Taiwan Travel Guide @

Taiwan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Taiwan Taiwan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Language and Culture , Map of Taiwan , Republic of China , T'ai-nan , Taipei , Taipei Sightseeing . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Taiwan Taiwan was also called Formosa (beautiful island) by the Portuguese; the first Europeans to pay the island a visit, in 1590. Local Currency Convert your currency into Taiwan dollars. Buy a Map of Taiwan National Anthem of Taiwan. Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Republic of China Following most of Chinese mainland's occupation by Communist armies, General Chiang Kai-shek moved the Nationalist government of China's headquarters to T'ai-pei, on December 8, 1949. During the 1950s, the United States vowed to take military action against the Chinese mainland if Communist forces attacked Taiwan or the Pescadores. With extended financial and military aid from the US, during the early 1960s, Taiwan was able to build its economy. The mainlanders who had taken refuge in 1949 continued to dominate the political stage, but Taiwan was becoming isolated as countries sought to strengthen ties with the larger market in mainland China. Neither of the Chinese governments would have formal relations with any nation recognising the other. The Democratic Progressive party (DPP) continue to campaign for Taiwan's independence from mainland China, while Beijing threatens military action if this ever happens. The People's Republic of China claim Taiwan as one of its provinces and some native Taiwanese resent the claims. Posturing and flexing of navy muscle is not uncommon in the South China Sea . Language and Culture The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin, although other Chinese dialects are also spoken. The Taiwanese are mostly descendants of the Chinese who emigrated from Fujian and Guangdong provinces during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Taiwanese celebrate many ancient Chinese customs and holidays, especially the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Feast of Lanterns. Taipei You can also call it T'ai-pei or Taibei; whatever, it's the provisional capital of the Republic of China, or Taiwan. Located on the Tanshui River, near the north coast of Taiwan, you will fly into T'aoyan International Airport. Immigrants from mainland China's Fujian Province first settled here in the 18th century, but not a lot was happening. The Japanese brought sushi to the island between 1895 and 1945, until they surrendered the island to China after World War II. Alexander's Taiwan Travel Page : Alex and Carrie have made a few trips to Taiwan. Here's the resulting travelogues; with photographs, recommended restaurants and related links. Taipei Sightseeing Among all the neon light, there are some Buddhist shrines of interest in the city. The Memorial Hall to Chiang Kai-Shek is a large white marble structure with an enormous blue-tiled roof, surrounded by an impressive garden. Museums : The National Palace Museum contains Chinese art treasures from the 2nd millennium BC to the 20th century, and the Hwa Kang Museum has displays of folk and modern Chinese art. T'ai-nan The Chinese pirate, Koxinga, made the city his capital due to its convenient position on the south-west of the island. It remained the capital of the island until 1885, when the government was transferred to T'ai-pei. Asia Travel Forum : From Afghanistan to Vietnam, Islam to Buddhism, you're sure to find a place for your soul in Asia. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Asia or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Asia. The Internet TravelNotes.org Lonely Planet Taiwan Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Travel Guides : Travel guides are a Godsend and a tremendous amount of research has gone into them; but which one is best for you? Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Asia : Taiwan Travel Guide -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Asia/taiwan.htm

Orlando Vacation Discounts Disney

orlando disney vacation usedir.dynu.net orlando disney vacation online orlando disney vacation Top List Fun Resorts In Orlando Variety of fun resorts for kids and adults. Lots of amenities. Specials.Stay in a condo for the price of a hotel. site: http://www.condoexpress.com Disney Vacation Deals at Travelocity Visit Travelocity.com to get great prices on Disney vacation deals. Book your vacation online and save. site: travelocity.com Disney World Orlando Vacation Discounts Disney World Vacation Packages from $99. Save over 50% on your Disney World Family Vacation. Disney World tickets only 2 for $25. Top Disney World area hotels from $19. Book online or call our travel specialists for assistance. site: http://www.discountthemeparkvacations.com Orlando Disney Vacation - Travel Bargains Find great travel bargains with one-stop comparison. Try SideStep, the award-winning Traveler Search Engine. Download our toolbar to search and save on flights, hotels, car rental and more! site: http://www.sidestep.com All Star Vacation Homes - Florida Vacation Rentals Vacation home management company offers vacation rental homes, condos, and town homes that are located less than four miles from Walt Disney World. site: http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com/ Disney Vacation Deals at Travelocity Visit Travelocity.com to get great prices on Disney vacation deals. Book your vacation online and save. site: http://www.travelocity.com/ Exclusive Florida Homes, Vacation Homes in Orlando, Florida Agency specializes in short-term vacation homes for rent in the Disney area of Orlando, Florida. site: http://www.exclusivefloridahomes.com/ Unique Florida Homes Lists Orlando vacation homes and villas with private pools. Includes actual photos of vacation rentals and a location map in relation to the Disney World. site: http://www.uniquefloridaorlando.com/ Exclusive Florida Homes - Derek Sunderland Orlando real estate agent specializes in residential and vacation homes for sale, including investment homes in the Disney World area. site: http://www.exclusivefloridahomesales.com/ WeeklyTop10-Orlando.com - ResevationSystem.com Reservation service offers discount rates and packages on Orlando-area accommodations near Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World. site: http://www.weeklytop10-orlando.com/ All Star Vacation Homes - Florida Vacation Rentals Vacation home management company offers vacation rental homes, condos, and town homes that are located less than four miles from Walt Disney World. site: allstarvacationhomes.com WeeklyTop10-Orlando.com - ResevationSystem.com Reservation service offers discount rates and packages on Orlando-area accommodations near Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World. site: weeklytop10-orlando.com Exclusive Florida Homes - Derek Sunderland Orlando real estate agent specializes in residential and vacation homes for sale, including investment homes in the Disney World area. site: exclusivefloridahomesales.com Unique Florida Homes Lists Orlando vacation homes and villas with private pools. Includes actual photos of vacation rentals and a location map in relation to the Disney World. site: uniquefloridaorlando.com Exclusive Florida Homes, Vacation Homes in Orlando, Florida Agency specializes in short-term vacation homes for rent in the Disney area of Orlando, Florida. site: exclusivefloridahomes.com Fun Resorts In Orlando Variety of fun resorts for kids and adults. Lots of amenities. Specials.Stay in a condo for the price of a hotel. site: http://www.condoexpress.com Motels in Florida Book your Florida hotel online - we have a great choice of select motels and hotels throughout the State of Florida. site: http://www.motelsinflorida.com Orlando Travel Guide Read Orlando travel reviews, opinions and advice about Orlando attractions, hotels and more. site: http://www.justorlando.com Fun Resorts In Orlando Variety of fun resorts for kids and adults. Lots of amenities. Specials.Stay in a condo for the price of a hotel. site: condoexpress.com Traveling To Orlando? Free Orlando information and advice from Traveling Bob. Find what to do, where to go, and where to stay when traveling to Orlando, FL. site: http://travelingbob.com Not satisfied with your results? 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Europe Travel

Europe Travel Pictures | Europe Travel Photos Europe Get travel inspiration and travel suggestions for visiting Europe. Fly your way! Book your flight to Europe online - saving 40% or more! Countries: Andorra Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Italy Liechtenstein Lithuania Malta Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey United Kingdom Vatican City No matter how much I travel, I will always consider Europe to be my home. This is the continent where I was born. This is the continent where i was raised (apart from one year in India). This is the continent where I feel at ease. This, in short, is the continent of my roots. Other continents may have their attractiveness, their mysteries, their specialties, their very own characteristics. But Europe remains the base continent for me. This does not mean that I consider Europe to be one. The attractiveness of Europe for me lies in its diversity. There are not many places in the world where so many different cultures live in such a small area, where so many different countries with such different histories all share the same corner of the world, where the origins lie for so many other countries. Wherever you go, in North America, Asia, Australia, Africa or South America, it is always possible to encounter influences from Europe. This can be caused by colonization, by European settlers moving out of the continent, or for other reasons.This will remain the attraction of Europe. It remains fascinating for me that such a small continent, purely by its central geographical position, was able to have such an impact on the entire world. Although this will disappear within a few years, at the time of writing it is still incredible to be travelling around the continent and having to use different money, languages, and manners after every border crossed. Even though the euro might take away some of this romanticism, it will remain an adventure to travel around this continent for a long time to come. Therefore, I would like to invite to click on and visit the Diverse Continent! Go directly to: Africa Asia North America Oceania South America Join our mailinglist: If you want to be updated about developments at Around the World in 80 Clicks, subscribe! Your E-mail address: Travel Forum Join others in discussions on Europe Also on this site: read and sign the guestbook send us your suggestions ! send this site to a friend read about the background of this site publications on this site meet new friends for travel, dating or just fun! Around the World in 80 Clicks All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2005 Share your comments

Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Open Source Software Convention 2003 Home Registration Speakers Keynotes Tutorials Sessions At-a-Glance BOFs Community Meetings -- Events Community Software Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel Venue Map See & Do Press Mail List then put your text -- Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Directions | Room Sharing | Restaurants | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Event Headquarters Hotel Portland Marriott Downtown 1401 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97201 Phone: 503-226-7600 Fax: 503-221-1789 Nestled in a beautiful riverside location with picturesque views of the Willamette River, the Portland Marriott Downtown will serve as the headquarters hotel for the 5th annual O?Reilly Open Source Convention. With the convenience of a downtown location, the Portland Marriott also provides access to numerous downtown amenities, including the MAX Light Rail and an eclectic blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. -- Open Source Convention Room Rate Discounted Room Rate: $129.00 (This rate is for single, double, triple or quad occupancy. Looking for a roommate? ) The cutoff date to make your room reservations is Friday, June 13, 2003 . In order to receive the discounted room rate, you must identify yourself as attending the "O'Reilly Open Source Convention." Reservations received after the cutoff date of June 13, 2003 will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state & local taxes (currently 11.5%) in effect at time of check-in. Make your hotel reservations online: Portland Marriott Downtown Choose the red "Reserve a Room" button that appears at the top of the page. Enter Group Code: OAAOAAA (using the letter "o") to receive the O'Reilly discounted room rate. Choose your arrival and departure dates, and continue through the reservation system. An email confirmation will be sent to you confirming your hotel reservation at the Portland Marriott Downtown for the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. Make your hotel reservations by phone. Call: 1-800-228-9290 or call the hotel directly at (503) 226-7600. Alternative Hotels If you've waited to make your hotel reservations and find the headquarters hotel Sold Out, try these walking-distance alternatives. Residence Inn by Marriott 2115 SW River Parkway, Portland, OR Phone: 503-552-9500 Four Points by Sheraton 50 S.W. Morrison, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-0711 Days Inn City Center 1414 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-1611 Doubletree Hotel Portland Downtown 310 SW Lincoln, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-0450 Getting There Portland International Airport (PDX) The Portland Int'l Airport serves approximately 120 domestic and international cities by 17 commercial airlines. Arrival/Departure Information Direction To/From PDX Gate Locations at PDX Location of Car Rental Offices at PDX Ground Transportation Services at PDX MAX Light Rail For cheap & convenient transportation from the Portland International Airport (PDX) to Downtown Portland, hop aboard the Airport MAX light rail "Red Line". Service runs every 15 minutes. If you are staying at the convention headquarters hotel - Portland Marriott Downtown - you will want to exit the rail at the "Morrison downtown" stop. The Marriott is only a 6 - 8 minute walk South from the Morrison train stop. The fare for this ride is less than $2.00. Airport Shuttle Services The Portland Marriott Downtown provides an airport shuttle service. Cost is $15 per person. For airport pickup going to the Portland Marriott Downtown, you must make a reservation ahead of time by calling: (503) 740-0403. Driving Directions Visit the Marriott web site for customized driving directions from your unique starting point to the Portland Marriott Downtown. Click here for specific driving direction to the Hotel from the Portland International Airport. From the North (Seattle) Stay on I-5 South. Take the OMSI/Oregon City exit (#300B), remain in the right lane. Exit onto the Morrison Bridge, remain in the right lane. Take the ramp to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) which makes a sharp loop to the right, going back under the bridge. Head south on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway), the hotel is located 8 blocks on the right. From the South (Salem) Remain on I-5 North and as you approach closer to Portland remain in the extreme left lane. Take the Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) exit (#1a) which approaches rapidly. When you get to the stop light, cross Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) onto Clay Street. Remain on Clay and make a right on 2nd Avenue. Make a right on Columbia Street and follow it down to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway). The hotel's driveway is the second entrance on your right. From the East (Portland Airport) Follow the signs to I-205 South/Salem. Take the exit I-84 West to Portland. Remain in the left lane and follow the signs to OMSI/City Center. On the overpass, switch to the right lane and take the City Center exit that goes onto the Morrison Bridge. On the bridge, remain in the right lane and take the Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) exit, which makes a sharp loop to the right, going back under the bridge. Head south on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway), the hotel is located 8 blocks on the right. From the West (Oregon Coast) From Highway 26/Sunset Highway, take the Market Street exit (just through the tunnel). This will take you to 4th Avenue. Follow 4th Avenue to Columbia Street. Make a right on Columbia and follow it to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway). Make a right on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) and the hotel's driveway is the second entrance on the right. Parking Valet Parking Hotel Guest: $21.00 per night Visitor: $5.00 per hour (not to exceed $21.00 per day) Self Parking The Portland Marriott Downtown does not offer a self-parking service, however, there are several self-parking garages located adjacent to or within close walking distance to the hotel. 1st Street (between Clay & Columbia) (located directly behind the Hotel) Self-parking Garage. $12.50 per day. No security is available in this parking garage. Jefferson Street (between 1st & 2nd) (located 2 blocks away from Hotel) Self-parking Garage. $3.00/Hour (not to exceed $12.00/Day). No security is available in this parking garage. Please Note: Parking fees are approximate and completely subject to change without notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. We have set up a room-share mailing list to facilitate finding a suitable roommate. Please visit the Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. Restaurants within Walking Distance Visit the OSCON Restaurants page for a detailed listing of local restaurants within walking distance from the Portland Marriott Downtown. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Email: vivianv@sonic.net Phone: (707) 525-0550, Fax: (707) 525-0560 Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #01XY0021 . Air Travel United Airlines is offering attendees traveling to our event a 5% discount off of the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class, or a 10% discount off of the unrestricted mid-week coach fare. They will also offer an additional 5% off of those tickets purchased at least 60 days in advance. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express flights. You must refer to Meeting ID #510CS in order to receive the convention attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1-800-521-4041) this number. Our Environmental Commitment O'Reilly is committed to holding environmentally responsible events by using recycled products and choosing venues willing to partner with our Green efforts. Visit our Gone Green page for more information on the recycled products you'll receive at the convention. O'Reilly & Associates assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this convention releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this convention. O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2003, O'Reilly Media, Inc.

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