Germany

Germany is a country of efficient trains, storybook towns, and cities that blend old and new in surprising ways. Start by choosing a few bases rather than trying to “do it all” in one trip. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg make great hubs, with easy day trips to places like Potsdam, Neuschwanstein Castle, or Lübeck.

At major airports like Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), ATMs are easy to find and generally offer better rates than currency exchange counters. Cards are widely accepted, but some smaller bakeries, kiosks, and traditional restaurants still prefer cash, so carry a bit of euro on you.

Download your Hello eSIM before you fly so your phone connects as soon as you land, letting you order transport, check hotel directions, and translate signs without scrambling for Wi‑Fi. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to keep train bookings, museum tickets, and hotel reservations in one place, so you’re not juggling email confirmations at the station.

Shops often close earlier than in some countries, and most supermarkets and smaller stores are shut on Sundays, so plan grocery runs in advance. Many museums close on Mondays. A little planning goes a long way here: check opening hours, book popular attractions like the Reichstag Dome or Neuschwanstein ahead of time, and save everything into your Hello itinerary.

Germany’s public transport is one of the easiest ways to explore the country. Long-distance trains like the ICE connect major cities quickly, while regional trains and buses reach smaller towns and villages. For flexible travel days, look into regional day passes such as Bayern-Ticket in Bavaria, which can cover multiple travelers on the same ticket.

In cities, expect an integrated network of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses. Ticket inspections are random, so always validate paper tickets or ensure your mobile ticket is active before boarding. Many cities now support contactless payments, but machines may not always accept certain cards, so having a backup is wise.

Use the Hello app’s trip planning to map routes across cities and trains in one place, and rely on Hello eSIM connectivity so departure boards, platform changes, and delay alerts are always at your fingertips. If you’re traveling with others, turn to Hello’s expense splitting when buying group tickets or car rentals so everyone automatically pays their share.

Cycling is also popular: cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Freiburg are bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and rental options. Just remember to respect bike rules—stay in cycle lanes where marked and always lock your bike, even for short stops.

German food goes far beyond sausages and sauerkraut. Each region has its specialties: in Bavaria, try Weisswurst and pretzels in a beer garden; in Berlin, Currywurst and Döner kebab are iconic late-night snacks; in the Rhineland, look for Flammkuchen and local wines. Many restaurants offer hearty daily lunch menus (Tagesteller) for around €10–€15 (about $11–$16), which is a good way to save.

Vegetarians and vegans will find more options than the stereotypes suggest, especially in larger cities. Look for labels like “vegetarisch” and “vegan”, and consider booking popular spots in advance—especially on weekends.

Beer culture is strong, particularly in Bavaria. Beer gardens in Munich or Bamberg are relaxed places where you can bring your own snacks and buy drinks on-site. For something different, try regional wines along the Mosel or Rheingau.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to keep an eye on food and drink spending in euros, and if you’re sharing plates or ordering rounds with friends, expense splitting in the app simplifies who owes what.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up to the nearest euro or adding about 5–10% is common in restaurants and bars.

Germany generally feels reasonably priced compared to many Western European destinations, but costs vary by city. Expect a basic hotel room in a major city like Munich or Hamburg to start around €90–€130 (roughly $100–$140) per night, while smaller towns can be significantly cheaper. A casual meal in a mid-range restaurant typically runs €15–€25 ($16–$27), and a coffee is around €3–€4.

While card payments are widespread, some places still operate on a cash-first mindset—especially older cafés, small shops, and rural guesthouses. Always check for signs like “nur Barzahlung” (cash only). ATMs tied to major banks tend to offer better rates than standalone machines.

To avoid roaming shocks, set up a Hello eSIM before departure and activate it when you land, so you can navigate, translate menus, and book rides without hunting for Wi‑Fi. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log everyday expenses in euros and see how you’re pacing against your trip budget.

If you’re traveling in a group, the app’s expense splitting is handy for shared apartment rentals, car hires, or big grocery shops—log the total once and let Hello calculate each share. Keeping a simple spending routine—such as recording costs after dinner each day—helps you enjoy German hospitality without worrying about surprises later.