GeoStats:

Passport/Visa Requirements: Passports and return tickets required for citizens of U.S. and Canada.

Population: 3,406,000

Languages: German. Many Berliners speak (or at least understand) English. Turkish is also widely spoken.

Currency: Euro

Predominant Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant)

Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Six hours ahead of EST. (+6EST). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the end of March to the end of October.

Voltage Requirements: 220 volts/50 Hz

Phone Codes: 49, country code; 30, city code

Destination:

Berlin


Basics

topWhen to Go

Berlin is at its best from May-Sep, when the weather is mild and generally dry. Mid-summer is sunny and warm – heat waves do occur but it’s rarely unpleasantly hot. Spring and autumn can be chilly and wet, though the fall colors are lovely. Winter (Nov-Feb) is typically overcast, cold and windy, with light snowfall.

topWeather & Temperature

Berlin enjoys a mild, temperate climate – extremes are rare. Summer highs typically reach the mid-70s, while average winter lows hover near 32º. Winter brings cold winds and frequent, light snowfall from Dec-Mar. Rainfall is moderate and may occur at any time of the year.

Berlin
 
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average High Temperature°F 37 40 47 56 66 71 75 74 66 56 45 40
°C 3 4 8 13 19 22 24 24 19  13 7 4
Average Low Temperature°F 29  29  34  40  48  54  58  57  51  43  36  31
°C  -2  -1  1  4  9  12  14  14  11  6  2  0
Average Precipitationin  1.7  1.3  1.6  1.5  2.1  2.8  2.2  2.3  1.8  1.5  1.7  2.2
cm  4.2  3.3  4.1  3.7  5.4  6.9  5.6  5.8  4.5  3.7  4.4  5.5

topTime Difference

1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the end of March to the end of October.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

Passports (valid for at least six months) are required of travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

topMoney Matters

Currency

Germany’s currency is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.

Changing Money

The best way to get cash is at an ATM, which are widespread in Berlin. If you need to exchange foreign currency, you can do so at banks, post offices, airports and exchange offices (many concentrated near Bahnhof Zoo station).

Tipping

Restaurant bills always include a service charge, but most people add 5-10% unless the service was very poor. Tips should be included with payment rather than left on the table.

Bellhops - €1 per bag
Room attendants - €2-3
Bartenders - around 5%
Taxi drivers - around 10%

topPersonal Security

Berlin is one of the safest and most tolerant cities in Europe – however, normal precautions should be taken. It is never advisable to carry large amounts of cash and other valuables, or to leave bags or luggage unattended. At night, the outlying eastern districts of Marzahn, Lichtenberg, and Hohenschönhause are best avoided.

topHealth

The level of medical care in Germany is excellent. Prior to your trip, it is recommended that you consult with your travel specialist or insurance provider about travel insurance options.

Prescription and nonprescription medications can be obtained from the apotheken (pharmacies) in the city. After 8pm an information line will tell you how to find the nearest open pharmacy: (30) 31 00 31.

topTelephone

Country code for Germany is 49
City code for Berlin is 30

To call Berlin from abroad, dial the international access code (011 from the US) followed by 49 (for Germany), 30 (for Berlin), then the local number. To call Berlin from another area within Germany, dial 030 followed by the local number.

Emergency Numbers:
Police 110
Fire Service 112
Ambulance 112

Calls to 112 are free from any telephone, including mobile phones.

Public Phones

Most public phones give you the option of coins or phonecards. Phonecards can be purchased at post offices and news agents.

topElectrical

220 volts/50 Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

topWhat to Wear

Berlin is warm to hot in summer, and rain can happen at any time, so it’s wise to carry a rain jacket and/or umbrella. Be prepared for cold temperatures and snow in winter. Locals dress informally and stylishly; however, you should wear a jacket or dressy attire at upscale restaurants and the theater.