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Traveling to EuropeTechnology & ElectronicsMoneyTips for eating out (time, ordering, etc.) Weather Travel video Clothes (pics) Classwork expectations - Will my phone work?
If you have a recent iPhone or Droid phone, yes. - What about that expensive roaming data?
This has gotten somewhat better in recent years. It often means, however, purchasing an extra plan before you leave. For T-Mobile customers, data is free but slow (fast data is an extra purchase). - What about Wi-Fi?
Free at most hotels, a bit less common at German restaurants and other businesses. - What about my phone/tablet/laptop charger?
With an adapter. We love the OREI Grounded Universal 2 in 1 plugs (about $7 at Amazon) - What about hair dryer/straightener/razor?
Some of these products have 110-220V Worldwide Voltage capability. Check yours. - How do I get euros?
“Using ATMs abroad is the most effective way to get money when traveling. But some banks will charge a foreign currency rip-off fee that usually starts at $9 or $10 per transaction! That's outrageous.”
“If you're with a big bank, check to see if they're part of any alliance where you can use ATMs fee free in other countries (for Bank of America, Deutsche Bank). Simply tell them what country you're going to and they can tell you if there's a fee-free alliance partner bank there.”
“You can also get fee-free ATM transactions abroad with most Capital One cards.” Source: http://www.clarkhoward.com/handling-your-money-overseas (February 21, 2019) - What about my credit cards?
If you have a new one with a chip (and you know the PIN), you will have no problem using it. For a magnetic stripe, our experience is they will take it at department stores and hotels, but not at restaurants. In either case, notify the card issuer before you go or they may block the charge. Note: the card issuer will convert euros to dollars, but at a fee.
When you shop for coffee or a snack (and basically any small amount of money) make sure you have cash. Many places (like bakeries or kiosks) either do not accept credit cards at all or only if you spend more than 20 Euros. - Do the people speak English?
The vast majority of Germans speak very good English. Some immigrants to Germany do not. - Is it all schnitzel, pretzels and huge beers?
No, food in Germany can be very healthy (salads are very popular), or very American (our fast food chains) or very traditional German. Gyros (called doner), kebab, pizza and other Italian dishes are also very popular. Since Germans love, and have, great bread, we will share the takeaway sandwich approach for inexpensive eating.
For beverages, some areas are wine producing and local products are always popular. Bottled water and soft drinks are common, and you can get most conveniently (and reasonably priced) at local supermarkets or convenience stores (drug stores) such as Rossmann, Müller, or dm. Soft drinks at kiosks and in bakeries are usually over-priced. Also: when you order a drink in restaurant, there are no refills. - What about laundry?
You should pack to minimize the need, but we have some tips in and near the accommodation so ask. For example, we all wash microfiber apparel in the hotel bathtub and hang it up for a quick dry. - Any tips for the trip over?
We like the neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones and a spare battery. Also, take a picture of your passport information and email the picture to yourself (we use to keep a photocopy in our suitcase, we like this better). - Public Restrooms are not free, costing anywhere from 30 cents up to 1 Euro (in cash, of course). If they are clean, we don’t mind!
- Pharmacies. You can get medication against common cold symptoms, headaches, toothaches, and digestive problems etc. at pharmacies over the counter (they are everywhere, but expensive so bring ibuprofen/aspirin type products if you know will use them). For more serious health problems, you will need to see a doctor and UWF Study Abroad Services has spent a lot of time researching insurance programs to make this easy.
- Air Conditioning. One surprise in Germany is that air conditioning isn’t popular. Trains, buses, department stores, McDonalds etc. have it, but many affluent Germans do not. On hot days, we employ strategies to stay cool and take an extra shower.
Select Cultural Norms - Be quiet after 10pm, before 6am, and on weekends
- Leaving a lot of food on your plate is considered somewhat impolite
- It is polite to regularly use the terms danke (thank you) and bitte (you’re welcome)
- T-Shirts with weird, political, funny, etc. slogans/pictures on them -- do not bring them
- For tours, wear business casual attire is appropriate
- For the final evening dinner, wear business professional attire
- Don’t be late
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Failure to follow these critical dates and deadlines could result in your participation being revoked.