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Countries & Languages

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Berlin

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 The Brandenburger Tor, Berlin

Practical info Berlin, Germany

Getting around the city

The Berlin public transport system is efficient, if expensive, and the combination of buses, trams, ferries, the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (commuter rail) reaches every part of the sprawling city and its surrounds. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are the best ways of getting around; buses cover the parts of the city that cannot be reached by train, and East Berlin has a network of modernised, pre-war trams. One type of ticket is valid on all forms of transport and fares are divided into three colour-coded tariff zones. Driving in Berlin is easier than in most big cities, but in general is still not recommended, as traffic is heavy and parking difficult to find and expensive. Taxis are plentiful, but it is cheaper to hail one in the street than to call ahead at one of the many call stands around the city. Cycling is also recommended, especially in West Berlin, which is well-equipped with cycle paths and trains that have special cars where bicycles can be carried.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

220-230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in large shops, hotels and restaurants, although Germans themselves prefer to carry cash. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATM machines that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily.

Communication

The international access code for Germany is +49. Telephone numbers in Germany can range from four to nine digits. There are surcharges on international calls made from hotels; it is often cheaper to use public telephone boxes in post offices, which use phone cards. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Emergency number

Emergencies: 110 (Police); 112 (Ambulance/Fire)

Travel documents and health

Everything about travel documents

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Public holidays

	2016	2017
New Years Day	1 Jan	1 Jan
Good Friday	25 Mar	14 Apr
Easter Monday	28 Mar	17 Apr
Labour Day	1 May	1 May
Ascension Day	5 May	25 May
Whit Monday	16 May	5 Jun
Day of German Unity	3 Oct	3 Oct
All Saints Day	1 Nov	1 Nov
Christmas Day	25 Dec	25 Dec
St Stephens Day	26 Dec	26 Dec

Climate

Berlin has a continental climate with cold winters, hot summers and fairly mild autumns and springs. Summer (June to August) weather in Berlin is pleasant and sunny, the days are long and high temperatures average 73°F (23°C), particularly in July and August. However, the summer months are also unpredictable, and the weather can rapidly change from sunshine to cloud. It can also be fairly humid in summer in Berlin. Winter (December to February) weather in Berlin, by contrast, averages 32°F (0°C) and is bitterly cold and damp, with plentiful snow and frosty days when temperatures hover at or just below freezing. Although snow falls between December and March the city seldom stays covered in snow for long. Rain can fall all year round and it is always a good idea to have an umbrella in Berlin, no matter what the season; the wettest months are June and August, and the driest months on average are October and February. Berlin is a year-round travel destination because so much of the city's appeal lies in its cultural and historical attractions, which are fabulous regardless of the weather. The most popular and probably the best time to visit Berlin is in the summer months when the sidewalk cafes, parks and gardens can be enjoyed to the utmost and there are numerous fun summer events.

Berlin-Tegel Airport

www.berlin-airport.de

Getting to the city

The most convenient and cost effective way to get to and from the airport is by bus. Buses connect with the subway and overground train stations. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals on both levels.

Car rental

Vehicle hire companies represented at the airport include Budget, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, National and Sixt.

Airport taxi's

Taxis are readily available outside the Berlin-Tegel Airport's Terminal A1. A taxi to the centre of Berlin takes approximately 20 minutes and costs between €25 and €40. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis. Private hotel shuttle services to and from Berlin-Tegel Airport are also available.

Transfer between terminals

The airport terminals are all connected by walkways.

Facilities

Facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, business centres and baby rooms. There are several shops, including duty-free, and a selection of restaurants. Disabled facilities are good; travellers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking

There are a number of parking lots at Berlin-Tegel Airport, all within easy walking distance of the terminal building. Short-term parking in parking lot PK costs €3 for the first 15 minutes and €3 for every 15 minutes thereafter, up to a maximum daily charge of €69. P1 and P2 are medium-stay parking garages: fees start at €5 for the first hour and go up to €39 for the day. Parking lot P5 is for long-stay parking: 1 week costs €139.

Internet

Wifi is available throughout the airport. Hourly rates vary depending on the connection plan.