The Germany Business Travel Guide provides business travellers with a range of travel tools and resources to help assist them. There are facts on Germany, visa information, business customs and tips, and more. An understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be a definite advantage for business visitors helping to avoid any cross cultural misunderstandings. This can help to ensure business trips are a success.
Germany has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. It is the most populous state in the European Union and is a member of the G7, G20 and OECD; Germany has the largest economy in Europe. Major trading partners include EU neighbours France, UK and the Netherlands, China and the USA. Germany is a multicultural, multiracial country and is home to a number of ethic groups. Germany shares borders with Denmark in the north, Austria and Switzerland in the south, France in the south west, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium in the west and Poland and the Czech Republic to the east,
The country has a variety of landscapes including coastline, forests, hills, mountains and rivers including the Rhine and Danube. Famous attractions include the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle, The Zugspitze, Oktoberfest and Europa-Park.
Germany Guide
Quick Facts on Germany
Germany Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Germany Map
Germany Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Germany
Country: Germany
Capital: Berlin
Currency: Euro (1 euro = 100 cents)
Population: 82 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 356,854 sq km
Languages: German
Time Zone: GMT +1
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 49
GDP: USD$ 3.635 trillion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic, Protestant) with Muslim and Jewish minorities.
Political System: Federal Republic
Internet Domain: .de
Germany Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Germany. You can find further information on entry requirements for Germany, advice on local laws and customs, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Germany. The information is usually up to date making it a good resource for both business and leisure travellers to check before starting their trips. For more information please see: Germany Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Germany Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is formal and conservative. Meetings need to be set up in advance, many German business people speak English, however it can be beneficial to have working knowledge of German, alternatively interpreters are available. Greetings in meetings are usually done with a firm handshake, people should be addressed with their correct titles. Business meetings and the atmosphere tends to be formal, with rules and regulations followed. Good time keeping is essential, punctuality to meetings is very important.
Germany has plenty of regulations so doing business there can be bureaucracy and it can take time to reach decisions. Good organisation, planning and attention to detail are viewed favourably. Business lunches are popular as is socialising with work colleagues.
Travel Advice and Tips
Germany is a relatively safe country for business and leisure travellers. Most trips pass by without any incident or concern. It should be noted to remain alert of the danger of pick pocketing in public places. Also counterfeit money can be a problem, to avoid this it is advisable to exchange money only at recognised banks and Bureaux de Change. Valuables should be kept away from public view, you should remain vigilant at all times of your surroundings and environment.
Travel Checklist: See our Packing & Travel Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is important you check with your GP whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
8.00 to 16.30 Monday to Thursday
8.00 to Lunch time on Fridays
Note: Hours given are general indications, the hours can vary depending on the region.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year’s Day
April 3: Good Friday
April 6: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 14: Ascension Day
May 25: Whit Monday
June 4: Corpus Christi
October 3: National Day
November 1: All Saint’s Day
November 18: Repentance Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Germany Map
Map of Berlin, Germany
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Germany Weather & Climate
Germany’s location in western and central Europe means most of the country has a temperate climate with the east of Germany having more of a continental climate. Overall Germany has warm summers and cold winters though extended periods of ice and snow are rare; the coldest month is January with July the warmest. The country rarely has extremes in heat or cold conditions making it a destination that can be visited throughout the year. The most popular times to visit are in spring and summer (May to September).
Germany has a number of ski resorts attracting skiing enthusiasts, the season is usually from December to March. Christmas is a popular time to visit Germany, where visitors can see the famous Christmas Markets.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer, rain coats are advisable throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for a range of weather as the weather is changeable. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required in the winter and for those going to the mountains waterproof clothing and layers are required.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
