The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
GermanyA little local knowledge.
Explore fairytale castles, vibrant cities, and world-class engineering in the heart of Europe.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 112
Euro
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Germany
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Handshakes are standard
A firm handshake with eye contact is the standard greeting in Germany, both in professional and social settings. Hugging or kissing on the cheek is reserved for close friends.
Don't use first names without permission
Using someone's first name before being invited to is considered presumptuous. Wait until they address you by first name or explicitly invite you to do the same.
Use formal titles
Address people as Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Ms.) followed by their last name until invited to use first names. In professional settings, academic titles like Doktor are used and appreciated.
Use 'Sie' (formal 'you') with strangers and professionals
German has two words for 'you': the formal 'Sie' and the informal 'du'. Always use 'Sie' with strangers, coworkers, and anyone in a professional setting. Switching to 'du' is only appropriate when the other person suggests it. Americans are often unaware of this distinction — using 'du' too soon can come across as rude or presumptuous.
Essential German Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello (formal)"
"Hello (informal)"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
Take all 65 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: SAFE throughout. High-quality municipal water.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Pharmacies (Apotheke) are well-stocked with a green cross sign. 24-hour emergency rotation posted on pharmacy doors. Even common medications like ibuprofen must be purchased at a pharmacy (not supermarkets). Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak English.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Germany
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Germany.
FREE NOW
FREE NOW (formerly mytaxi) is Germany's leading taxi and rideshare app. Book licensed taxis, e-scooters, and rental cars in one place. Accepts international credit cards and works in over 150 European cities. No German phone number required.
Uber
Uber operates in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Nuremberg, and other major German cities. Your existing U.S. Uber account works seamlessly — no new signup needed. Under German law, Uber partners with licensed rental-car and taxi companies, so rides are handled by professional licensed drivers. Fares are charged in euros to your U.S. card at the current exchange rate.
Bolt
Bolt is widely used in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and a growing list of German cities, and is often noticeably cheaper than Uber — especially during nights and weekends. Under German law Bolt partners with licensed rental-car and taxi operators, so rides are handled by professional drivers. Worth installing alongside Uber and FREE NOW to price-check every ride.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Berlin
Pariser Platz 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany (Consular Section: Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin)
Field Guides & Dispatches for Germany
German Christmas Markets by Train: Nuremberg, Munich, Dresden — and Everything to Eat Along the Way
A four-day rail route, official 2026 dates, and the Glühwein mug thing every first-timer should know.
German Christmas Markets 2026: Dates, the Pfand System, and Why Pickpockets Love Gl\u00fchwein
2026 opening dates for Germany's major Christmas markets, how the Pfand mug deposit actually works, and the real pickpocket numbers \u2014 including why your insurance won't pay.
Oktoberfest 2026: There Is No Ticket, Water Costs \u20ac11.13, and Munich's Border Rule Just Changed
Oktoberfest 2026 runs 19 September to 4 October. Entry and table reservations are free, table water costs \u20ac11.13 a litre, and EES biometric flexibility at Munich Airport expired on 6 September. The traveller playbook.
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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