(Last updated: 24 Mar 2011)

Visas

If you hold an ordinary Australian passport you do not need a visa for any stay up to 90 days, whether your visit is for business or as a tourist. After 90 days re-entry will not be allowed again within six months, so for a longer stay you will need to have a business visa.

For further information, please contact:

Consulate-General
13 Trelawney Street
Woollahra NSW 2025
Tel: +61 2 9328 7733
Fax: +61 2 9327 9649
Email: info@sydney.diplo.de
Web: www.sydney.diplo.de

Climate

The German climate is variable so it's best to be prepared for all types of weather throughout the year. The most reliable weather is from May to October, with temperatures reaching 30ºC. There is no specific rainy season. Winter temperatures from December to February are generally around 0ºC and colder in the east and south where snow is common. Summer is generally around 20ºC, although hotter days are not uncommon. Rainfall is scattered through the year.

For weather details in Germany, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The main arrival/departure points for flights in Germany are Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. Frankfurt is Europe's busiest airport after Heathrow. Taxis are available outside the airport or can be booked. Costs from the airport to the Austrade Frankfurt office (city centre) are approximately €30.00.

Ground transport

In all major cities public transport is good and inexpensive. Often the best link between cities is by train, either high-speed or conventional. The trains are clean and reliable, but travel First Class to avoid crowds.

From the airport’s regional train station below Terminal 1, the S8 and S9 commuter trains (direction Frankfurt/Offenbach/Hanau) depart every 15 minutes to the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) central station and Hauptwache (city centre Frankfurt).

Germany has an extensive network of freeways (Autobahn) servicing all major centres. Please note that Germans drive on the right side of the road. You can hire a car through all major car rental companies either in advance or upon arrival in Germany.

When travelling to major centres on the weekends and during trade fairs, pre-booking for transport is advisable.

Hotels

Most of the familiar international hotel chains are also present in Germany. Single room rates range from between €100- €150 (2 to 3-star) up to €300 (5-star) per night. The newest, largest hotels generally offer business centres with Internet access.

If your visit coincides with a major trade exhibition, you will have extreme difficulty in obtaining a room unless you book many months ahead and even then, prices are at least 50 per cent above normal rates. You may well have to travel up to 50km to and from any of the major exhibitions.

The alternative during trade exhibitions is private, home-stay accommodation, which is readily arranged at travel offices located at airports, railway stations and usually on the fairgrounds themselves.

Visit www.germany-tourism.de for further information regarding German cities and accommodation.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Germany. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Health services in Germany are good, tap water is safe and sanitation standards high. No immunisation is required.

English speaking doctors are usually easy to find, although medical costs are high and insurance cover is necessary. You can obtain non-prescription drugs used in Australia and prescription drugs are also available.

In an emergency, dial 110 anywhere in Germany and from any public phone without charge.

Medical expenses can be very high in Germany and visitors should ensure that they have effective medical insurance cover. Medical bills have to be paid in Germany during the stay and some schemes will only provide reimbursement after return to Australia.

Tipping

Tipping (approximately 5 to 10 per cent) applies generally to services such as taxis, restaurant bills and hairdressers.

Time zones and time differences

Germany is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Daylight-saving time comes into effect at 2.00am on the last Sunday in March and finishes at the end of October.

To find out the current time in Berlin, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Germany's country code is 49.

For calls to Germany from Australia dial: 0011 + 49 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Germany to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Businesses are usually open from 9.00am–5.00pm Monday to Friday, but 2.30pm is a common closing time on Friday afternoons.

Some government offices may provide full service from 9.00am to midday.

Shops are open from 9.00am–6.00pm, or some to 8.00pm. Shops close on Saturday at 2.00pm or 4.00pm and very few are open Sunday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
May 1 – Labour Day
May 9 – Ascension Day
May 20 – Whit Monday
October 3 – German Reunification Day
November 1& – All Saints Day
December 24-26 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

Germany’s currency is the Euro (€).

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Australia - it is best to have a cash reserve on arrival.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are all recognised but not yet widely accepted, except at major hotels, gas stations and department stores. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout Germany and you should have no problem accessing your credit or debit account back home.

Electricity and water

Germany’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The round two-prong plugs are the most common.