Banks: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 06:30 to 21:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 18:00 Saturdays; 11:00 to 18:00 Sundays and holidays
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 16:00 Saturdays; almost all stores close on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Friday; 11:00 to 19:00 weekends and holidays; almost all museums are closed on Mondays
Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Frankfurt may have one of the highest rates of crime in Germany, but visitors will probably feel that it is relatively safe as most of the crime involves locals. As in all large cities, visitors should stay alert to their surroundings at all times, and avoid certain districts after dark. The Hauptbahnhof is well known for its crime problem, plagued by frequent muggings, theft and violence. It’s suggested that visitors stay away from the central train station at night as this is also where Frankfurt’s red light district is located.

Aside from that one pocket of potential trouble, Frankfurt is a fairly safe city. As long as you try and blend in and don’t flash your valuables around, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. If you need help or are being harassed, simply call for the police. Frankfurt’s police force is useful and competent.
Police: 110

Electricity: 220V AC, 50Hz; round two-pin European plugs are the norm.

There are very few health risks to worry about in Frankfurt. The tap water is officially safe to drink, but it may not taste particularly good. Bottled water is readily available and probably safer on your stomach. The restaurants are monitored by the local government so they should be up to top hygiene standards. But if you do fall ill, there are excellent pharmacies in virtually every part of the city.

For anything serious, Frankfurt’s hospitals are considered among the best in the world. But they’re also very expensive. Citizens of the EU who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to free medical care in Germany. If you are a citizen of any other country it is highly suggested that you buy travel insurance to cover the costs of any unexpected medical emergency.
Ambulance: 112
Bürgerhospital: +49 69 15000

Germany’s national language is German, but most of the residents of Frankfurt also speak a dialect known as Frankfurterisch. Its international reputation as a global centre of banking and commerce means many locals speak pretty good English as well.

Frankfurt is part of the EU, and has adopted the euro (€) as its currency. There are 100 cents in a euro. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

If you are coming from a non-EU country, you will need to exchange your foreign currency into Euros. This can easily be done at the airport, some banks and exchange bureaux such as Reisebank. Germans aren’t as fond of credit cards as other nations so visitors will need to rely on cash for most of their purchases. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout Frankfurt as there are more than 400 banks packed into the city. Thanks to its role as a banking centre, most debit cards and credit cards work in the ATMs.

All of the major credit cards are accepted in Frankfurt, but don’t assume that every shop will take them. Hotels, large stores, restaurants and petrol stations almost always accept credit cards, but many smaller independent businesses have their own views on the usefulness of credit. Travellers cheques can be cashed at any bank and most established businesses.

All visitors regardless of age can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of strong spirits, 2 litres of wine, 500 grams of coffee, 50 grams of perfume and personal effects with a value up to €175 into Frankfurt.

Germans have a reputation for being staid and formal. But in international Frankfurt, the people are a bit more globalised and the atmosphere more energetic. When greeting someone, be prepared for a hearty handshake both when you meet and when you part ways. If you meet a group of people, expect to shake hands with each individual. It is also customary to say hello to the owner or employee of a shop when you enter. The first German phrase you should learn is “Guten Tag”.

The people of Frankfurt are very serious about efficiency and good business acumen. A strong handshake, liberal use of business cards, and an obsession with punctuality are all trademarks of Frankfurters. If you make an appointment with someone, do not be late. If you are invited to someone’s home bring a bouquet of flowers with the paper wrapper removed.

Drinking beer and wine is a normal part of dinner, so alcohol will certainly be offered to guests. There is no problem with declining if you don’t drink. Frankfurters are also extremely conscious about the environment and recycling their waste. All garbage in the city is separated and recycled, so it may help if you take a moment to learn which wastebins to use. And definitely don’t throw any litter on the ground.

Dining Etiquette
Frankfurt has some interesting points of etiquette when it comes to dining out. One of the most striking differences is that it is completely normal to share tables at a restaurant when it is full. Don’t be surprised if someone asks if a seat at your table is free. By the same token, if the café is full simply ask a table if you can sit with them. They will never refuse. When you share a table be sure and greet everyone when you sit, wish them a “Guten Appetit” when you eat, and say goodbye when you or they leave. Don’t expect much conversation from your tablemates, just polite greetings.

When dining out with friends, it is common to offer a toast of “Prost” before drinking. Most dinner parties have a designated host. Guests won’t begin eating or drinking until everyone at the table has received their food or drink. By following the lead of the host you can’t go wrong. When you have finished eating, place your fork and knife together on the right side of the plate to indicate that the waiter can take it away. If you’re just taking a break, cross your fork and knife on the plate and no one will touch it.

All citizens of the EU can enter Germany with only their official identity card and stay as long as they like. Citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan and Israel need only show a valid passport to enter the country for a stay of up to three months. If your passport is from any other country, you will need to apply for a tourist visa at your local German embassy before arriving.

Frankfurt has a very useful tourist information office which provides maps, tourist information and tickets like the Frankfurt Card. There are two locations: at the Hauptbahnhof and in Römerberg 27. These offices are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 21:00, and weekends from 09:00 to 18:00.

Tourist Information Office
(1) Hauptbahnhof - opposite the main entrance
(2) Römerberg 27 - inside the building 
Phone: +49 69 2123 8800