Planning a trip to Germany? Great choice – but there are a few things you should know before the plane even touches down. Trust us: a little prep goes a long way.

1. Cash is still king

Yes, Germany has cards and Apple Pay – but don’t count on it everywhere.
Many smaller shops, bakeries, and even some restaurants still prefer cash. Always have euros on hand. ATMs are easy to find, but avoid using airport exchange counters – the rates are terrible.

2. Sundays are quiet. Really quiet.

On Sundays, almost everything shuts down: supermarkets, shops, even some restaurants. Plan ahead and stock up on essentials on Saturday.
Trains still run, and cafés may be open – but don’t expect much action.

3. No tipping confusion

Tipping in Germany is simple:

Restaurants: round up or add 5–10%

Taxi drivers: round up

Hotels: 1–2 euros for housekeeping
You hand the tip directly when paying – don’t leave it on the table.

4. You’ll need a plug adapter

Germany uses Type C or F plugs (230V).
Your US charger won’t fit without an adapter. Bring one with two round pins – or buy one at the airport if you forget.

5. Restrooms aren’t always free

Public toilets often cost €0.50–€1 – even at train stations or fast food places. Keep some coins handy.
Tip: Look for signs that say “WC”.

6. Trains are great, but not always on time

Deutsche Bahn is efficient – but delays happen. Use the DB Navigator app to track your train in real time. You’ll thank yourself.

7. Be ready for formal greetings

Germans are friendly – just not in the loud or overly casual way you might expect. A simple “Hallo” or “Guten Tag” goes a long way.
Don’t call strangers “du” – stick with “Sie” if you speak German at all.

Bottom line:
Germany is clean, safe, and full of amazing experiences. But it's also full of little quirks.
A few minutes of prep now = hours of less frustration later.