At a Glance
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Euro (EUR)
Average daily spend
g Need to Know g Contents
Forward planning is essential to any successful trip. Be prepared for all eventualities by considering the following points before you travel.
For a stay of up to three months for the purpose of tourism, EU nationals and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa. For visa information specific to your home country, consult your nearest German embassy or check online.
Germany Visa Info
Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
AUS
UK
US
An individual is permitted to carry the following within the EU for personal use:
Tobacco products
800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 1 kg of smoking tobacco.
Alcohol
10 litres of alcoholic beverages above 22% strength, 20 litres of alcoholic beverages below 22% strength, 90 litres of wine (60 litres of which can be sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer.
Cash
If you plan to enter or leave the EU with €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in other currencies) you must declare it to the customs authorities.
If travelling outside the EU limits vary so check the restrictions before departing.
It is wise to take out an insurance policy covering theft, loss of belongings, medical problems, cancellation and delays.
EU citizens are eligible for free emergency medical care in Germany and should ensure they have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Visitors from outside these areas must arrange their own private medical insurance. Visitors from outside these areas must arrange their own private medical insurance.
EHIC
∑gov.uk/european-health-insurancecard
No inoculations are needed for Germany.
Major credit, debit and prepaid currency cards are accepted in larger shops and chains. Contactless payments are becoming more widely accepted, although not on public transport. It is always worth carrying some cash, as many smaller businesses don't accept card payments. Cash machines are placed at various points throughout the city centre.
Berlin offers a huge variety of accommodation to suit any budget, ranging from luxury five-star hotels to family run B&Bs and budget hostels.
Lodgings can fill up during the busy summer months, and prices are often inflated during peak season, so it’s worth booking in advance.
A comprehensive list of accommodation to suit all needs can be found on Visit Berlin, the city’s official tourism website.
Free airport assistance at Tegel and Schönefeld airports can be requested through your airline or travel agency no later than 48 hours before your planned departure.
Most of the city’s main sights are suitably adapted for disabled access. Call in advance to ensure your needs will be met.
Berlin’s wide streets and open spaces make it a very wheelchair-friendly city. Most train stations are equipped with lifts, tactile guidance lines and mobile ramps. Buses and trains have wheelchair access doors. The tram network runs a mix of modern wheelchair-friendly low-floor trams and old carriages with stairs; look for wheelchair symbols on timetables for guidance. Plan your route with accessBerlin, a free app detailing the most accessible route to Berlin’s key tourist destinations.
A free door-to-door VBB Bus & Train Escort Service for individuals requiring assistance getting around the city, including to and from Schönefeld airport, is available 9:30am–5:30pm Mon–Fri. Book online or call ahead.
In the event of a wheelchair malfunction, the RPD Berlin wheelchair breakdown service will assist you or provide a temporary replacement.
RPD Berlin
VBB Bus & Train Escort Service
German is the official language, but Berlin is an international city. The use of English is almost as prevalent as German, particularly in business and tourism. Most staff and locals speak English, and you can easily get by without knowing a word of German, but it’s appreciated if you can handle a few niceties in the local language before continuing the conversation in English.
Monday
Some museums and tourist attractions are closed for the day.
Sunday
Most shops and some small businesses close early or for the entire day.
Public holidays
Schools, post offices and banks are closed for the entire day; shops, museums and attractions either close early or are closed for the day.
Need to know Before You Go
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
Need to know Before You Go
Need to know Before You Go
Power sockets are type F, fitting two-pronged plugs. Standard voltage is 230 volts.
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| 19 Apr | Good Friday |
| 22 Apr | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 30 May | Ascension Day |
| 10 Jun | Whit Monday |
| 3 Oct | Day of German Unity |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | St Stephen’s Day |