France Travel in December

France in December - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Things to Do in France > France Monthly Calendar > France in December - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors click for more images Ice skating in Paris Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet Stay up to date! click for more images Ice skating in Paris Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet Email to a friend Print this page More on France in December Christmas Markets of France Christmas in France Christmas in Paris Picture Tour Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel in December From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Christmas Markets, Skiing and Holiday Spirit Are Big Draws December is the most magical and mesmerizing time to visit France. There are Christmas markets throughout the country, including the centuries-old Strasbourg market. The shopping is divine. Storefronts are decked in lights and delicate ribbons for the holidays. There's ice skating in front of Paris' hotel de ville. In the Pyrenees and Alps, the ski seasons are beginning to gain steam. Yes, it's cold, but this is also a bargain time to fly to France. The month's finale is New Year's Eve, fun to be enjoyed in Paris or any of France's other lively cities. Weather The weather can range from crisp but comfortable days to downright chilly nights. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities: Paris : Average high temperature is 7 degrees celsius/45 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 2 celcius, 36 farenheit. Average number of days with snow is two in the month. Nice : Average high temperature is 12 degrees celsius/53 degrees farenheit, with the average low at 9 degrees celcius/49 degrees farenheit. Average November days with snowfall is zero. Bordeaux : Average high temperature is 10 degrees celsius, 50 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 3 celcius/38 farenheit. Strasbourg : Average high temperature is 5 degrees celsius, or 41 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 0 celcius/32 farenheit. There are an average of five days with snowfall. What to pack It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is a cool or cold time of year. Be prepared for blustery weather and, possibly, snow. Your packing list should include: A winter coat A light jacket or layers for daytime Good walking shoes A scarf, hat and gloves A sturdy umbrella for windy and rainy days Get more ideas with my Packing Tips . Why to go in December Enjoy the quiet and avoid the long lines in the low tourist season There is wonderful shopping It is absolutely magical to see France, already a beautiful country, dressed in its Christmas finery The Christmas markets are one of life's finest experiences Rates are low on lodging and airfare Why not to visit France in December The weather can be uncomfortably cold Some attractions could have restricted hours, or even be closed, especially in smaller villages There are a national holidays (like Christmas Day), which cause France to shut down Events and festivals Christmas Markets Christmas in France Noëlissime , an exhibition featuring fashion, beauty, toys, handcrafted goods, gastronomy and decorations in Paris        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . 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Chicago Vacation Packages e-mail

Chicago tourism - Chicago vacation reviews - Chicago vacations - TripAdvisor Chicago vacations - Chicago tourism Sign in • Sign up Home > United States > Illinois > Chicago > Chicago Tourism Chicago tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Dining Deals Getaways Forums Maps, etc. Chicago itinerary | All Chicago reviews | Getaways from Chicago Search (e.g., Chicago hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Chicago Chicago Overview Chicago Itinerary All Chicago Reviews Chicago Getaways Chicago Hotels Flights to Chicago Chicago Deals Chicago Attractions Chicago Restaurants Chicago Forum Chicago Maps Chicago Discount Hotels Chicago Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Traveler Reviews Write a review . What was your experience with Chicago? Tell others what's hot and what's not. Deals on Chicago Hotels Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Amalfi Hotel Chicago Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel Burnham The Peninsula Chicago Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel Hotel Monaco Renaissance Chicago Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Crowne Plaza Chicago Silversmith Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Four Seasons Conrad Chicago The Talbott Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago - Downtown Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast Ritz-Carlton Chicago Courtyard Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile Courtyard Chicago Downtown Four Points Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile Swissotel The Fairmont Chicago Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Sutton Place Hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown Marriott Chicago Downtown Medical District / UIC The Westin Chicago River North Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel Allegro Wyndham Chicago Wheeler Mansion Majestic Hotel Residence Inn Chicago Downtown The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago Drake Hotel SpringHill Suites Chicago O'Hare Hotel 71 The Villa Toscana InterContinental Chicago W Chicago Lakeshore Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago Downtown Chicago Hilton and Towers House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast The Palmer House Hilton Omni Chicago Hotel Best Western Inn of Chicago Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport Chicago hotels: 1 - 20 Chicago hotels: 21 - 70 Chicago hotels: 71 - 120 Chicago hotels: 121 - 170 Chicago hotels: 171 - 179 Read more Chicago tourism Chicago vacations - Chicago tourism With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a latenight visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could... (more) Find Hotels Travelers Trust City: Check-in: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Check-out: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Price level: Adults: 1 2 3 4 More options Currency: U.S. Dollar Euro British Pound Canadian Dollar Australian Dollar Swiss Franc Sponsored links * Chicago Travel Deals Chicago : Hotel Deals from $70 Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Chicago : Great Prices, Great Rooms hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. View Maps, Photos, Rates. Book Now! Chicago : Low Hotel Prices Made Easy Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Chicago : Guaranteed Best Room Rates. Starwood.com Official site for Westin and Sheraton Hotels. Click now for exclusive offers! All results: View all 1,118 Chicago travel deals Airfare: Find deals on airfare to Chicago Chicago Hotel Recommendations Find a great hotel based on web-wide popularity and coverage. Top-Rated hotels: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Amalfi Hotel Chicago Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel Burnham The Peninsula Chicago Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel Hotel Monaco Renaissance Chicago Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown View all Chicago hotels Top-Rated B&B: Flemish House of Chicago View all Chicago B&Bs   Hotels for: Less than $100/night $100-200/night $200-300/night More than $300/night Hotels by Star Rating: 5-star 4-star 3-star 2-star 1-star Neighborhoods: All Magnificent Mile/River North The Loop Lincoln Park Lakeview Loyola Wicker Park/Bucktown Edgewater Near South Side Hyde Park South Side O'Hare Airport Midway Airport Chicago Southwest Find this weekend's best available hotels Chicago Traveler Recent Reviews Chicago Traveler Photos Our users are talking about Chicago! Here are their latest comments: Best Reviews Park Hyatt Chicago: "A Neat Freaks Dream," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Sofitel Chicago Water Tower: "lovely hotel, great value," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Worst Reviews China Grill: "China Grill Chicago, Terrible," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Omni Ambassador East: "terrible stay," Dec 21, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Read all Chicago reviews Our users are taking photos in Chicago! Here are their latest pictures: View all Chicago traveler photos Chicago Attractions and Dining Top Chicago Attractions: Field Museum Millennium Park Museum of Science and Industry Art Institute of Chicago Sears Tower Shedd Aquarium Navy Pier Lincoln Park Zoo Wrigley Field John Hancock Center View all Chicago attractions Top Chicago Restaurants: Les Nomades Caffe Baci - N. Lasalle Caffe Baci - S. Lasalle Demon Dogs Bistro Pacific Spring Fogo de Chao Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe Mangino's Sweet Thang View all Chicago restaurants Chicago Articles and Guidebooks SmartDeals From tips & tricks to rants & raves. Read the best sources and the most up-to-date reviews... TripAdvisor's Chicago itinerary "Chicago Overview," Fodors.com "An Online Update for Frommer's Chicago," Nov 25, 2004 , Frommer's "A Place to Indulge the Budding Artist or Doll Collector," Aug 7, 2005 , New York Times (free registration required) Read all Chicago reviews Find a great Chicago hotel deal! SmartDeals show you the best rates on the best hotels. Sofitel Chicago Water Tower - save up to 40% Average price: $289 Sofitel Chicago Water Tower from $175 - Expedia.com More reviews, deals Amalfi Hotel Chicago - save up to 43% Average price: $257 Amalfi Hotel Chicago from $149 - hotels.com More reviews, deals Hotel Burnham - save up to 46% Average price: $274 Hotel Burnham - Great Rooms from $149 - Orbitz.com More reviews, deals View all SmartDeals Chicago Traveler Forum Travelers like you give candid advice on hotels and much more. Join the Discussion Holiday Inn Chicago-City Centre (Mag Mile) (6 replies, 5:52 pm, today) Dave & Buster's (1 replies, 4:25 pm, today) Navy Pier (6 replies, 11:05 am, today) Read all Chicago discussions Post a new Chicago topic Share Your Travel Savvy Your Local Experts for Chicago (no replies, 7:28 pm, Dec 22, 2005) Time to spare needs some ideas (no replies, 4:12 pm, today) The Courtyard on Ontario (no replies, 3:40 pm, today) Browse all Chicago discussions Newsletter Alerts Other Destinations Subscribe to our TripWatch newsletter: Weekly alert to new reviews and deals Personal watch list is customizable to add other cities, hotels or attractions Plus getaway ideas from your hometown ( new feature, limited coverage ) Let Us Watch Chicago for You E-mail: Popular Illinois Destinations TripAdvisor travelers also enjoy these locations... Bloomington Chicago Galena Oak Park Peoria Quincy Rockford Springfield Destinations Near Chicago Our one-page travel guides will inspire you! View all weekend getaways near Chicago About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on Chicago vacations. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | Links | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Russia Travel Guide Travel

Russia Travel | Guide to travelling Russia | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Russia Travel Guide Travel Destinations Guide Russia Moscow, Russia - Don Kam Russia Photo Gallery At the start of the 18th century, Napoleon made one of the biggest errors of his life when he invaded Russia in winter; Hitler attempted a strikingly similair move less than a century and a half later. The vast, cold expanses which make up Russia's landscape have long proved its greatest ally in warfare. Now, with its economy down in the pits, Russia's natural wonders are once again beginning to lend a helping hand. Travellers are recognizing Russia's awesome potential for mountaineering, hiking, skiing, cycling, and kayaking. But perhaps the best way to see Russia's vast wilderness is via the Trans-Siberian Railway. In those areas which are inhabited, however, Russia's rich cultural and historical heritage is everywhere. Onion-domed churches, bleak Soviet style architecture and the elegant designs of pre-Stalin Russia can be found within blocks of each other, making for fascinating peaks into the complexity of Russian history. Quick Facts Locally known as: Rossiya Capital: Moscow Population: 144,530,000 Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim Government: Federation Official / National Languages: Russian Country Phone Code: +7 Map of Russia Flag of Russia Member Comments Members talk Russia is certainly the mystery it is made out to be. The largest country in the world does not simply offer long travel times, but a limitless expanse of adventure!From .. Full comment Brendan | 15th Mar 05 Russia is a wonderful place to visit. But be careful about your wallet and passport, always carry them in your front pocket. be careful who you rent flats from- AVOID .. Full comment billb | 26th Feb 04 Become a member or login to add your comment. Want some personal advice on Russia? The Travel Helpers are Travellerspoint volunteers willing to answer your travel questions about a country they feel they know a lot about. There are currently 11 Travel Helpers available to answer your questions about Russia. Russia Travel Helpers Travel Products Below is a collection of Travellerspoint products and services that might be of use to you while you are researching your trip to Russia. Russia Accommodation Russia hotels (68) Russia apartments (18) Russia bed & breakfasts (9) Russia hostels (27) Russia budget hotels (10) Other Products Cheap travel insurance Eurail passes & Train tickets Russia tours (4) Around the world tickets Russia Travel Sites Our Pick The Moscow Times Guide to Russia - A great collection of travel tips and useful information. Find out about things to do, travel within Russia, Health, Media, Money, Visas and much much more. Once you're done researching your trip, you can visit the main area of the site for the latest Russian news. Sponsor Russia SIM Cards & Cell Phones - Get free incoming calls with your own Russia prepaid SIM card and GSM cell phone. Roam Russia without the roaming surcharges. Baikaler - Local guide Jack Sheremetoff offers tours to Baikal. His site also contains descriptions of tours and information about the region. More Russia links can be found in our Travel Sites Directory. The links contained in this directory are external sites and will pop up in a new window. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

London Vacation Packages Hotels

VirtualTourist.com - Vacation Deals and Specials - London Vacation Deals and Specials around the world. Check prices and availibility from a selection of the best providers. member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights NEW! "Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums Vacation Deals and Specials - London Travel Guide | Hotels | Flights | Forum | Top 5 Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater London » London Vacation Packages Hotels | Flights | Cars | Cruises | Vacations Top 5 Results for 'London Vacation Packages' Fly British Airways Experience the real London. Go with those who know. Special Vacation Package Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. London Travel Build your Dream Vacation now! More Choices, Flexibility & Savings London Hotel Packages Discover The Savoy, London. History and Luxury in the West End. London Vacation Packages Shop and Compare Vacation Packages. Save up to 40% more at Priceline. More Results for 'London Vacation Packages' London Vacation Package Book Your London Flight and Hotel and Save with Travelocity! Fully Escorted Tours $995 Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, Canada 51 Years. Smart Shoppers Compare. Classic Vacations Fly First Class & Stay at Luxury Resorts. Design the Ultimate Trip Find Vacation Deals Fly From: (city or airport code) Fly To: (city or airport code) Stay In This City: (optional) Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening MIDNIGHT 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Travelers: 1 2 3 4 Vacation Search by OneTime.com Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Germany Travel

U.S. Commercial Service Germany: Travel Site Map BUYUSA.GOV -- U.S. Commercial Service Germany Local time: 11:40 PM Business Travel Visa Travel Getting around in Germany Additional Information Timezone Currency Communication Electric Current Climate Money Matters Hours of Business VAT Refunds & Tax-Free Shopping Visa U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany. Without a visa, however, they may not stay longer than three months every half-year or take up gainful employment requiring a work permit. If required, citizens may obtain a residence and/or work permit after entry. For more information, visit the German Embassy site in the U.S. Travel Welcome to Germany: the meeting, convention and tourism destination for successful business representatives from around the world. What defines success in business also defines Germany: technology, innovation, flexibility, expertise, efficiency, organization, and mobility. Add drawing power in the form of brilliant natural beauty, majestic castles and regal palaces, world-class culture and cities steeped in history and you will come to see why no other destination for business travel even begins to compare. Visit the German National Tourist Board website and discover what attracts two-thirds of the world's top international trade fairs to one place: Germany. Getting around in Germany Air Domestic flights are well developed. All major cities are frequently served from many cities. Frankfurt and Munich are hubs to Lufthansa, Germany's national airline. Flight time is short (about 1 hour) to get anywhere in Germany. International Airports in Germany (IATA-Code): SXF - Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld http://www.berlin-airport.de TXL - Flughafen Berlin-Tegel http://www.berlin-airport.de THF - Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof http://www.berlin-airport.de DUS - Flughafen Düsseldorf (Rhein-Ruhr) http://www.duesseldorf-international.de FRA - Flughafen Frankfurt am Main (Rhein-Main) http://www.frankfurt-airport.de HAM - Flughafen Hamburg (Fuhlsbüttel) http://www.airport.de HAJ - Flughafen Hannover (Langenhagen) http://www.hannover-airport.de CGN - Flughafen Köln/Bonn (Konrad Adenauer) http://www.airport-cgn.de MUC - Flughafen München (Franz-Josef-Strauß) http://www.munich-airport.de NUE - Flughafen Nürnberg http://www.flughafen-nuernberg.de STR - Flughafen Stuttgart (Echterdingen) http://www.stuttgart-airport.com National Airports in Germany (IATA-Code): ZCC - Flugplatz Baden-Baden http://www.baden-airpark.de BFE - Flugplatz Bielefeld http://www.flugplatz-bielefeld.de BRV - Flughafen Bremerhafen http://www.regionalflughafen-bremerhaven.de DTM - Flughafen Dortmund (Wickede) http://www.flughafen-dortmund.de DRS - Flughafen Dresden http://www.dresden-airport.de FDH - Flughafen Friedrichshafen (Löwenthal) http://www.fly-away.de HHN - Flughafen Hahn (Rheinland) http://www.hahn-airport.de HOQ - Flughafen Hof http://www.flughafen-hof.de KEL - Flughafen Kiel http://www.airport-kiel.de LHA - Flughafen Lahr (Schwarzwald) http://www.blackforest-airport.com LEJ - Flughafen Leipzig/Halle (Schkeuditz) http://www.leipzig-halle-airport.de LBC - Flughafen Lübeck http://www.flughafen-luebeck.de MGL - Flughafen Mönchengladbach http://www.mgl.de FMO - Flughafen Münster/Osnabrück (Greven) http://www.flughafen-fmo.de PAD - Flughafen Paderborn-Lippstadt http://www.flughafen-paderborn-lippstadt.de SCN - Flughafen Saarbrücken (Ensheim) http://www.flughafen-saarbruecken.de SGE - Flughafen Siegerland (Burbach) http://www.siegerland-airport.de Rail The Deutsche Bundesbahn offers a network that will get you almost anywhere in Germany. Rail travel is of no comparison to that in the United States. Highspeed trains operate between major cities, making it an option to flying, as railstations are always located in the city center. Car Germany's highway - the Autobahn - is famous. They are in excellent condition and very well developed. However, to keep such quality, maintenance is necessary and construction sites are common. Ferry From several seaports on the North-Sea and the Baltic-Sea you may find your desired ferry connection . Additional Information Timezone Germany is located within the Central European Time Zone. To convert U.S. time to German time: Eastern Standard(EST): +6 hours Central Standard Time(CST): +7 hours Mountain Standard Time(MST): +8hours Pacific Standard Time(PST): +9 hours Alaska Standard Time(AST): +10 hours Hawaii Standard Time(HST): +11 hours Currency Click here to recieve more information about Germany's currency and economy. Communication International Calls To Germany: 011 + 49 + Area Code (disregard 0) + number Example - 030 83052730: 001 49 30 83052730 To U.S.: 001 + Area Code + number Mobile Phones In Germany, cell phone coverage is almost 100% - you will always have service! However, frequencies throughout Europe differ from those used in North America. Your service provider can tell you if your phone is compatible with the German / European system and offer you alternatives if it is not. Network frequencies: EGSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900 Computers & Internet Bringing a laptop to Germany is simple: most run on both 110 volts, as in North America, or 230 volts, as found throughout Europe. Although the voltage is universal, you will still need an adapter to plug your computer into an electrical outlet. While in Germany, the Internet is easily accessible. You can often log on at your hotel, either right from your room or in computer rooms, and at business centers, which offer internet access to guests. If neither is available, ask your hotel about an Internet café – chances are excellent one is right around the corner! Electric Current Germany uses 230V. Therefore, a converter will be needed in order to use american 110V devices. Climate The climate is similar to that of the North Eastern U.S. The current weather can be found at: http://www.donnerwetter.de/deutschland/menu.hts Money Matters ATMs/ Banks: ATMs are as easily found in Germany as they are in North America. They are located at bank branches and standing alone in shopping, tourist and other busy areas. Major credit and debit cards, along with all other bank cards carrying the PLUS and NYCE symbols, are universally accepted. When located indoors, use your card to gain access if the door is locked, just as you would normally do. Credit Cards: Credit cards are commonly accepted in Germany, although they are not often used for everyday expenses. Restaurants, hotels, stores, train stations and other places regularly frequented by tourists will almost always accept them. Tipping: The bill you receive at a hotel, restaurant, cafe or bar often includes a service charge already. A tip is an indication of your satisfaction – 5% is average, whereas 10% indicates exceptional service. Tip taxi drivers about 5% and porters and others who assist you with baggage one Euro per item. Hours of Business Stores in Germany open between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Most close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday between 6 or 8 p.m.. On Sunday almost all stores are closed, the exceptions being gas stations and convenience stores, which carry some food items as well as snacks and beverages. Banks and post offices are generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; some banks have extended hours on Thursday. Pharmacies open at 8 a.m. Museums are generally closed on Mondays. Throughout the year, many cities have a “Long Night of the Museums,” where all the city’s museums are open through the night. VAT Refunds & Tax-Free Shopping Prices for goods and services in Germany always include a 16% value-added tax (VAT). Some or all of the VAT may be refundable for goods purchased at stores displaying the “Tax-Free for Tourists” sign. You will receive a tax-free form upon making a purchase. Before leaving the country and before checking any luggage, present the purchased goods, the tax-free form and your receipt to German customs officials. They will certify the form as proof of legal export. You may then obtain a cash refund at one of the Tax-Free Shopping Service counters located at all major border crossings, airports, ferry ports and train stations. Links to interesting pages: Web page of the German Federal Government http://www.bundesregierung.de/en Information about Germany http://www.deutschland.de/ Home Doing Business in Germany Profile of Germany German Economy and Business Practices Business Infrastructure Travel German Holidays WEEE and RoHS Downloads Market research on Germany Find German Business Partners Trade Events Business Service Providers Contact Internship Links FAQ Our Worldwide Sites Other European Markets Export.gov Trade Portal Informationen für deutsche Firmen Search Printable version © 2001-2005 All rights reserved Privacy Policy Disclaimer