Germany flights and travel guide

Language

German is the official language. English is also widely spoken and understood.

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Communications

The international access code for Germany is +49. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Berlin is (0)30. Note that telephone numbers in Germany can range from four to nine digits. There are surcharges on international calls made from hotels; it is often cheaper to use public telephone boxes in post offices, which use phone cards. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

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Tipping

Some restaurant bills already have a service charge added, but if this is not the case add 5-10 per cent. Hotel porters expect around and €1, and cleaning staff, hairdressers, taxi drivers etc expect small tips.

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Safety

A visit to Germany should be trouble free, but take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, especially at airports and railway stations in the large cities.

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Health

There are no serious health risks in Germany, although there have been recent outbreaks of measles in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine Westphalia. The German health service is excellent. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card(EHIC). Nationals of other countries should take out medical insurance. Cases of bird flu have been reported throughout the country, but no human infections have been found. The deadly virus has also been found in cats. The risk is low for travellers to Germany, but all close contact with wild, caged or domestic birdsshould be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a precaution.

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Electricity

220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

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