Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT+1
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +1
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +2
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +1
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +2
Capital City: Berlin
Population: 81.80 million
Area: 357,021357,021 square km, 137,846 square miles.
Language(s): German
Dialling Code: 49
Emergency: Police: 110. Fire & Ambulance: 112
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. National or EU licence required. Minimum driving age is 18 (17 for holders of a full UK licence)
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted in larger retail outlets, petrol stations, hotels & restaurants
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1300 & 1430-1600 Mon-Wed & Fri, 0830-1300 & 1430-1730 Thur
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri (many offices close earlier on Fri)
Shops: 0900-1830 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300/1400 Sat (regional shops), 0900-2000 Mon-Fri, 0900-1800/2200 Sat (city shops)
Public Holidays
2012
*not observed in all areas of Germany
Business/Social Hints: English is widely spoken. Smoking is banned in restaurants bars and the majority of public places unless a separate dedicated smoking room is provided. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years
Tipping: If a service charge has been added to the bill, tips are not necessary, additional discretionary tips are around 10%
