Facts & Tips
About Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany. Ever since the creation of a unified Germany in 1871, the nation's tumultuous history has had a profound impact on the history of its capital Berlin. Many historic neighborhoods and monuments were destroyed during the Second World War, but since the reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, historic areas like Potsdamer Platz and Pariser Platz have been completely revamped making Berlin a lively, dynamic and inviting city.
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Facts & Tips
Currency
Since 2001, the official currency in Germany in Euro.
1 Euro = 100 Cents
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents; 1, 2 Euros
Bills: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Language
German is the main language but you can easily find information in English and sometimes in French.
Weather
Berlin has a continental climate, which is distinguished by large seasonal temperature fluctuations. The temperature in October/November fluctuates between 2°C - 18°C. Make sure to take an umbrella.
Visa Information
Non-EU citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany. Information sheets listing the regulations for persons from the respective countries, who want to stay less than 90 days, are available at the respective German embassies.
Non-EU citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days need a visa from a German Consulate. These are usually only issued for business travellers and students with a foreign scholarship.
Business Hours
Shops: Almost all shops in the large shopping streets are open from 10 am to 8 pm, partly also longer on certain weekends. Apart from a few exceptions (airports and railway stations) all shops are closed on Sundays.
Banks: The usual opening times for banks are Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Tipping
Tips and value added tax are officially included in all prices. But if the service provided was satisfactory, an extra tip is recommended.
Taxis: 10 per cent
Restaurants: 10 – 15 per cent
Porters: € 2 - 3 per item
Room maids: € 2 - 3 per day
Hairdressers: 10 %
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Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all administrative buildings, on public transport and in stations. It is advisable to ask before lighting up in pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Useful Numbers
Police: 110
Fire department/ ambulance: 112 (worldwide)
Medical emergencies: +49 30 - 31 00 31
Call a Doc: +49 1804 - 22 55 23 62
Poison hotline: +49 30 - 19 240
Popular Attractions
- Holocaust Memorial
- Berlin Wall
- Brandenburger Gate
- Reichstag
- Alexanderplatz
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Charlottenburg Palace
- Museum Island
- Potsdamer Platz
- Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche
- Berliner Dom
- Gendarmenmarkt
- Zoo
- Pergamon Museum
- Tiergarten