Germany

Most widely accepted cards: German domestic debit cards i.e. Girocard and international PIN-based Maestro and V PAY cards. However, foreign debit cards (VISA Debit/Electron, Debit MasterCard etc.) and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) are only accepted in major retail stores. Euro is the only acceptable currency. Only certain shops and restaurants at airports and train stations are willing to accept foreign currencies or exchange currency (mostly U.S. dollars).

Currency can be exchanged at most banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Dresdner that offer fair rates. You can also cash in your traveller's cheques here. Currency can also be exchanged at international airports and train stations; however, exchange rates are generally unfair and vary dramatically. Best means of currency exchange is through ATMs that allow one to withdraw money through their credit cards or foreign debit cards. ATMs are easy to locate and can be found in every airport. Foreign exchange kiosks (Wechselstuben) also offer good rates for cash without charging commission.

Hamburg: the Reeperbahn, Hamburg's legendary nightlife street, is the central night-time attraction in the city. Home to one of Europe's biggest red light districts, it has a number of street extensions that are worth visiting, such as Groe Freiheit, Spielbudenplatz and Davidstrae. It has a number of legendary bars, restaurants, theatres such as the Operettenhaus and clubs along with sex shops, sex museums and strip clubs.Berlin is the capital of German nightlife and popular for its eccentric bar and club scene. Most bars and clubs remain open until morning, offering spots for a nightcap. In addition to great cocktails, they offer panoramic and beautiful views, quirky and eccentric design, and outdoor lounging. Some of the best Berlin bars: Victoria Bar; Greenwich; Weinerei and Club der Visionaere.

German honey: specifically "Echter Deutscher Honig" which is of the best quality. Honey with the higher percentage of "Nektar" is considered the best.Smoked eel: It is a common delicacy and souvenir near coastal areas.Cheese: you can opt for the more common "Qualittsprodukte" variety of cheese or the less-explored, rarer types found in (one rare cheese stores.Chocolates & Sweets: Try "Ritter Sport" and gummy bears (by Haribo) are a must try.Houseware: Quality kitchenware such as knives, pots and pans are good buying options.Amplemann: a cult symbolBest places to shop: Kthe Wohlfahrt, a speciality shop that sells good quality Christmas decorations can be found in all the major cities in Germany, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Berlin, Heidelberg, and Nuremberg;Unter den Linden in Berlin is known for its unique souvenir shops; Ludwig Becks and Galleria Kaufhof are two famous department stores in Munich to buy traditional German everyday items.

Major festivals:
January: Christmas Garden (light show in BerlinÕs Botanical Gardens)
FebruaryÐMarch: Fasching/Fasnacht (carnival season known for elaborate balls and parades in anticipation of Ash Wednesday)
Late April: Spring Festival, Munich (the "little sister of Oktoberfest")
May: May Day (maypole dances)
MayÐJune: Weindorf wine festival, WŸrzburg
June: Carnival of Cultures, Berlin (street parade)
June: Bach Festival, Leipzig
July: Classic Open Air, Berlin (music on Gendarmenmarkt)
July: Bardentreffen NŸrnberg (world music festival)
August: International Beer Festival, Berlin
AugustÐSeptember: Fall Folk Festival, NŸrnberg (rides and costumes)
September: Reichsstadt Festival, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (fireworks)
September: Oktoberfest, Munich
October: German Unity Day
October: Reformation Day celebration, Wittenberg
November: All Saints' Day
December: Christmas markets throughout Germany
December 6: St. Nikolaus Day (parades)

History fo Germany can be traced back to ÊGermanic tribes which were followed by the Holy Roman Empire. It was post the Napoleonic wars, that the German Empire was formed. The empire, however, ended in 1918 when Germany was defeated in World War I. Strong totalitarian forces took the forefront and the Nazis seized power in 1933 i.e. the nationalistic and racist National Socialist German Workers' Party and Adolf Hitler came to power. He led Germany to war with many nations, leaving the country in ruins by 1945.Post its devastating defeat in World War II, Germany was divided into four sectors, controlled by the French, British, US and Soviet and in 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected. In the late 1960's, a sincere and strong desire to confront the Nazi past came emerged as the society became much more liberal. Germany was reunited peacefully in 1990, and the post-war limitations to Germany's sovereignty were removed.

Medical and Sanitary facilities in Germany are outstanding. Pharmacies are referred to as "Apotheke" and can be identified by a big, red "A" symbol. They usually open 24x7. However, certain medication that is generally easily available in other countries requires a prescription in Germany. Tap water in Germany is of good quality and very strictly regulated, making it safe for consumption. Diseases to be careful of rabies (Tollwut), a problem in some areas in the past; and diseases transmitted by ticks. So be careful while hiking or camping and take appropriate precautions. Vaccination is advised if one plans outdoor activities in high-risk areas.

• Since there is no compulsion on tipping, servers are tipped mostly out of politeness and personal appreciation. Tipping in Germany is done by mentioning the total to be deducted (with tip added) while paying.
• Germans are very specific about punctuality with most of them arriving 5-10 mins in advance. This is expected from everyone. Arriving late is perceived as rude and is hardly tolerated.
• While German beaches do not prohibit women from bathing topless, it is quite uncommon. Full nudity is prohibited everywhere.

• Travellers are advised to take the general precautions (like not going for lone walks in parks late at night, not leaving your camera or other valuables unattended, and not flaunting your money) to avoid poor encounters.
• Contact 112 - the nationwide emergency number for the police, fire and rescue services in case of an emergency.
• While racism is not necessarily and issue in Germany Ð a largely progressive country Ð racial profiling by the police has been a known issue in the past. Hence, travellers from non-white countries are more likely to be asked questions and inspections.
• The German police are known for their strict enforcement of the law and do not make any concession for tourists. One should remain calm, courteous and maintain decorum when dealing with the police to avoid any fine or physical charges.
• Those 16 years and older are allowed buying and consuming low-strength spirits like beer and wine. However, other stronger drinks and mixed cocktails are only available to those who are 18 or older.

German culture is heavily influenced and shaped by religious and secular currents in Europe, especially in lieu of the major intellectual and popular events. In fact, German is referred to as Das Land der Dichter und Denker (the country of poets and thinkers). The country is well-known for its traditional Oktoberfest and various other carnivals. Awarded as the worlds second most respected nations in 2013, 38 properties in the country are on the World Heritage List.The dominant religion in Germany is Christianity. Of the total population, 65% to 70% follow the Christian religion - Lutheran-Protestantism and Calvinism are the most popular denominations. German is the official language of Germany. However, since every region of the country has its own dialect, this can be a serious challenge for both native speakers as well as tourists. But, fortunately, all Germans learn English at school so one should be able to easily navigate through the country. SpanishÊFrench and Russian are also widely spoken but not more than English. Common words in German Hallo (Hello), Bitte (Please) and Danke (Thank You).

Traditional German food comprises of meat teamed with some form of potatoes and gravy, along with fresh vegetables or salad. While the eating-out space in Germany is largely dominated by the Gasthaus/Gasthof and restaurants, bakeries and butchers sell excellent takeaway food and should not be missed. Even the smallest bakeries sell a wide variety of goods including bread and rolls.Famous dishes: Rinderroulade mit Rotkraut und Kndeln, Schnitzel mit Pommes frites, Rehrcken mit Sptzle, Schweinebraten and Knigsberger Klopse. Also popular in Imbiss (quick snack) are sausage (Wurst) and fries (Pommes Frites). Famous beverages: Beer, cider, coffee and Glhwein.

Northern Germany: Spectacular, rugged and windy hills; home to famous vacation destinations near the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. (main areas: Hamburg, Lower Saxony).Southern Germany: Home to some of the most naturally beautiful areas of the country comprising of exquisite flora and fauna such as the Black Forest, Bavarian Forest, Bavarian Alps and Lake Constance. (main areas: Baden-Wrttemberg, Bavaria)Western Germany: A unique landscape comprising of modern cities, a historically ripe heavy-industry and the magnificent Rhine Valley and Moselle valley; also known as wine country. (main areas: Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland) Eastern Germany: the main highlight is the wildly popular and historic capital Berlin; also known for its rebuilt historic Dresden, "Florence on the Elbe". (main areas: Berlin, Saxony)Central Germany: Home to some of the most prominent historical and financial cities; houses the ancient and historically significant Thuringian Forest; known as the green heart of the country. (main areas: Hesse, Thuringia)