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Lay of the Land Money
Climate & Best Time to Go Food and Clothing
Passport or Visa? Packing Tips
Health and Safety Keeping in Touch
Getting Around Helpful Websites
Fast Facts
Full Name: Federal Republic of Germany
Capital City: Berlin
Population: 82 million
Language: German
Dialing code: +49
Religion: Christian (34%); Catholic (34%); Muslim (3.7%); Unaffiliated or Other (28.3%)
Electricity: 230V (universal adapter needed)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone: Central European Time
Did you know? Germany is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia.
Lay of the Land
Not only located in the center of Europe, Germany is also the location of many events central to European history. To the north are the coastlines of the North and Baltic Seas, to the east are Poland and the Czech Republic, in the south we find Austria, Italy and Switzerland and the west borders Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Germany is home to all your favorite landscapes, from the coastal northern region to the mountainous south, with pastoral farmland, rivers and the Black Forest (Schwartzwald) in between. With the differences in land come differences in culture, which separate the 16 Federal Provinces.
Germany is a country with significant historical as well as modern culture, from the  homes of your favorite Classical composers to the modern art Berlin has become known for. One can visit many reminders of Germany’s turbulent recent history as well as some of the science, inventions, and architecture of tomorrow.
Best time to go and Climate
Depending on your interests, there are several times a year to choose from. If sunny skies, warm weather, outdoor adventures and/or beer gardens are your thing, as they are for most tourists, visiting from May-September is best. Germany has a beautiful spring which is a perfect time for gardeners to visit and watch the flowers and trees bloom. Those who favor the Winter Olympics will find endless Winter sports and activities as well as some great skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. The Buch Messe (Frankfurt Book Fair) is in mid-October, and attracts almost 400,000 publishing professionals. During mid-September of odd-numbered years the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (Frankfurt Motor Show) arrives and attracts car-enthusiasts from all over the world. Consequently, during the fall months airfare and lodging near Frankfurt can triple in cost.
There are a few different climates throughout Germany, ranging from marine in the north, temperate and wet in the low lands, and alpine in the…alps.
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Passport and Visa
Citizens from the U.S. will need a passport to visit Germany. Remember to apply far in advance for a passport. If you are planning to work or study in Germany you will need a visa and/or a Residence Permit. For more information check with the German Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction.
Health
Medical care resembling what we have in the U.S. is widely available in Germany. Most hospitals and doctors will ask you to immediately pay for your services, and will require cash. Many pharmacies can give you medicine that cannot be found over-the-counter in the U.S., and these are mostly safe places to ask for advice if you find yourself under the weather. Information about health precautions can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s Website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
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Safety
Violent crime does not happen often in Germany, though if you find yourself near a protest or demonstration you should act with caution and try to steer clear, as these can turn violent. Because Germany has open borders there is a low risk of dangerous individuals entering the country, though no large terror incidents have been recently reported. Theft and pick-pocketing does happen, and you should take the same precautions you would in any American city. For more information about security and safety visit the Department of State’s website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1123.html
Getting Around
The three biggest airports in Germany are Frankfurt-am-Main, Munich and Düsseldorf. In fact, Frankfurt is the busiest airport in Europe next to Heathrow.
The train is an easy and efficient way to travel around  the country. When purchasing tickets you will have a choice of one-way and round-trip tickets, as well as the Eurailpass and GermanRail Pass. The rail passes are usually a good deal if you plan to do a lot of travelling by rail. If fast driving is your cup of tea, the world famous Autobahn runs throughout Germany and is immaculately paved and maintained. If you are traveling with three or more people, renting a car and driving throughout Germany is as much as or cheaper than the train. If you do rent a car be sure to purchase insurance as your American insurance is most likely not valid overseas.
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Money
The easiest way to change American dollars into Euros is by withdrawing money from your checking account from an ATM in Germany. Before traveling, check with your bank to learn how much you are permitted to withdraw each day and what you will be charged for each transaction. Major credit cards are often accepted, but always ask or look for your credit card’s symbol on the register first.
At restaurants a service charge is always included and it is not expected that you tip on top of that, however it is not uncommon to show a little extra gratitude if your service was exceptional.
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Food
Germany is known for hearty meals and beer, and for good reason. Breakfast is an important meal for Germans; though it is not the egg and pancakes you might be used to. Breakfast, especially on weekends or at bed-and-breakfasts, is often an elaborate spread of cured meat, cheese and bread. Various sausages are a common lunch or dinner item and are widely available across the country in restaurants and stands. International cuisine is also widely available, the most popular being Asian, Mediterranean and Turkish. Of course, Germany has no shortage of beer and breweries, and the Rhineland is known for wine vineyards and Riesling wine.
Clothing
The western European style of dress is commonplace throughout Germany. Most comfortable clothing is acceptable during the day, and when Germans go out at night they dress up more than most Americans are used to. In cities it is not uncommon for Germans to have only a few nice outfits, but these are usually very expensive, long-lasting, fancy pieces of clothing. No matter when you travel, if you are planning on traveling throughout the country bring clothing and layers for several climates. In summer most regions are warm during the day, but there are often storms and cold fronts so bring layers!
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Packing Tips
-camera plus extra batteries and memory cards
-sunglasses
-clothing that can be layered for several climates (if you plan on traveling around the country)
-adapter for electrical outlets to fit European two prong standard
-ATM card
-Any prescription medications you might need
-Extra pair of glasses/contacts, if you wear them
-copy of your passport (to leave at your place of residency)
-alarm clock
-a few little trinkets to bring to your host family that represent your culture or where you come from
-pictures of your family and friends to share with your host family
-comfortable shoes for walking
-a nice outfit or two for nights out
Keeping in Touch
In all major cities and towns it is easy to keep in touch with family through email. There are always internet cafes in major cities, as well as cafes and restaurants with a WiFi connection if you wish to bring your laptop. Using Skype to keep in touch through  internet-calling is an easy and inexpensive way to speak with friends and family, or a calling card can be purchased and used at telephone booths. Make sure you have the international access codes before you begin to call someone at a phone booth! Prices vary for internet use, and you can buy calling cards in 10 or 20 Euro increments.
Helpful websites
Travel information and warnings: http://travel.state.gov
Visa and Passport information: http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/consular_services/visa.htm
General tourism information: http://www.germany-tourism.de/
Skype for keeping in touch: www.skype.com
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