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Germany

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Germany is perfect for a city break or a weekend away. Hike through the vineyards of the Ahr Valley, wander through half-timbered towns like Celle and Hamelin, or discover green Hanover. And in December, of course, the Christmas markets are calling.

💰CurrencyThe euro. In October 2026, $1 got you about €0.89, but the rate changes fast. Germans still love cash. At small cafés, bakeries and Christmas market stalls, you can’t always pay by card, so carry some euros.
🗣️LanguageGerman. Many Germans speak English, especially younger people and in cities. “Guten Tag” (hello) and “Danke schön” (thank you) always go down well.
⛪ReligionAlmost half of Germans aren’t religious. The rest is roughly split between Catholics and Protestants. The south and west are more Catholic, the north and east more Protestant.
🕒Time zoneGermany is on Central European Time, the same as Amsterdam. That’s 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
🛂VisaTravelers from the US, Canada, the UK and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a visa. At the border, you may have to register your fingerprints and photo for the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The ETIAS travel authorization isn’t required yet, and is now expected in 2027.
☀️Best time to goMay through September, for hiking, biking and beer gardens. Fall brings wine festivals along the rivers. And late November and December are all about the Christmas markets.
🔌Power outletsGermany runs on 230 volts with European round two-pin plugs. Coming from the US? Bring an adapter and check that your devices handle 230V (most phone and laptop chargers do).
🚗TrafficGermany drives on the right. Many cities have low-emission zones, where you need a green Umweltplakette sticker. Many rental cars already have one, but check before you drive off: you’re responsible, not the rental company. Taking public transport? The Deutschlandticket (€63 a month) gives you unlimited regional trains, buses and trams across Germany.

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