TravelReady Guide

Boarding pass ยท Europe

Germany

Deutschland

Reviewed

Germany uses Type C / Type F power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Power
Type C/F / 230V
Emergency
112
Tap water
Generally safe
Driving
Right side
Capital
Berlin
Currency
Euro (EUR, โ‚ฌ)
Languages
German
Dialing code
+49
Time zone
UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST)
Continent
Europe

๐Ÿ”Œ Power & plugs

C F
Plug types
Type C, Type F
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz

Germany runs at 230V. Travelers from 100โ€“127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.

๐Ÿšจ Emergency numbers

General
112
Police
110
Ambulance
112

๐Ÿ“ Travel notes

Tap water

Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Tipping

Tipping is modest and usually given by rounding up or adding about 5-10% in restaurants. Tell the server the final amount when paying; leaving coins on the table is less common than in some countries.

Best season

May to September is best for city trips, outdoor dining and festivals. December is popular for Christmas markets, while spring and early autumn usually have better hotel value than peak summer.

Visa basics

Germany is in the Schengen Area. Many non-EU visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa. Check German mission guidance for your nationality before travel.

โœ… Before you go

  • โœ“Pack a Type C/Type F plug adapter for Germany.
  • โœ“Germany runs at 230V. Travelers from 100โ€“127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
  • โœ“Bring a refillable bottle โ€” tap water in Germany is generally safe.
  • โœ“Save the emergency number 112 in your phone before you arrive.
  • โœ“If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the right in Germany.

โ“ Good to know

Frequently asked

Can I drink tap water in Germany?โŒ„

Yes. Tap water in Germany is considered safe to drink.

What power plug and voltage are used in Germany?โŒ„

Germany uses Type C, Type F plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. Germany runs at 230V. Travelers from 100โ€“127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.

What is the emergency number in Germany?โŒ„

Dial 112 for general emergencies in Germany. Police: 110. Ambulance: 112.

When is the best time to visit Germany?โŒ„

May to September is best for city trips, outdoor dining and festivals. December is popular for Christmas markets, while spring and early autumn usually have better hotel value than peak summer.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Germany?โŒ„

In Germany, traffic drives on the right side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the left.

What is the country calling code for Germany?โŒ„

The international dialing code for Germany is +49. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a Germany number from abroad.

๐Ÿ”— Sources

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