Time Difference
German Standard Time (October through March) is one hour ahead of GMT. When it is Noon in Munich, it is 11:00 AM in England.

Currency
German Currency is ‘Euro”

Banks
Banks are open Monday through Friday approx. 08:30AM to 04:00PM with one hour lunch break, and on Thursdays banks are open until 05:00PM. The bank at the Main Railway station stays open until 08:00PM and is open daily for exchange purpose.

Doctor or Dentist
Please call your concierge or go directly to hospitals for emergency care.

Electricity
Electricity in Germany is 220 volts/50 cycles.

Shopping
Department stores are open weekdays from approx. 09.00AM to 08.00PM and on Saturdays until 04.00PM, and the 4 Saturdays prior Christmas Eve (Dec 24th) are open until 06:00PM. Boutiques, not downtown located, are generally open until approx. 06.00PM. Best buys in Germany are featherbeds, classical CD’s, country style clothes, beer mugs, shoes, dolls, toy cars, porcelain and crystal. Look out as well for special sales ‘Sonderangebot’. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

Language
English language is the first foreign language and taught in all schools, so the language is widely spoken. A question ‘Do you speak English’ helps and will mostly be answered by ‘Yes, a little bit’. Germans love the English language, you’ll be amazed how many English words are used in day to day conversation and especially in advertisements.

Telephones
Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms, and credit and charge cards are normally accepted, fax machines are also available at hotels and email at most hotels. Internet Cafes you’ll find in larger towns.

German Cuisine
There are many local specialities to be found in each part of the country. Pork is generally eaten in various variations. Try roasted Pork Knuckles (Schweinshaxn), Schnitzel cooked in various styles, Forelle (trout) or Renke (German cousin of the trout in Southern Germany or fresh seawater fish in Northern Germany), or the wide variety of sausages and Sauerkraut or red cabbage. In Southern Germany the most enjoyed desserts are Apple Strudel or Apple Fritters, in Northern Germany Rote Grütze (red forest berries in jelly).

Tips and Gratuities
In Germany at shops or restaurants all prices shown are final prices including the service charge and the Government tax. At restaurants you are expected to tip about 5 to 10 percent on the grand total shown on your bill, for taxi drivers, hair dressers about 5 to10 percent.

Taxis
Taxis are reasonable priced and charge one price for up to 3 or 4 passengers. Bags are charged separately. There are always taximeters in the cars.

What to wear
Dress code is usually casual, however, smart casual dress or jacket for gentlemen are considered in good taste in the evenings if you visit an international gourmet restaurant. Dress code in Bavaria is mostly casual. On all tours be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Winter can be very cold.