Germany’s rail system is one of the easiest ways to travel. Here are a few tips:

• Book trains early for better prices.

• Regional trains are great for short distances.

• Platforms and tracks sometimes change and Trains are not always on time—always check the station screens and show up early.​​

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Cash & Payments

Germany still relies more on cash than the United States. Helpful tips:

• Carry some euros for small purchases.

  • Be prepared to pay form public bathrooms/tip bathroom attendants – this keeps public bathrooms much tidier than an U.S. bathroom. I promise.​

• Some restaurants, cafés, or taxis may not accept credit cards.

• ATMs are widely available in cities and train stations.

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Tipping/Service Culture

Tipping is appreciated but different than in the U.S. 

• Restaurants: 3 – 10%

• Taxis: round up the fare

• Bars: round to the nearest euro

Usually you tell the server the total amount when paying, rather than leaving cash on the table.

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No Free Water/Refills: Water is not automatically served, and free refills do not exist. You will pay for every bottle ordered.

• • "Wasser" = Sparkling: If you just order "Wasser," you will likely get sparkling water (mit Gas). For non-carbonated, ask for stilles Wasser or Wasser ohne Gas.

  • Tap Water (Leitungswasser): While 100% safe to drink, it is not common to ask for tap water at restaurants.

    • If you do, you may be denied or get a small, paid glass.

  • Tap water in Germany is excellent. The lack of free water is a business model—restaurants make revenue from bottled water and beverages.

    • Ordering Phrase: Say "Ein stilles Wasser, bitte" (A still water, please) for non-carbonated, or "Ein Wasser mit Gas, bitte" for sparkling.

• Ice is Rare: Water is usually served at room temperature or slightly chilled, not with ice, unless requested.

• Service Tempo: Service is not designed for speed; you are expected to enjoy your meal, not rush. Waiters will not typically check on you constantly.

• Ordering: Waiters will likely wait until you are ready to order everything (drinks and food) at once.

• German waiters will not banter with the guests; when they come to you, it's ordering time. Expect a short prompt sentence.

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Electrical Outlets

Germany uses Type C and Type F plugs. Guests coming from the U.S. should bring:

• European plug adapter

• Voltage converters are usually not needed for phones/laptops.

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Quiet Hours

Germany has strong cultural norms around quiet hours.

Typical quiet times:

• 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

• 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

• Sunday is often considered a quiet day

Guests should avoid loud music or noise in residential areas during these times.

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Grocery Stores Close Early

Many stores close earlier than Americans expect.

 

Typical hours:

• 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Many places closed on Sundays

Plan accordingly for snacks or supplies.

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Public Transportation Etiquette

Common customs:

• Stand on the right side of escalators

• Let passengers exit trains first

• Keep voices relatively quiet on public transport

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Language

Many Germans speak English very well, especially in tourism areas.

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Helpful phrases guests might use:

English / German

Hello / Hallo

Thank you / Danke

Please / Bitte

Excuse me / Entschuldigung

Do you speak English? / Sprechen Sie Englisch?

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September Weather

For a September wedding in the Harz region:

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Typical weather:

• 55–70°F (13–21°C)

• Cool evenings

• Occasional rain

Guests should bring:

• Light jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Umbrella

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Local Transportation Tip

In smaller towns:

• Taxis may require calling ahead (and can be expensive)

• Rideshare options are limited

• Walking and buses are common

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Things to Try While in Germany:

• Local beer halls

• Bakeries (German bread is amazing)

• Castles and forest hikes in the Harz Mountains