Business Offices: 09:00-17:30, Monday to Friday
Banks: 08:30-16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: varies depending on store and area
Museums: check individual museums for opening times

Business hours in Germany vary from one industry and sector to another, but as a guide, most office environments operate between 09:00 and 17:30, Monday to Friday. Banks are generally open weekdays from 08:30 to around 16:00, with some staying open as late as 18:00 on Thursday. Banks at airports and main train stations open as early as 06:30 and close as late as 22:30.

Berlin is an exceptionally safe city, but petty crime still exists. It is recommended that you remain vigilant at all time and watch your belongings carefully. Try not to carry large amounts of cash and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Just remember to practice common sense and you should do fine.

Theft from parked cars is also common. Small items like luggage, cameras, or briefcases are often stolen from parked cars. Travellers are advised not to leave valuables in parked cars and to keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables out of sight when driving.

The Euro is the official currency in Germany and is available in seven different bills and eight separate coins. The bills are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 denominations. The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:00 and currency exchange booths can be found throughout the city, the airports and the main train station, but banks generally offer a better rate.

Although most businesses in Berlin accept credit cards and bank debit cards, it is still advised that you keep some cash on hand in order to do business with the local vendors and shop owners.

Foreign visitors can bring along most items for personal use duty-free, including two hand cameras with 10 rolls of film, and 400 cigarettes or a quantity of cigars or pipe tobacco not exceeding 500 grams (1.1 lb.). Do note that when travelling between EU member countries it is not possible to buy duty-free.

There are no restrictions on the amount of local currency you can bring into Germany, although you should declare the amount.

220V, European plug with two circular metal pins

In business meetings, both men and women wear suits. Outside business, casual clothes for most occasions are perfectly acceptable. Some of the more exclusive bars, restaurants and social functions in Berlin may require formal clothing.

Greetings in Berlin tend to be formal. When sitting down and greeting someone it is considered polite to rise to your feet to shake their hand. People should always be addressed by their titles until invited to do otherwise. Preface a man's last name with 'Herr’ and a woman's with 'Frau' or 'Fräulein' (Miss).

Germans are very businesslike while at work and this is apparent in their expectations for punctuality, formal manners and attention to detail. It is common to answer the telephone by stating one’s last name, rather than saying ‘hello’. People should be addressed by their titles (such as Herr Doktor) and last name, until they indicate otherwise.

Many business people speak English but may prefer to conduct business in German. Likewise, business cards (which are used extensively) and business letters in English are acceptable, although supporting documentation should be translated. It is best for visitors to err on the conservative side of dress, certainly in the first instance. Business lunches are common (the one making the offer is expected to pay) but breakfast meetings are rare.

Smoking is prohibited where notified, on public transport and in some public buildings. It is always advisable to take your cue from those around you.

Shopping stores close on weekends, even Berlin's major department stores will close late Saturday afternoon and not reopen until Monday. Railway station stores generally remain open Saturdays and Sundays, but you won't always like their prices. 

Service charges are generally added to restaurant and hotel bills in Berlin, making tipping unnecessary. Some of the smaller cafes and bars are excluded from this custom, and it is standard practice to round up the bill to the nearest Euro. The cost of service should be clearly stated and visible in brochures or on menus.

UK citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment. Prescribed medicines may, in some cases, have to be paid for. The cost of treatment in public hospitals (on referral from a doctor, unless in emergencies) is covered by public health authorities, except for a small daily charge from the start of hospital treatment up to a maximum of 14 days.

Private Health Insurance is recommended for specialist medical treatment outside the German National Health Service, which can be very expensive. 

Emergency Telephone Number: 112

International Emergency Hotline telephone: 31003-222 to 243

Pharmacies are open Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. All chemists/pharmacies give alternative addresses of services available outside the normal opening hours.

Visiting Berlin does not pose any major health hazards. 

If you worry about getting sick away from home, consider purchasing medical travel insurance and carry your ID card in your purse or wallet. In most cases, your existing health plan will provide the coverage you need.

No specific vaccinations are required to visit Berlin. However, it’s best to make sure you are up to date with your basic inoculations such as tetanus and hepatitis.

German is the official language in Berlin. English is also widely spoken in Germany, especially in the tourist areas.

Central European Time +1

Tourist Information Centres can provide a wide range of information and publications. Call for or go to one of the tourist information centres: Brandenburger Tor (south wing), the ground floor of the TV Tower on Alexanderplatz (both open 10:00 - 18:00), and Budapesterstr (Europa Centre, open 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00). For additional information or call: 25 0025 for more details.

American Embassy Berlin
Neustädtische Kirchstr 4-5, 10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 2385 174 

British Embassy Berlin - Consular Section
Wilhelmstr 70-71, 10117 Berlin,
Tel +49 (0) 30 / 20457-0

EU citizens can enter on an official identity card. Americans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and Japanese just need a valid passport (no visa). Unless you're a citizen of a developing country, you can probably stay up to three months.