Advice on traveling to Germany?
Looks like I'm going to be heading to Papenburg for a few weeks in October to do an installation on a cruise ship that's under construction at Meyer Werft. I know a few of you on the forum are US armed forces and have been to (or are currently in) Germany, so I'm hoping for some first-hand advice.
I've already picked up a couple of shuko adapters, so I think I'm good there. I don't plan on bringing anything that doesn't have a universal power supply. Money: Will my Visa credit card be accepted at places such as restaurants, hardware stores, etc., or do I need to carry a large quantity of Euros? Will I be able to use my ATM card (MasterCard / Star) to obtain Euros there? Cell phones: Mine is CDMA, so nothing doing there. If I were to pick up a disposable / prepaid phone from T-Mobile (which, I understand, would be GSM) would that work? According to T-mobile's coverage map, North America is the only continent on the planet. Or should I just pick up a handy in-country once I get there? Luggage locks: I typically use a "TSA-compliant" lock on my toolbox when flying. Is this going to cause me any problems or delays with airport security in Germany? The English Language: I'm an American. The only other languages I speak are C, 68k assembly, and a little Java. I realize that most Europeans are rather more versatile in this regard, but what is the proper protocol if one wishes to engage a shopkeeper, cab driver, drug dealer, etc., in a conversation in English? Is a simple "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" sufficient, or is there some more complex ritual? Anything I forgot: ? |
Ensure you have enough cash for a good rental to hit the autobahn and nurburg!
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Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Money: Will my Visa credit card be accepted at places such as restaurants, hardware stores, etc., or do I need to carry a large quantity of Euros? Will I be able to use my ATM card (MasterCard / Star) to obtain Euros there?
I read travel a recent travel article which indicated it may be difficult to use American sytle credit cards in Europe (at least at non-tourist type places). Continental Europeans use the Chip & PIN system for credit card transactions (as opposed to our Swipe & Sign method). This requires a credit card with one of those metal contact Smart Card (TM) chips on it (not RFID). Very few (if any) US issuers offer this type of card. The advice indicated shops may not have the equipment to process your card via magnetic stripe, may not be trained how to use it or aware that it is an option, and may be apathetic about trying. They might also be unwilling to process a transaction this way due to fear of fraud. (After all Joe you do look a Gypsy) :) |
I did a two week driving tour of germany in my VW bus last year, And went round the ring in it (28:00 lap!!), I am going back in 3 weeks in the MX5.
In the 2 weeks I was there I came across one person that didn't speak English (17yr old girl at the meat counter in a grocery store) They teach it to EVERYONE in high school and most of the music on the radio is American/British. They are all fluent to a simple giving directions sort of level. Most are completely fluent Your ATM cards will work fine just about everywhere. European banks don't charge for ATM fee's. Using it in the shops however is a different matter. About 10 years ago they all switched to chip and pin cards. The cards all have a chip in them (like a cellphone sim card) and the customer enters a pin number rather than sign a slip (like a debit card in the states). "most" places will still take a magnetic swipe and signature, but don't count on it. Its been long enough now that all the younger employees don't remember how it used to be and will just give you a blank stare. Pay as you go cell phone's are very common here. For the most part they are for students, the phone companies will not give you a contract until you are a working adult. What this means is that pay as you go is not the rip off it is in the states. Its only about 10% more expensive and the hardware is still very cheap. I would buy one here so it has a euro number, but that all depends on who you are going to be calling with it. You are going to be 6 hours from the ring and if the rental co. finds out you took it on the course (they pay photographers to scout the parking lot on busy days) they will ban you for life. I know Hertz does this, not sure on the others. SOunds worth it to me, I would love to be banned for life for that..... |
1. DO NOT CONVERT MONEY INTO EURO before you go! You'll get screwed on the conversion both ways. And you'll be a walking cash liability.
2. credit cards (visa/mc) are accepted most places 3. your ATM with the popular logos will work at most euro banks (fees charged but the exchange rate is reasonable--better deals are had by etrade ATM card holders if you've got a high roller acct). Withdraw a couple days worth of cash each time and you wont ever be in a situation where you have to convert assloads of cash at assrape exchange rates. 4. most importantly: they wear their wedding rings on the right hand. 5. someone here's bound to have a used GSM cell phone if you absolutely need one. otherwise sign up for gmail and google voice and voip that shit. I think you need 900/1800Hz to play. I actually have a couple unlocked GSM phones laying around that I dont use anymore if you want one cheap. eg. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Ericsson_W810 You just pick up a prepaid SIM when you land and you're good to go. |
Don't mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.
http://mimg.ugo.com/200910/11775/fawlty-towers-2.jpg |
Originally Posted by mgeoffriau
(Post 622413)
Don't mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.
http://mimg.ugo.com/200910/11775/fawlty-towers-2.jpg |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Looks like I'm going to be heading to Papenburg for a few weeks in October to do an installation on a cruise ship that's under construction at Meyer Werft. I know a few of you on the forum are US armed forces and have been to (or are currently in) Germany, so I'm hoping for some first-hand advice.
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Money: Will my Visa credit card be accepted at places such as restaurants, hardware stores, etc., or do I need to carry a large quantity of Euros? Will I be able to use my ATM card (MasterCard / Star) to obtain Euros there?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Cell phones: Mine is CDMA, so nothing doing there. If I were to pick up a disposable / prepaid phone from T-Mobile (which, I understand, would be GSM) would that work? According to T-mobile's coverage map, North America is the only continent on the planet. Or should I just pick up a handy in-country once I get there?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Luggage locks: I typically use a "TSA-compliant" lock on my toolbox when flying. Is this going to cause me any problems or delays with airport security in Germany?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
The English Language: I'm an American. The only other languages I speak are C, 68k assembly, and a little Java. I realize that most Europeans are rather more versatile in this regard, but what is the proper protocol if one wishes to engage a shopkeeper, cab driver, drug dealer, etc., in a conversation in English? Is a simple "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" sufficient, or is there some more complex ritual?
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622354)
Anything I forgot: ?
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Originally Posted by mgeoffriau
(Post 622413)
Don't mention the war. I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it.
I think I may bring a hat with a maple leaf on it, just to be safe.
Originally Posted by olderguy
(Post 622418)
When my first wife was told by our German landlord that he was in the "Battle of the Bulge" her reply was "Really?, my father was there too." Not realizing that they were shooting at each other.:facepalm:
Allegedly the controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They, it is alleged, not only expect one to know one's gate parking location, but how to get there without any assistance from them. So it was with some amusement that we (a Pan Am 747) listened to the following exchange between Frankfurt ground control and a British Airways 747. Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway." Ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?" Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?" Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, twice in 1944, but it was dark,... and I didn't land." Or this exchange, alleged to have been overheard on approach to Heathrow: Lufthansa pilot to co-pilot, forgetting that the frequency was open: "We used to come up the Thames, and turn over here for the docks...." Unknown voice on frequency: "ACHTUNG SPITFEUR"
Originally Posted by y8s
(Post 622411)
5. someone here's bound to have a used GSM cell phone if you absolutely need one. otherwise sign up for gmail and google voice and voip that shit. I think you need 900/1800Hz to play.
Originally Posted by Blaize
(Post 622401)
You are going to be 6 hours from the ring and if the rental co. finds out you took it on the course (they pay photographers to scout the parking lot on busy days) they will ban you for life. I know Hertz does this, not sure on the others. SOunds worth it to me, I would love to be banned for life for that.....
I'm also leaning towards renting something that I can't get here in the states. An Opel Corsa or a Seat Leon, for instance. Something James May would give a relatively positive review on, and the others would dismiss out of hand. |
you should rent the aston martin n24!
http://media2.worldcarfans.com/2007/...110.008.1M.jpg http://jwane.net/arn/2010/03/vantage_gt4/01.JPG |
Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 622446)
A lot of places DO NOT accept credit cards, that being said most of the bigger places do, I'd have some Euro on hand at all times
Pick up a cheap phone when you get here. Chances are that I will be using it mainly to call stateside, but I'm not terribly concerned about the cost. As with most of my travel, this is all going on an expense report, and I'm pretty sure that Disney can afford to buy me a cell phone. I assume that "topping up" a prepaid phone can be done by purchasing a card from a local shop and then entering information from that card into the phone? Say Hallo, most people will automatically realize you speak English and continue the conversation as such Going to have any time to travel while you're here? you should rent the aston martin n24! |
If taking a credit card (Visa is more accepted) be sure to call and advise them of your trip (otherwise they cancel it).
A card with the plus system symbol is more international usage wise but will likely have fees, possibly from your bank as well. From the American cards I've seen it's not easy to use many of them in Canada let alone Europe. American tourists I've seen have trouble if they don't bank with a major bank or have a Visa / Mastercard. Something can most often be done to meet their needs but it's often a time consuming hassle for all involved. Travelers cheques can be cashed at banks as needed and are *essentially* insured against theft (at least ones sold in Canada). The best part of Euro rental cars is that manual's are available. |
German chicks are stacked
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Originally Posted by inferno94
(Post 622559)
If taking a credit card (Visa is more accepted) be sure to call and advise them of your trip (otherwise they cancel it).
A card with the plus system symbol is more international usage wise but will likely have fees, possibly from your bank as well. Travelers cheques can be cashed at banks as needed and are *essentially* insured against theft (at least ones sold in Canada). One other question: Is it advisable / necessary to carry ones passport at all times, or should it be kept in a location such as a hotel safe? |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622567)
I have a total of three forms of plastic. A Visa debit card and a Visa credit card from one CU, and a Mastercard debit card from another CU. All three are Star / Co-Op, two are also Cirrus. No Plus.
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622567)
I'm not a huge fan of traveler's cheques, or any form of check for that matter. Cumbersome and annoying.
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622567)
One other question: Is it advisable / necessary to carry ones passport at all times, or should it be kept in a location such as a hotel safe?
I picture a big buy in a police type uniform demanding "Papers please!" |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622567)
I have a total of three forms of plastic. A Visa debit card and a Visa credit card from one CU, and a Mastercard debit card from another CU. All three are Star / Co-Op, two are also Cirrus. No Plus.
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BTW how does a visa/mc debit card work? Pre-paid? We have Visa gift cards that are a pre paid visa and bank issued debit cards (cheq card?). These only debit your accounts, and are id at the issuing bank.
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Originally Posted by inferno94
(Post 622617)
BTW how does a visa/mc debit card work?
Used to be that whenever you used one, there was a small surcharge applied to your bill. Nowadays, that fee is no longer charged to the purchaser, I suspect it comes out of the retailer's overhead. |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622621)
In the US, it's the same as a cheque card. You run it through the machine and enter a PIN, and the funds come out of your checking account, rather than a line-of-credit account. They are issued by your bank (or in my case, credit union) and are administered through Visa or MC so that they are compatible with all existing POS terminals.
Used to be that whenever you used one, there was a small surcharge applied to your bill. Nowadays, that fee is no longer charged to the purchaser, I suspect it comes out of the retailer's overhead. A cheq card is a debit / bank card in Canada and the system is interac, plus, cirrus or the different banks administered. There never were fees to the consumer here, just the merchant (unless you use an atm that isn't from your bank). |
I've never had a problem using my ATM card to get Euros or any other currency after arrival.
Learn how to say, "Ein pils, bitte." That and another (completely useless) phrase have gotten me all around Germany. When clinking beers, Americans usually look at the glasses. In Europe, it's considered extremely rude if you don't make eye contact as the glasses connect. So much so that they joke about it leading to "seven years of bad sex." Don't count on good driving on the Autobahn. I've seen more "WTF?!" moves in one afternoon there than in weeks of LA commuting. |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622547)
Yeah, that might be a bit difficult to justify. |
Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 622567)
One other question: Is it advisable / necessary to carry ones passport at all times, or should it be kept in a location such as a hotel safe?
Pre-paid phones are as easy as they get over here, you can buy them anywhere for next to nothing as well as the refill cards (they even have machines on the street for the cards all over the place in some cities.) Saying Hallo (German for hello obviously) works well because while you are making it appear as though you're trying to speak German, they can tell by how you say it that you're American, and pretty much everyone loves speaking English to "practice" so you'll be fine, "Sprechen sie Englisch" has been a very commonly used phrase my last year as well though. Pretty much all cars over here are manuals yes, but if you're staying in one city for a majority of the trip, I in all honesty wouldn't even bother getting a car until you wanna drive somewhere else. Chances are wherever you're going to be is insane to drive in (all the big cities are, one way streets everywhere, tiny/narrow streets, people don't listen to traffic lights, etc..) and the local transport is so awesome and cheap that if you're not close enough to justify walking to work from the hotel you'll be fine with a bus. The autobahn is overrated for sure, yea its fun to just lay into it in one of the unrestricted sections but it's honestly nothing to write home about if you're driving anything less than a super car. Don't eat with your hands! Even french fries (pommes frites) are eaten with a fork in restaurants (not places like McDonald's obviously) and it is considered rude to eat with your hands unless it's something that absolutely requires it. All i've had for 11.5 months is my CU debit card Visa and 've yet to have any issues, I get Euro out of the ATM whenever I need it and use my card all the time, don't expect to pay for meals in smaller restaurants with a card though, just isn't going to happen most of the time. That's all I've got for now, I'm sure I'll think of more for you, how long until you're coming over? |
Originally Posted by inferno94
(Post 622636)
There never were fees to the consumer here, just the merchant (unless you use an atm that isn't from your bank).
Originally Posted by SolarYellow510
(Post 622640)
Learn how to say, "Ein pils, bitte." That and another (completely useless) phrase have gotten me all around Germany.
Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 622728)
Chances are wherever you're going to be is insane to drive in (all the big cities are, one way streets everywhere, tiny/narrow streets, people don't listen to traffic lights, etc..) and the local transport is so awesome and cheap that if you're not close enough to justify walking to work from the hotel you'll be fine with a bus.
how long until you're coming over? |
That's not a very long trip at all, be sure to get the best out of it while you're here, I'm gonna miss this place when I'm gone.
While Pills very common, there's almost nowhere (that I've found at least) that doesn't have at least two or three different types of beer. Most all of the restaurants have one pils, one hefe-weizen and a lot of them have an alt or a bock or some other seasonal brew, you should be ok with finding something decent to drink. Crossing the street with the little red guy showing even if nothing coming gets you some pretty shitty looks most of the time, I actually had a guy yell at me for it once, something to keep in mind if you don't like drawing attention to yourself. |
Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 622865)
Crossing the street with the little red guy showing even if nothing coming gets you some pretty shitty looks most of the time, I actually had a guy yell at me for it once, something to keep in mind if you don't like drawing attention to yourself.
About the language... keep in mind that German's are traveling around the world expecting the whole world to speak German... (must have something to do with the world-ruling thing from WW1 and 2 :facepalm: ) If you are traveling around a bit I would be really pleased to meet you sometime... Greets |
Originally Posted by Zaphod
(Post 622995)
That sounds German to me... :facepalm:
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HINT: Never speak of Europa as a general: "I was in Europe once", "I like it here in Europe", "That is the euopean way", "european style" etc etc. We hate that shit. You will be in Germany, not in "Europe".
It is a bit like visiting Alabama and then, when back home again, claiming "Well, that is how things are in the US". |
Originally Posted by Torkel
(Post 623014)
HINT: Never speak of Europa as a general: "I was in Europe once", "I like it here in Europe", "That is the euopean way", "european style" etc etc. We hate that shit. You will be in Germany, not in "Europe".
It is a bit like visiting Alabama and then, when back home again, claiming "Well, that is how things are in the US". |
Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 623016)
What's wrong with Alabama?
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Originally Posted by Torkel
(Post 623014)
HINT: Never speak of Europa as a general: "I was in Europe once", "I like it here in Europe", "That is the euopean way", "european style" etc etc. We hate that shit. You will be in Germany, not in "Europe".
I'm actually rather amused by the broad (and often deliberately stereotypical) generalizations made by, for instance, British television presenters with regard to the US. Consider the example of three middle-aged men driving from Miami, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana, being attacked by alligators and drunken rednecks along the way, and presenting this to a BBC audience as an American Motor Holiday. :) I actually have several friends here in CA from various places in Europe (One from the UK, another from France, and a couple from Norway) and they seem to give each other more grief than a California liberal at a truck stop in Arkansas.
Originally Posted by Zaphod
If you are traveling around a bit I would be really pleased to meet you sometime...
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Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 623080)
I'm actually rather amused by the broad (and often deliberately stereotypical) generalizations made by, for instance, British television presenters with regard to the US. Consider the example of three middle-aged men driving from Miami, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana, being attacked by alligators and drunken rednecks along the way, and presenting this to a BBC audience as an American Motor Holiday. :)
I honestly think that was the single greatest episode of any show ever aired on television. |
Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 623083)
Not that this has ever actually happened or anything... :bowrofl:
I honestly think that was the single greatest episode of any show ever aired on television. agreed. I absolutely lost it when the guys rolled into the gas station in the back of the pickup truck lol |
Cover your anus.
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Originally Posted by Joe Perez
(Post 623080)
I'm actually rather amused by the broad (and often deliberately stereotypical) generalizations made by, for instance, British television presenters with regard to the US. Consider the example of three middle-aged men driving from Miami, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana, being attacked by alligators and drunken rednecks along the way, and presenting this to a BBC audience as an American Motor Holiday. :)
I actually have several friends here in CA from various places in Europe (One from the UK, another from France, and a couple from Norway) and they seem to give each other more grief than a California liberal at a truck stop in Arkansas. I lived 2 years in a small town in NC and I must admit that the cultural differences within the US did surprise me. That and that fact that my English skills (which I consider to be excellent, honestly) made sure everyone understood ME everywhere, but not vice versa. "Yaall talk all correct an aall! Yaall aint from around here aare yaa?". I was a bit lost for the first 2 weeks. And try to buy some "Aluminium profiles" at Loves in Kinston, NC. They don't have it. They have no idea what "Aluminium" is. My colleagues had a laugh at that one. |
just be yourself joe if you are chill and try to just blend in no one will notice that the only shit that spouts from your mouth is english. It's not like you are traveling to Arizona or somewhere you would have to deal with a hostile enviroment. The majority of Germans speack enough english to interact with on simple tasks, its pretty much a grade school requirement over there.
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Originally Posted by KPLAFIN
(Post 623083)
Not that this has ever actually happened or anything... :bowrofl:
What I find really interesting is that one group which, by and large, does not seem to hold this prejudice are the Taiwanese. And I'd never have expected it, to be honest. But we've done a fair bit of work with a couple of Taiwanese groups, and whenever they come over here to our lab (presumably to steal our technology), they just can't seem to get enough of the US. There's one fellow in particular I recall who had never had french fries (chips, for y'all across the pond) and just became instantly addicted to them. Every place we went he had to have a big plate of french fries. However, as much as I think Jamie Oliver is a smug little turd, I must admit that "Jamie's American Road Trip", while a bit campy in parts, was every bit the equal of "Steven Fry in America" or "Oz and James' Big Wine Adventure" in terms of looking past the stereotypes and really delving deep into the small pockets of regional culture that make this country interesting.
Originally Posted by Torkel
(Post 623136)
Do they accept the French in the group? Openly? Where others can see them? ;)
I lived 2 years in a small town in NC and I must admit that the cultural differences within the US did surprise me. But it's more than that. There's such an incredible diversity of geography. Even just on the mainland, we have tropical wetland, Caribbean-style beach, fog-covered mountains, dense forest, several different types of desert, immense flat plains, steamy jungle, and whatever the hell you call the shitty weather in Massachusetts and Maine. You'd have to visit every country in Europe and half of Africa and Asia and see the same sort of landscapes. And the food, such incredible diversity of food. And the music... But I digress... And try to buy some "Aluminium profiles" at Loves in Kinston, NC. They don't have it. They have no idea what "Aluminium" is.
Originally Posted by magnamx-5
(Post 623172)
It's not like you are traveling to Arizona or somewhere you would have to deal with a hostile enviroment.
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If you are in a German brothel make sure to keep your eye on your drink at all times. Seriously.
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My primary concern is not appearing presumptuous. In Latin-American countries, for instance, English is reasonably common amongst shopkeepers and such, but simply walking up to someone and starting a conversation in English can be considered rude. It is better to ask "¿habla Inglés?" first. this is very true. the first year i lived in Germany I had a hard time getting directions to anywhere since i was ignorant and just started asking people "Excuse me, can you help me?" I would get the shoulder shrug and they would walk away. Right before I left Germany I was able to speak German enough to go into a bar, buy a drink, hit on a girl, ask her how much she costs, then call her a whore after she slaps me and walks away. I actually had several people thinking i was German or Austrian since I learned german in Bavaria and devoloped the accent. Yea, check out the FKKs if you want to experience a sex club. Just make sure that you go to one that has an open bar. 50-80 Euro gets you in and free beer, and then just talk to and haggle with the girls. typically 50 or so euros for a go lay. |
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