Language
German, with a Berlin accent. Although many Germans speak some English, any attempts at learning a few phrases in German will be appreciated. Try “Guten Morgen” – Good morning; “Die Rechnung bitte” – the bill (check) please, or “Wieviel kostet das?” – how much is that?
Currency And Tipping
The Germans use the Euro, made up of 100 cents. Usual practice is to tip cab drivers, waiters, porters, hairdressers and the hotel concierge if he’s done you a special favour. In a standard restaurant, the Bedienung (service charge) is always included in bills, and tipping is not compulsory. But if you’re satisfied with the service, add about 5 or 10%. The custom is to round up the bill, so if it comes to 7.20 Euros, for instance, say to the waiter ‘eight.’ It’s considered rude to leave cash on the table - give it direct to your waiter. And as you hand over the banknote for the bill, don’t say Danke or thank you, as this is taken to mean “keep the change.”
Dress Code
Berlin experiences the extremes of temperature typical of a continental climate, with warm summers and correspondingly cold winters. 2006 signaled a heatwave for much of mainland Europe and the British Isles, but the weather can be unpredictable so something waterproof and a fold-up umbrella might come in handy. As in all European capitals these days, formal dress is required for only the most exclusive establishments.
Safety
By all accounts, Berlin is among the safest and most tolerant of European cities. Walking alone at night is not usually dangerous, although of course there’s always safety in numbers in any urban environment. Despite some bad press, racial attacks are quite infrequent in Berlin. The city’s pickpockets know exactly where tourists are likely to gather, so pay special attention at places like Zoo station (mentioned above). Guard your valuables carefully (lock them in the hotel safe if you don’t need them with you), strap bags across your body and zip them.
Travel
Berlin’s public transport system is made up of services provided by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG, whose web-site is www.bvg.de). It operates the U-Bahn (underground trains), buses and trams, while Deutsche Bahn (DB, www.db.de) is in charge of trains, including the city’s S-Bahn. One type of ticket is generally valid on all transport options. The most efficient way of getting around town is on one of the ten lines of the U-Bahn or the 13 lines of the S-Bahn. For a cheap and interesting introduction to Berlin, try the city bus 100 which passes by practically all the major city landmarks. You’re allowed to get on and off as often as you like within two hours. There’s no commentary, so pick up a map from the BVG information kiosk outside Zoo station. This is also the ideal place to board … especially if you want to grab the coveted upper deck front window seat with its panoramic view! There are also at least three companies offering excellent and informative English language walking tours. Try www.berlinwalks.com.
Travel Tip # 1 The Berlin WelcomeCard card is a 48- or 72-hour discount card which offers free and reduced admission to some of Berlin and Potsdam’s best sites and free public transportation. The cost of a card varies from 17.50 Euros to 24 Euros. Details at www.europeancitycards.com.
