Banks: 08.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 15.30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 20.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 16.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 13.00, Saturday
Shops: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 13.00, Saturday

Hannover is safe, suffers little violent crime and has an obvious police presence. Public transportation is very good and safe at all hours, even for lone female travellers. It is worth remaining vigilant in built up areas and when wandering the streets at night, however, and keep an eye out for pickpockets. Drivers should be aware that some motorways (autobahns) in the region have no speed limits.

230V, 50Hz – twin, round-pin plugs

Hannover is clean and healthy, with spotless streets, hygienic cafés and restaurants, drinkable tap water and no exotic diseases to worry about. It can get really cold here in the winter at the time when Russian Steppe winds blow across the region, and if out hiking in the country at this time of year, be sure to dress up well. Taking out travel insurance is a must when holidaying anywhere.

Emergency services: 112
Medical School Hannover: +49 511 5320

Hanoverians speak German although people in the tourist industry and most public services will generally be able to speak English.

The Deutsche mark was ditched in 2002 in favour of the euro, Europe’s unified currency.

Duty-free limits for those entering Germany over the age of 17 years from outside the EU include: 400 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco, and 50 cigars; two litres of wine and a litre of spirits; and a reasonable amount of perfume and gifts. Those travelling here from within the EU cannot buy goods at duty-free prices but can bring in duty-paid items with fewer restrictions.

German people are generally conservative and very courteous. The streets are clean and un-littered and locals like it kept that way, frowning on tourists who make a mess. The dishevelled look is also frowned upon, although casual dress is fine for day-to-day sightseeing but ensure you are properly attired when entering churches and restaurants.

Visitors from within the EU do not need a visa to enter Germany for an indefinite amount of time although they must have a passport or ID card. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also do not need visas for stays of up to three months. Those from other countries should check with their local German embassy or consulate.

The Hannover Tourismus Service office is located at Prinzenstrasse 6, Hanover, 30159, Germany. 
Phone: +49 511 1234 5111; info@hannover-tourism.de; http://www.hannover.de/english/index.html