City Information
Essential Information about the city
Passport / Visa
Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, the UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER)
Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is the only airport operating in Berlin since Tegel airport saw its last flight depart in November 2020. The new airport is well connected to the city by S-Bahn, buses and long-distance trains. The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains (RE7, RB14) travel between Berlin central station and “Flughafen BER – Terminal 1-2” station several times per hour. The S9 and S45 S-Bahn trains travel every 20 minutes, serving the “Terminal 1-2” and “Terminal 5” stations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Berlin (FAQs)
– Is it safe in Berlin? Berlin is a hospitable and cosmopolitan city, especially in the central areas frequented by visitors. There are no no-go areas in the city and it’s safe to walk alone at night. Nonetheless, it is impossible to rule out crime completely. Should anything happen — don’t hesitate to contact the police. It’s best to avoid dark parks at night if you want to stay away from illegal “business transactions”. – Is Berlin cheap or expensive? Berlin is probably the cheapest Western European capital city. To stay within a low budget, consider getting a bike-sharing subscription and take advantage of lunch offers — there are lots of great deals! – Is English spoken in Berlin? Yes! Berlin is a very cosmopolitan city and English is its lingua franca. All restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels will have English speaking staff. Even places not catering to tourists will accommodate English speakers. – Where is the heart of Berlin? Berlin doesn’t have one clearly defined centre. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe and feel and you’ll have to find your favourite. The closest thing Berlin gets to a “city centre” is Mitte. Museum Island, the city hall Rotes Rathaus and the Altes Stadthaus, the famous TV tower, Brandenburg Gate at the end of the Unter den Linden boulevard are all located here. – What is Checkpoint Charlie? Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous border crossing during the years when Berlin was divided by the Wall. The iconic sign "You are now leaving the American Sector" is world famous.
Best Time to Visit
In terms of weather, the best time to visit Berlin is May through September, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities: sitting around in outdoor cafes and restaurants, wandering through the city and parks, biking around and staying out all night. June offers the Carnival of Cultures, July has the Pride Parade and September brings you the Berlin Art Week. Winter, on the other hand, is cold: the temperature is close to freezing during the day. Of course, winter holidays are a great time to check out the local markets and relax with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. The Berlinale film festival also takes place in the winter.
Public Transport
The local public transport system allows you to get anywhere in Berlin — comfortably, safely and cheaply. The expanded transport network of S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses and trams provides you with unrestricted mobility, even at night: on Fridays and Saturdays as well as the nights before public holidays, nearly all the S-Bahn and U-Bahn network operate all through the night at 15 minute intervals. The most convenient way to buy tickets is through the official ticket purchasing app for public transport in Berlin — BVG Tickets.
Taxi
When hiring a taxi in Berlin, you pay a basic charge of €4.30 plus €2.10–2.80 for each kilometre travelled. The 'Kurzstrecke' (short distance) tariff gives you a journey of up to two kilometres for €6.00 — in this case, however, you have to flag down the taxi yourself. The 'Kurzstrecke' tariff does not apply if you order a taxi or get in one at a designated taxi-waiting spot. If you think that ordering a taxi by phone is a little too retro, order one through the taxi.eu app.
Postal Service
You can buy stamps in post offices and at tobacconist shops. Post office opening times vary — they are normally open between 8 am and 6 pm weekdays and between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturdays. The Eckert press store with a post office on Georgenstraße, Berlin-Mitte is open every day of the week.
Dentists
Beware of the German Vollkornbrot — it's delicious and healthy, but the seeds can do a number on your teeth. Follow the link to All About Berlin to see a list of English speaking dentists in Berlin
Pharmacy
You can fill your prescription and buy over the counter medication in Berlin by finding one of the many pharmacies signed with the large red letter “A”. They are often confused with drugstores (Drogerie), where you can get toiletries, but not medication. Pharmacies in Berlin are usually open just like any other store: closed in the evening, on Sundays and holidays. If you need medication outside of normal working hours, you can also visit your local emergency pharmacy. Check the website below to find the closest one to you.
Telephone
Country code: +49 Area code: (0)30
Electricity
Germany uses the Types C and F (with two earth clips on the side) electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
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