Capital: Berlin
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)
Telephone services: Country Code: 49
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police – 110, Fire – 112.
Tourist information: German National Tourist Office, Nightingale House, 65 Curzon Street, London W1Y 8NE Tel: (0891) 600 100 (recorded information) or (020) 7493 0080 (general enquiries) Fax: (020) 7495 6129.
Passport information: Valid Passport required except: Holders of national ID cards issued to nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal Republic of Ireland and Spain. Holders of National ID cards issued to national of Austria, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact Embassy before departure.
Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of countries referred to under passport exemptions above. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Cook Islands, Costa, Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Puerto, Rico, Réunion, St Pierre & Miquelon, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Uruguay, Vatican, City and Venezuela.
Health information: Health Risks: None at present
Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food.
Currency: In common with12 Member States of the European Union (EU), here the Euro is the currency. There are seven different banknotes and eight coins of the Euro. Each participating EU country has coins with one common side and a reverse side specific to each country, while the banknotes look the same throughout the euro area. Major credit cards are accepted in 60% of shops, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations. Travellers cheques in all major currencies are accepted everywhere.
ATM availability: Over 40000 locations.
Cost of living: East Germany is still slightly cheaper than West Germany in small towns, although prices are reaching Western levels in the cities.
Languages: German. English and French may also be spoken.
Weather: Temperate climate throughout the country. Summers are warm and winters are cold. There is rain throughout the year.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.
Post: An efficient service operates.
Transport: RAIL: It will take some time for the network in Eastern Germany to be brought up to Western standards. A modern, sophisticated rail system operates in the West of Germany. ROAD: Western area is covered by a modern network of motorways. Motorways in the East are of a reasonable standard but this may not be the case for secondary roads in the East. CAR HIRE: Available at most towns and railway stations. NOTE: It may be difficult to use credit cards at petrol stations. DOCUMENTATION: Foreign drivers may use their national driving licence for up to 1 year or IDP. Car registration details should be carried and EU citizens taking their own cars are strongly advised to take their ‘Green Card’ for full insurance coverage. BUS: Tend to run in towns. There are few intercity services.
Special information: Red roses are only given to lovers and odd numbers should be given. Casual wear is widely accepted although formal wear may be required in up market restaurants. Shops, businesses and schools begin at 08.00 or earlier.