Things To Know Before You Go

Convention Facilities

German Convention Bureau (GCB)
1640 Hempstead Turnpike
East Medow, N.Y. 11554
Tel: (516)794-1632
Fax: (516)794-8487

Tourist Offices in North America

New York

German National Tourist Office
122 East 42nd Street
Chanin Building, 52nd Floor
New York, NY 10168-0072
Tel. 212-661-7200
Fax 212-661-7174

Los Angeles

German National Tourist Office
11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 750
Los Angeles, CA. 90025
Tel. 310-575-9799
Fax 310-575-1565

Chicago

German National Tourist Office
c/o German American Chamber of Commerce
104 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-5978
Tel. 312-332-3213
Fax 312-782-3892
(for trade only for IL, IN, MI, MN, WI)

Canada-Toronto

German National Tourist Office
175 Floor Street East
North Tower, 6th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8
Tel. 416-968-1570
Fax 416-968-1986

German Customs

Items required for personal and professional use or consumption many be brought in duty free. Gifts are duty free up to a total value of 780 DM (approx. $470).

The following limits apply to selected items: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. Americans or Canadians not residing in Europe may import double the tobacco allowance. You may also bring 1 liter of alcoholic beverage above 44 proof, or 2 liters of alcohol less than 44 proof, or 2 liters of sparkling wine and 2 liters of other wines; 50 grams of perfume and .25 liters of eau de cologne; 250 grams of coffee; 100 grams of tea. The duty free tobacco and alcoholic beverage allowances are authorized for persons age 17 and above. The coffee allowance is for persons age 15 and above. All duty-free allowances are authorized only when items are carried in the traveler's personal baggage.

Money

1 German Mark (DM)=100 Pfennig(Pf)
Coins: 1,2,5,10 and 50 Pf: 1,2 and 5 DM
Bills: 5.10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1,000 DM

Money Exchanges

Located at airports, border crossing points and major railway stations. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Electricity

220 volt, 50 cycles. Be sure to bring an adapter plug to use in the electrical outlets as well as a transformer for electrical (except for dual voltage) equipment.

Germany - Consular Information Sheet February 10, 1995

Country Description:

Germany is a stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities throughout Germany are highly developed with the exception of some areas in eastern Germany.

Entry requirements:

A passport is required. No tourist or business visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. For detailed information concerning entry requirements for Germany, travelers may contact:

The German Embassy at 4645 Reservoir Road N.W., Washington, D.C. 200007, telephone (202) 298-4000.

The German Consulates General:

Medical Facilities:

Excellent medical care is widely available with some facilities in eastern Germany more limited. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that , in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:

Germany has a low rate of violent crime. Crimes such as burglary, petty theft, and narcotics trafficking are increasing but not dramatically. Pickpocketing and purse snatching occur in urban areas, particularly on public transportation and in crowded department stores, train stations, and other areas frequented by tourists. Travelers should therefore take normal precautions to safeguard their valuables, money, and credit cards. Major cities have certain sections where crime rates are higher. These areas are normally easily identifiable, and can be avoided.

The loss of theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" contains information on safeguarding valuables and promoting personal security. It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Extremist Activities:

There are a small number of right - and left-wing extremist groups active in Germany. Right-wing groups have staged violent but isolated demonstrations and attacks, the majority of which have been directed against foreigners or ethnic minorities. Most such acts are perpetrated spontaneously, often by persons under the influence of alcohol. Extremists, often displaying unpredictable behavior, should be avoided. Although Americans have not generally been targets, they could become inadvertently involved in spontaneous demonstrations.

Terrorist Activities:

Although Germany is a possible venue for transnational terrorism, present activities of various terrorist elements in Germany are not perceived to pose a direct threat to American at this time.

Drug Penalties:

U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Germany are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:

American may obtain updated information on travel and security within Germany from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or any of the U.S. consulates. The U.S. Embassy's toll-free 24-hour hotline in Germany on crime, security, and information on demonstrations may be accessed by dialing 0130-826364.

Embassy and Consulate Locations:

U.S. Consulates General are located at:

The Consulates General in Dusseldorf, Stuttgart and Leipzig currently offer only emergency services to U.S. citizens.

Copyright 1996 E-Publishing