Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[whereshegoes]

TravelPod Local Expert Kristy Campau currently resides in Stuttgart and has lived there since 2004.

Kristy says:

1. Bring Cash. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany. You
can use an ATM here to get cash, but make sure you have cash when
dining out, shopping, or traveling around.

2. Stores are closed on Sundays. Throughout Germany a majority of
stores are closed on Sundays. Restaurants are still open and bakeries
are open in the morning, but any other store will be closed on Sunday.
Some museums will close on Mondays, though many of the major tourist
attractions will stay open.

3. When dining out close your menu to indicate that you are ready to
order. After you are finished with your meal you must indicate to
your waiter with a wave that you are ready to pay. The waiter will
come and add up your bill and you pay him directly. Germans tend to
round their bill up to the nearest Euro or add a 10% tip. Give the
waiter your money and tell him how much you are paying him with tip
and he will give you your change. You shouldn't leave the money on
the table.

4. Train travel is not always the most convenient or cheapest.
Though traveling by train is an excellent way to get around in
Germany, taking one of the low cost airlines is sometimes cheaper and
often faster.

5. Get involved in the local scene. Go to a soccer match with the
locals (with a 10 month season, there is always a game), visit a
festival (wine, beer, or Christmas fests are a ton of fun), or visit a
smaller, lesser-known castle that will be filled with school groups or
German tourists. Enjoy!

Post all questions to Kristy here.