Overview
‘Think Germany – now think again’ ran the slogan on the German National Tourist Office’s UK promotional campaign posters launched late in 2006 to encourage more British visitors to consider the country as a holiday destination.
It was appropriate, and topical. After 60 years of trying, Germany finally managed to shake off the guilty shadows of its past during the immensely successful football World Cup staged in the country during the summer of 2006.
General Information
Area
357,045 sq km (137,819 sq miles).
Population
82.5 million (UN estimate 2005).
Passport/Visa's
Passport Note
Germany is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Money
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol Eur;) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Eur;500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Eur;2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Cheques are very rarely used.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, post offices, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
These are widely accepted in most shops, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels. All major credit cards are accepted, but it is advisable to carry cash as well.
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