5 Super Helpful Tips You Can Use While Holidaying in Germany!

Posted by David Swift on September 25th, 2017

It can be exciting to spend a holiday in Germany. However, the country has its own cultural peculiarities and traditions that the Germans expect visitors to follow. Here are some helpful tips that you should be aware of while holidaying in Germany.

Have Cash Handy as You Will Need It

If you are used to using your credit card to make purchases, set it aside. It will not be very useful as local retailers and shopkeepers tend to favor cash over plastic. Even those who accept cards prefer a European Community card. Also, don’t expect e-wallets to come to your rescue in Germany, as businesses and hotels don’t accept them. So, ensure you have sufficient Euros to fall back on when you are out shopping for souvenirs or eating delicious bockwurst and sauerkraut.

Germans Recycle Everything and Expect Visitors to Do the Same

Germany is a green country where recycling is part of the cultural fabric. While holidaying in the country, you will notice that dustbins are color-coded and placed along the streets. Plastic and beer bottles have to be returned, and this will see you getting back the pfand, which is a deposit you pay during purchase. Most grocery stores in Germany have pfand return counters located near the cash counter. Also, when throwing your rubbish, you will be expected to segregate it and dispose of each thing in the correct bin.

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Large Square Pillows in Hotels

Most hotels in Germany will have two single mattresses placed on a double bed, and each mattress will have its own duvet. However, what will really stand out in the hotel room will be the oversized square pillows. This is a typical German trait and doesn't get surprised if your hotel offers you these square and slightly uncomfortable pillows. Asking for a change in the pillow will not help as you will still get another set of overly large square pillows that are too wide for ultimate comfort and head support.

Don’t Leave Shopping for Sunday

When holidaying in Germany, Sunday is not the best day for souvenir shopping. In Germany, Sunday is a rest day and practically all shops shut their doors to relax and unwind. This is even true for grocery stores. So, use your Sundays in Germany to commune with nature in parks and gardens, enjoy a brunch or go for a leisurely walk. If you want to purchase anything, you may find a grocery store in the large railway station that is open and that could be the only store functioning on a Sunday.

Learn a Few German Words and Phrases

Don’t be put off by the difficult pronunciation of German. Just remember that English is of Germanic origin! So, you may actually know a few German words already without realizing it. The key is to get the pronunciation right and learn words and phrases that will come to good stead while holidaying in Germany. It is a great way to make friends with the locals, who have a disdain for small talk. But, using words like Guten tag, geil and na? in your conversation with the locals will make them open up to you!

Use these five super helpful tips to have a fun and memorable holiday in Germany and return with bucket loads of memories that you can cherish forever.