Germany

Planning ahead? See typical weather for your travel dates.

Germany has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, colder and snowier in the south and Alpine regions. Spring and autumn are mild and good for city travel with fewer crowds. Best time to visit: May to September for sightseeing, or late November to December for Christmas markets.

Germany's rail network, including high-speed ICE trains, connects cities quickly and reliably. Major cities also have extensive U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram systems for local travel.

Strong 4G/5G coverage in cities, though rural and Alpine areas can have patchier signal. Free Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafes.

Germany uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted, though many smaller shops, markets, and traditional restaurants still prefer cash.

Germany is known for precision goods like cuckoo clocks and kitchenware, Christmas market crafts, beer steins, and fashion in cities like Berlin and Munich. Most shops close on Sundays.

Germany applies a standard VAT rate of 19% on most goods. Non-EU visitors can claim a refund on purchases over 50.01 EUR from a single store, processed at the airport on departure.