Germany Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Money, Trains, Etiquette

Germany is easy to travel in, but a few habits catch first-time visitors out. Carry some cash even though cards are widely accepted, expect almost all shops to be closed on Sundays, buy and validate the right train ticket before you board, and round up the bill rather than leaving a percentage tip on the table. Beyond that, punctuality, quiet and a little directness go a long way.

Money: cash, cards and paying

Germany has long been known as a cash-loving country, and while card payment has spread quickly, cash has not disappeared. Supermarkets, chain stores, hotels and most restaurants in cities take cards, including contactless and mobile payments. Bakeries, small cafés, beer gardens, market stalls and some traditional pubs may still be cash only, or only accept the German debit card (girocard). Keep 30 to 50 euros on you and you will rarely be stuck.

Use bank ATMs (Geldautomat) rather than independent machines in tourist areas, and when a machine or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose euros: the conversion offered on the spot is usually worse than your bank's rate.

Tipping

Service is included in German prices, so tipping is a thank-you rather than an obligation. In restaurants and cafés, round up or add around 5 to 10 percent. The custom is to tell the server the total you want to pay when they bring the bill, for example "32, please" on a bill of 29.50, rather than leaving coins on the table. Taxi drivers, hotel housekeeping and tour guides also appreciate a small tip for good service.

Sundays and opening hours

This is the surprise that catches the most visitors. By law, nearly all shops, including supermarkets, close on Sundays and public holidays. Exceptions are shops in main railway stations and airports, petrol stations, bakeries for a few morning hours, and a handful of special shopping Sundays a year. Museums, restaurants, cafés and attractions stay open, so Sunday is a good day for sightseeing, just not for shopping. Stock up on Saturday.

On weekdays, shops in big cities typically open until around 8 pm, in smaller towns often until 6 or 7 pm, and some close for lunch. Many museums close on Mondays.

Trains and public transport

Germany's rail network reaches almost everywhere. Deutsche Bahn runs the long-distance trains (ICE and IC) and many regional services. Book long-distance tickets in advance on the DB website or app for cheaper saver fares, which are tied to a specific train. Flexible fares cost more but let you take any train on your route that day.

For local and regional travel, the Deutschlandticket is a monthly subscription covering buses, trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional trains nationwide, but not ICE or IC trains. Check the current price and cancellation terms before you buy (as of 2026 it is sold as a monthly subscription you must cancel). For a few days in one city, day tickets or short-stay tourist cards are often simpler.

Two rules matter. First, there are usually no barriers in city transport, but ticket inspectors check regularly, and travelling without a valid ticket means an on-the-spot fine. Second, some paper tickets must be stamped in a validation machine before you travel. Delays on long-distance trains are common, so leave a buffer before tight connections, flights or tours.

Etiquette and everyday habits

• Punctuality: being on time is a sign of respect. For tours and reservations, arrive five minutes early.
• Directness: Germans tend to say things plainly. It is not rudeness; it is efficiency. A short "Guten Tag" when entering a small shop and "Tschüss" when leaving is appreciated.
• Quiet hours: residential areas expect quiet at night and on Sundays. Keep noise down in hotels and holiday apartments.
• Bike lanes: often marked in red or separated on the pavement. Do not walk in them; cyclists move fast.
• Red pedestrian lights: locals often wait even on an empty street, especially in front of children. Follow suit.
• Recycling: most plastic bottles and cans carry a deposit (Pfand). Return them to the machines in supermarkets to get it back.
• Water: tap water is safe to drink, but restaurants serve bottled water, usually sparkling unless you ask for still (stilles Wasser), and charge for it.
• Seating: in casual places and beer gardens it is normal to share a table; ask "Ist hier frei?" first.

Food and drink

German food is more regional than its reputation suggests: dumplings and roasts in Bavaria, Currywurst and Döner in Berlin, wine and Bocksbeutel in Franconia, fish sandwiches on the coast. Lunch is often the main hot meal, and many restaurants offer a cheaper lunch menu on weekdays. Vegetarian and vegan options are now common in cities. In Berlin, a food walk with Currywurst, Döner and German pastry is a quick way to understand how the city really eats.

Getting your bearings with a local

On a first trip, a few hours with a local guide on your first day can save a lot of time: you learn how transport works, where to eat, and what is worth your remaining days. In Berlin, a private walking tour that starts from your hotel covers the main sights at your pace. In Munich, a private old town walking tour with your own guide does the same for Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt and the old royal city.

Practical essentials

Topic	What to know
Emergency numbers	112 for ambulance and fire, 110 for police
Power	230 volts, plug types C and F
ID	carry your passport or national ID card; you may be asked for it
Language	English is widely spoken in cities and by younger people; a few German words are welcome
Smoking	banned in most indoor public places; rules vary by state
Safety	generally safe; watch for pickpockets in stations, markets and crowded trains

Entry rules

Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Visitors from many countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, while others need a Schengen visa in advance. The EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers at the border, and the ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to follow. Rules change, so check the German Foreign Office or the official EU travel websites for your nationality before booking.

FAQ

Do I need cash in Germany?

Yes, a little. Cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants, but bakeries, small cafés and market stalls may be cash only.

Are shops open on Sundays in Germany?

Almost none. Shops in main stations and airports, petrol stations and some bakeries are the exceptions. Museums and restaurants are open.

How much should I tip in Germany?

Round up or add around 5 to 10 percent in restaurants, telling the server the total when you pay.

Is the Deutschlandticket worth it for tourists?

It can be if you use regional trains and city transport a lot over several weeks, but it does not cover ICE or IC trains and is sold as a subscription. For a short city stay, day tickets are often easier.

Is English widely spoken in Germany?

In cities, hotels and tourist areas, yes. In rural areas and among older people less so, so a translation app helps.