to pay, the waiter will politely ask, “Getrennt oder zusammen?” (Separate or together?). Even couples or married people get asked this! Why? Because in Germany, some couples actually split the bill when they go out to eat.

Watch Out for Restaurant Scams!

I’ve lived in Germany for almost eight years, and most of my dining experiences have been great. But there was this one time—luckily we didn’t get scammed!

Years ago, as my parents-in-law visited us from Hong Kong, the whole family went to a traditional German restaurant. It seemed like the waiter noticed our Asian faces and assumed we were tourists. When we asked for the check, it was about €75, and my husband said to pay €80 by card. But when the waiter brought the card machine, it showed €180 instead!

Of course, my husband argued, and the waiter apologized, claiming it was a mistake. But his body language and response made it pretty clear this was no accident. In the end, we didn’t even leave a tip!

4. Nature Calls | Do You Have to Pay for the Restroom?

If you’ve watched Emily in Paris, you might remember the scenes where there’s a restroom attendant outside (played by Ashley Park as Le Dame Pipi!). They charge a small fee to use the bathroom, usually around €0.5-€1.

Paying to use the bathroom?! Well, maybe just hold it in!

But seriously, when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water for your health. Don’t skip out on bathroom breaks just to save €0.5-€1—getting sick is definitely not worth it! Plus, the restrooms that charge a fee are generally much cleaner and more hygienic, since there’s usually someone cleaning. Free ones tend to be a little… well, less tidy. And honestly, holding it in isn’t great for your health either!

So, it’s a good idea to carry a bit of change with you just in case. As of now, I haven’t seen any bathrooms that accept electronic payments, except some at highway rest stops.

Pro tip to save money: Use the free restrooms whenever you can! For example, be sure to use the restroom before you leave a restaurant or café.

Signs for the Restrooms: Herren or Damen?

Some restrooms only have text on the signs, no pictures. So just remember: Herren is for men, and Damen is for women.

Cultural Shock: Male Cleaners in the Women’s Restroom

I was really surprised the first time I saw a male cleaner come into the women’s restroom to replace the paper towels! After living in Germany, though, I realized this is actually pretty common… and I’ve seen it in the UK too. Don’t overthink it—they’re just doing their job!

5. Shops Closed on Sundays | Even Supermarkets?

If you’re planning a shopping spree or looking to grab some souvenirs, don’t plan it for Sunday or a public holiday! Even supermarkets and gas stations, which are essential for daily life, shut their doors.

In early 2024, we were driving back to our hotel after visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and needed to refuel. To our surprise, the gas station was closed! Turns out, it was a public holiday in Bavaria—and as someone living in Hesse, I had no clue! (Fun fact: Germany is a federal country, so each state has its own public holidays… something to keep in mind!)

Thankfully, we bumped into a helpful German who was also trying to refuel. He quickly checked online and directed us to another gas station that was open, saving the day. (Just a little note: It’s not very common for gas stations to be closed. At least around Frankfurt, I often find gas stations open even on Sundays. If I happen to need something, I’ll just pop into the convenience store at the gas station to grab it!)

Pro tip: If you’re planning to cook your own meals, make sure to stock up on groceries before Sunday! Supermarkets are no exception to this rule.

Check Store Hours Before You Go

Even on Saturdays, shops tend to close earlier than usual. During the week (Monday to Friday), most stores close by 8 PM, while supermarkets might stay open until 9 or 10 PM at the latest. To avoid wasting time, it’s always a good idea to check opening hours online before heading out.

Culture Shock | Looking at It from Another Angle

At first, it might feel super inconvenient that stores close on Sundays and public holidays. When I first moved to Germany, I felt the same way! But over time, I came to appreciate the reasoning behind it.

For people working in retail or service industries, this setup means they get Sundays off to spend time with family or simply rest. Having one guaranteed day of rest every week is actually a lovely thing, isn’t it?

6. German Railways: Not Always on Time

Ever thought German trains were known for their punctuality? That reputation is so 20-30 years ago! During the recent UEFA European Football Championship in Germany, the Dutch team missed a pre-match press conference because their train was delayed. They had to hop on a plane last minute just to make it to the venue—talk about cutting it close! This incident was a wake-up call for many Europeans: German railways are no longer as reliable as they used to be and delays are, sadly, pretty common.

My most unforgettable Deutsche Bahn adventure: One time, I was traveling long-distance and needed to firstly take the light rail (U-Bahn) to Frankfurt’s main station before switching to a high-speed ICE train. Just a few stops away from the Frankfurt’s main station, the driver suddenly announced that he had to clock out immediately due to overtime rules (because accidents caused by overworked drivers aren’t covered by insurance). Everyone was asked to leave the train, and he even suggested taking a taxi!

When I reached the street-level taxi stand, there was already a massive queue. With no other option, I ran to the next station, found an alternative connection, and—luckily for me—my ICE train was also delayed! In the end, I made it!

I’m not sharing this to complain, but to give you a heads-up! Especially if you’re like me—someone who loves planning every detail and cramming itineraries. If you’re traveling by rail in Germany, give yourself some flexibility. On the bright side, Deutsche Bahn will get you to your destination safely. It’s just a matter of when!

Tips for Handling Delays

Stay updated with the DB Navigator app: This handy app shows train schedules, platform changes, and live delay updates. Download it before your trip to stay ahead of the game.

Tips: Check public transport frequencies

On Sundays and public holidays, train and bus services run less frequently. My first trip to Germany taught me this the hard way!

Story Time: A Lesson Learned in Berchtesgaden: Back on my first visit to Germany, I assumed trains or bus came at most every hour. After touring the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, I wandered leisurely through the souvenir shop without checking the bus schedule. I saw a group of tourists running for the bus but didn’t think much of it.

When I finally arrived at the bus stop, I froze in shock: the next bus was in two hours! Thanks to Easter holiday schedules, services were severely reduced. A quick 45-minute ride to Salzburg turned into a major delay, and I had to adjust my plans, cutting out a few sights from my Salzburg itinerary.

How did I kill time? My travel buddy and I decided to have lunch at the salt mine’s restaurant, planning to stay there for two hours since it was snowing outside. But after just one hour, the staff politely asked us to leave—they were closing early for Easter! (Looking back, it’s hilarious now, but at the time? Not so much.)

For Fellow Perfectionist Planners (Like Me!)

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” trip. Independent travel is all about staying flexible, embracing unexpected moments, and learning to let go. It’s not about ticking off every single attraction—it’s about exploring, relaxing, and finding inspiration along the way.

Group Tickets: Don’t Forget to Write Your Names

If you’re exploring Southern Germany, a popular option is the Bavaria Ticket (Bayern-Ticket). It’s super affordable, especially for groups—it covers up to five people and includes travel to Salzburg, Austria.

But here’s the catch: everyone listed on the ticket must stick together for the entire journey. And here’s a pro tip, especially for travelers from Hong Kong (or anyone with an informal English name): in Hong Kong, it’s common for people to adopt an English name that isn’t part of their official documents. If that applies to you, make sure to write your name exactly as it appears on your passport! A friend of mine once ran into trouble because he wrote “David Chan” instead of his legal name.

Hope these tips make your German rail adventures a little smoother! Let me know if you’ve ever had a funny or frustrating train experience—would love to hear your stories! 😊

7. Driving Rules and Differences in Germany

No Attendants at Gas Stations?

Remember driving in Okinawa, Japan, I was amazed the gas station attendants even cleaned the windshield for me! Well, Germany is a completely different story. Service? What service? You’re on your own here!

At German gas stations, you pump your own fuel, then head inside to pay the staff. The first time might feel confusing, but once you get the hang of it, there’s a surprising sense of accomplishment—like, “Yes, I did it!”

Is There Really No Speed Limit on the Autobahn?

Yes, it’s true! On Germany’s famous Autobahn, you’ll see cars zooming by at 200 km/h (124 mph) in the fast lane. But you might wonder: Is this safe? Is it legal?

The recommended speed on the Autobahn is 130 km/h (81 mph). When I was learning to drive in Germany, my instructor told me not to drive too slowly—it’s actually more dangerous if you can’t keep up with the flow of traffic.

As for legality, yes, driving at high speeds in unlimited zones is allowed, as long as conditions are safe. However, not all sections are unlimited—many areas have speed limits, especially near cities or construction zones.

If you’re planning to drive in Germany, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules. For example, Rechts vor Links (right before left): vehicles coming from the right have the right of way. I’ll post a link here soon about driving in Germany—stay tuned!

8. Can I drink Tap Water in Germany？

Quality of Tap Water in Germany

Yes, you can drink tap water in Germany! According to the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt):

Trinkwasser trinken: Ob gesprudelt oder nicht: Frisches Trinkwasser aus der Leitung kann in Deutschland nahezu ausnahmslos ohne Bedenken getrunken werden. Denn das Trinkwasser in Deutschland besitzt sehr gute Qualität. 

(Translation) Fresh tap water in Germany can be consumed without hesitation almost everywhere. The drinking water quality here is excellent.

This means you can safely drink water straight from the tap in Germany without worry.

Germany’s tap water typically comes from natural underground sources and is filtered to ensure it meets high safety standards. In some areas with hard water, you might notice small white flakes—don’t panic! Those are just minerals like calcium and magnesium. If it bothers you, simply boil the water before drinking or opt for bottled water.

Bottled Water Comes with a Deposit: How to Recycle Plastic Bottles?

When you buy bottled water in Germany, you’ll notice an extra charge on your receipt—that’s the Pfand (deposit).

You can return empty plastic bottles to automated recycling machines found in supermarkets. After feeding the bottles into the machine, you’ll receive a receipt that can be used as a voucher for your next purchase.

While I’ve seen Germans cash out their receipts, I’ve never tried it myself—I just use mine for groceries!

If you really can’t find a recycling machine, don’t feel guilty about throwing the bottle in a regular trash bin. Many homeless individuals collect bottles from bins to claim the deposit refund. It’s a small way to contribute to informal recycling efforts.

Spot the Barcode for Recyclable Bottles

↓ If your plastic bottle has a barcode like this, it means there’s a deposit on it—return it to get your money back!

9. Daylight Hours in Germany: What to Expect

Germany’s four distinct seasons bring noticeable changes in daylight hours, especially between summer and winter. This difference can significantly impact your travel plans. If you want to enjoy long, sunny days, summer—especially around the summer solstice—is your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking forward to cozy Christmas vibes and unique winter landscapes, shorter daylight hours in winter can add to the charm.

Comparing Daylight Hours: Summer vs. Winter

Germany, located at a relatively high latitude in the Northern Hemisphere, experiences a dramatic difference in daylight between the summer and winter solstices, with a variation of over 9 hours!

	Daylight duration	Sunrise	Sunset
Summer Solstice (around June 21)	Nearly 17 hours	Around 4:30 a.m.	Around 9:30 p.m.*
Winter Solstice (around December 21)	Only about 7 hours	Around 8:00 a.m.	Around 4:00 p.m.

*During Summer: Even after the sun sets, twilight lingers, keeping the skies bright for a while longer.

Planning Your Trip: Summer vs. Winter Tips

Knowing Germany’s daylight patterns can help you plan better. I personally think Germany is a year-round destination, as each season offers unique landscapes and experiences.

Visiting in Summer:
Expect warmer (but not hot as it is in South Asia!) temperatures. The longer daylight hours mean you can pack your itinerary with outdoor activities. Consider exploring the Romantic Road, relaxing by scenic lakes, or heading to the coastal regions. Even with a packed schedule, you’ll have time to unwind in the extended evening light.

🔗 Discover Würzburg : World Heritage Baroque Palace on the Romantic Road

Visiting in Winter:
Shorter days and longer nights set the perfect scene for winter sports like skiing or ice skating, or cultural indoor experiences such as museum visits, opera performances, and concerts. Of course, Germany’s iconic Christmas markets are an absolute must-see during this time of year!

🔗 Ultimate Guide To Frankfurt Christmas Markets 2024 with Travel Tips

Winter Travel Tip: Theme Parks May Have Limited Hours

📝 Note: Some outdoor attractions, like Legoland Germany, may have limited operating days during winter. Always check the opening schedule while planning your trip to avoid surprises!

10. Is It Okay to Travel in Germany Without Knowing German?

When I first visited Germany in 2015, my German proficiency was at an A2 level—I could understand a bit and speak a little.

But honestly, I was hesitant to speak German and relied mostly on English to communicate.

English Can Get You Far

I remember sitting next to a young German woman on my flight to Munich. We struck up a conversation in English, and she not only asked me why I chose to visit Germany but also recommended some local restaurants she thought were must-tries.

In high-end stores like Rimowa and Louis Vuitton, speaking English—or sometimes even Mandarin—was no problem at all. Shopping and communication went smoothly!

For situations where language was a barrier, I’d take a picture using Google Translate to understand the menu. When words weren’t enough, hand gestures and body language worked too.

Mastering German Basics: Apps and Tips for Travelers

While it’s possible to travel Germany without knowing German, learning a few basic phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

I’ll never forget trying to order the bill in a Munich restaurant. With my trusty travel guidebook, I attempted to say, “Die Rechnung, bitte!” (The check, please!) in my broken German. The waiter was so friendly—he not only understood me but also taught me the correct pronunciation!

Even if your accent isn’t perfect, locals usually appreciate the effort, and it can open doors to deeper conversations and connections.

If you’d like to brush up on some German before your trip, try language-learning apps like Duolingo or Memrise.

For instant translations, I recommend Google Translate and DeepL. For dictionaries, Linguee and LEO are excellent. You may download offline mode beforehand to save on data usage abroad.

Basic Travel German

In general, younger Germans speak very good English, especially in big cities and tourist areas. Service staff are often happy to switch to English, so there’s no need to stress.

In fact, when I visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber in 2024 and bought tickets in German, the staff responded in English the whole time. I couldn’t help but laugh—she probably wasn’t a local herself! 😂

Here are some basic phrases to help you navigate:

Polite Phrases
Hallo! / Guten Tag!	Hello! / Good day!
Guten Morgen / Guten Abend	Good morning / Good evening
Tschüss! / Auf Wiedersehen!	Bye! / Goodbye (formal)
Bitte.	Please / You’re welcome
Danke / Vielen Dank!	Thank you / Thank you very much!
Entschuldigung.	Excuse me / Sorry

Asking for Directions or Services
Wo ist …?	Where is …?
die Toilette	the restroom
der Bahnhof	the train station
das Hotel	the hotel
Gibt es hier in der Nähe …?	Is there … nearby?
einen Supermarkt	a supermarket
ein Restaurant	a restaurant
Ich habe mich verlaufen.	I’m lost.

Ordering Food and Shopping
Ich möchte … bestellen.	I’d like to order …
Haben Sie eine Speisekarte auf Englisch?	Do you have an English menu?
Wie viel kostet das?	How much is this?
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?	Can I pay by card?

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw a hotel named Bad Hotel. Don’t worry—“Bad” in German doesn’t mean “bad” in English. It actually refers to baths or spas.

Germany has many towns with “Bad” in their names, as these are often wealthy areas known for their spas. Examples include Baden-Baden, famous for its Roman baths, and Bad Nauheim, where Elvis Presley once lived. The “Bad Hotel” was excellent—it’s just a name that gives English speakers a good chuckle!

Final Thoughts

These tips come from my personal experiences traveling and living in Germany. I hope they help you feel more confident during your trip!

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Instagram for more Germany travel inspiration and tips. Have a wonderful time exploring Germany! 💕