COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Germany is a modern and stable democracy. Tourist facilities are highly
developed. In larger towns, many people can communicate in English.
Germany's Overall Rating. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
Germany's Expense Level. 3 1/2 Out of 5.
Germany's Crime Level. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
German's Overall Friendliness. 1 Out of 5.
Germany's Nightlife Rating. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
Visas: EU citizens can enter on an official
identity card. Americans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and
Japanese just need a valid passport (no visa). Unless you're a citizen of
a developing country, you can probably stay up to three months. Health risks: The cost of medical care - come with insurance Time: GMT/UTC +1(+2 in summer) Electricity: 220V, 50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Tourism: 17 million visitors per year Currency: euro (EUR), formerly Deutschmark (DM). Currency
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A
passport is required. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays up
to 90 days within the Schengen Group of countries, which includes Germany.
Further information on entry, visa and passport requirements may be
obtained from the German Embassy.
CRIME: Violent crime is
rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk
areas such as train stations. Most incidents of street crime consist of
theft of unattended items and pickpocketing. There have been a few reports
of aggravated assault against U.S. citizens in higher-risk areas. American
travelers are advised to take the same precautions against becoming crime
victims as they would in any American city.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be
reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to
reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example,
assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or
friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of
local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES:
Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals may expect
immediate payment in cash for health services from tourists and persons
with no permanent address in Germany. Most doctors, hospitals and
pharmacies do not accept credit cards.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent
Road conditions in general are excellent, although
caution should be exercised while traveling on older roads in eastern
Germany. The high speed permitted on the German autobahn, weather, and
unfamiliar road markings can pose significant hazards, and driver error is
a leading cause of accidents involving American motorists in Germany.
Rules on right-of-way differ significantly from the U.S. Notice should be
taken that it is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles from the
right and that the threshold for determining whether a person has been
driving under the influence of alcohol is lower than in some U.S. states.
For specific information on travel within Germany contact the German
National Tourist Board Office in New York at (212) 661-7200, fax (212)
661-7174 or via the Internet at http://www.us.germany-tourism.de/e.
Travelers should also note that railroad crossings are
differently marked in Germany than in the U.S. There have been several
accidents involving Americans in recent years at railroad crossings. In
addition to the standard crossbuck (X-shaped) sign, railroad crossings are
often marked by signal lights. Signal lights flash only when a train is
approaching. Regardless of the color of the light, a flashing light at a
railroad crossing means that a train is approaching and that all vehicles
should stop.
Full country name: Federal Republic of Germany Area: 357,030 sq km Population: 82 million Capital city: Berlin (pop: 3.45 million) People: Predominantly Caucasian, with significant Turkish minority.
Germany has absorbed most of the refugees from the former Yugoslavia. Language: German Religion: 90% Christian. There are 1.7 million Muslims and about
74,000 Jews (the pre-Holocaust figure was over half a million). Government: Federal republic Average Income: US$24,900 Member of EU: yes Euro zone participant: yes
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