Germany: Tipping & Etiquette

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

Germany Traveler Article: Germany: Tipping & Etiquette (Trip Advisor)

Tipping and Service in Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, etc. Service and VAT are included in the menu price in restaurants, bars, etc. all over Germany. Still, it is typical to "round up" the amount to some more-or-less round figure. A rule of thumb is to add 5-10%, generally ending with a full Euro amount.

Caveat: it is not typical to be given a check, then leave your money on the table. You have to tell the amount including tip you want to pay before you pay (via cash or credit card)

How You Pay: Typically, the waiter/waitress always comes to you and tells you your total. You then tell him/her how much you will pay, i.e. the amount you owe plus any "rounding up" -- for example, the waiter/waitress might say "€7.60;" you hand him/her a €10 note and say "9 Euros." S/he then will give you €1 in change.

Tipping in Germany and tipping in some other countries, such as the United States, are totally different. In Germany, waitresses are paid more and so the tips are smaller compared to the USA. Nevertheless, the 5-10% rule of thumb still applies. If you want to tip less (according to some advice on the net) be prepared to appear stingy.

Credit Cards: While Germany is a leader in many areas of technology, it is decidedly not so in credit card acceptance. When eating out, visiting any store or trying to pay for just about anything, don't be surprised if the response to your credit card is "Nein."

Most Germans still settle in cash or rely on debit cards called "EC" or "electronic cash" cards which are not logo-bearing and do not work like credit cards. While some hotels, restaurants and other venues will take credit cards, by far the majority does not.

When shopping or consuming anything, it's always wise to ask in advance, otherwise you'll be expected to pay in cash. Personal checks are no longer used in Germany (having been replaced by EC cards), and Traveller's Checks often carry a substantial "service charge" for cashing them.

Splitting a Check: This custom is not uncommon. Simply tell the waiter/waitress when paying what you are paying for, s/he will readily add up your amounts and present you with a personal total, which you should round up, as explained above.

The waiter/ress is likely to come up at the end of the meal and ask "All together?" or, in German "Zusammen?"

Customs: It is seen as a sign of hospitality and good breeding to invite guests to a meal. Older Germans sometimes almost "fight" for the honor or privilege of settling the bill. Among younger Germans, most

Page | 1 TICO#02716341

Food Service Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Water, Ice Water: Water is not free. If you order water you will be expected to pay for it as any other beverage ordered. It is not customary to serve or receive ice water upon arrival in any restaurant in Germany. If you order water, you will be asked whether you wish still or carbonated mineral water. In some you may request tap water, but the practice is uncommon and seen as cheap, if not downright rude. [In other places in Europe, like France, good drinkable tap water is available free in restaurants with no such negative impressions (eg: un carafe d'eau).]

Beverage and portion sizes: Soft drinks generally are served in 0,2 and 0,3 L sizes. Beer is usually served in 0,3 (small) or 0,5 Liter sizes (large), although in some areas of Germany a 1-liter glass is "large" but not extraordinarily so. The vat-sized softdrink containers found in the U.S. are largely unknown here, as is the "free refill" or bottomless cup concept, except in the venues of many American fast food chains, which have introduced this concept in Germany; so if you are handed an empty cup with your food, this means you have free refill. Coffee will in some restaurants be served either by the cup or by Kännchen (small pot - usually about 2 cups) and is always accompanied by cream and sugar. The same holds true for hot tea (where lemon is also readily available and usually served alongside without asking). Cocoa is usually a third option readily available in this manner, and is also readily available for breakfast in most places, especially if you have children in your party.

Table/cover fees: Bread, butter, rolls, table settings sometimes are added to the bill as a separate cover charge. This is not fraud, but customary in some areas, just as it is sometimes customary for guests staying for a longer stay and enjoying half-board or full board to reuse their cloth napkins for several meals. Please be aware that service in restaurants especially with a multiple course menu is decidedly more slowly than in the United States. It is not custom to leave your table for the digestiv.

Condiments: In some American fast food restaurants, (for example: McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's) you must pay separately for ketchup and/or mayonnaise . Be aware that the menus at most fast food restaurants in Germany are not exactly the same as they are in the U.S. . You may also notice that a sandwich that you recognize from "back home" may taste a little different or may be smaller.

Seating/Non-Smoking Sections: The concept of a "host" or "hostess" is unknown in all but the most exclusive restaurants in Europe, where the Maitre d' will personally seat you. In most restaurants, just walk right in and pick the table of your choice. Please note that in most parts of Germany smoking is not allowed in public buildings and inside restaurants/cafes. However in some regions there might be so called "Raucher clubs", i.e. small pubs etc. where smoking is still allowed but you have to become a member when entering.

The caveat applies: If you don't like the place, leave and go somewhere else. Making a "big stink" about smoking only brands you as a hapless tourist and does not endear you to anyone. Note also that in many restaurants it will be customary for you to allow perfect strangers to join you if you are seated at a table larger than your party; this holds particularly true in beer gardens and vineyard restaurants. Instead of

Page | 2 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

objecting, look at the practice as an opportunity to get to know locals and/or make new friends - after all, isn't that what visiting a foreign country is all about?

Stammtisch: Many smaller restaurants will have a table used by regulars from a company, a society etc. Such tables will usually have a "Stammtisch" label. You should not try to sit at such a table without checking with a waiter / waitress.

Service: Unlike other countries, such as the USA, customer service is often not a high priority in Germany. Although Germans themselves are very friendly and hilfsbereit (helpful), people working in customer service roles can often be quite rude. Don't be personally offended if someone seems dismissive or unhelpful; it simply is not expected or demanded as much as it would be in places such as the United States.

Germany Traveler Article: Germany: Emergencies

Emergency Numbers (Valid anywhere in Germany)

 Police 110 or 112  Fire Brigade 112  Ambulance 112  Operator (0180) 2001033  National Directory Enquiries 11833  National Directory Enquiries (in English) 11837  International Directory Enquiries 11834

Roadside Assistance  Central Information ADAC (0180) 5 10 11 12  Road Assistance ADAC (01802) 22 22 22  Road Assistance ACE (01802) 34 35 36  Road Assistance AVD (0691) 66060

Other Important Numbers  Airborne Rescue Club (0711) 70 10 70  Emergency Poison Help Line (0761) 192 40  Berlin Lost Property (030) 69 65  Disabled Travelers (0511) 56 70  Goethe Institute (089) 15 92 10  Alcoholics Anonymous (089) 316 95 00  German Youth Hostel Association (05231) 99360  AIDS Help (030) 690 08 70

Page | 3 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

U.S. Embassies/Consulates in Germany Frankfurt (Consulate) Berlin (EMBASSY)

Gießener Str. 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Neustädtische Kirchstr. 4-5, 10117 Main Berlin Tel.: (069) 7535 - 0, Fax: (069) 7535- Tel: (030) 2385 174 2277

Dusseldorf (Consulate) Hamburg (Consulate)

Willi-Becker-Allee 10, 40227 Alsterufer 27/28, 20354 Hamburg Düsseldorf Tel.: (0211) 788 - 8927, Fax: (0211) 788 Tel.: (040) 411 71 100, Fax: (040) 411 - 8938 71 222

Leipzig (Consulate) Munich (Consulate)

Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Straße 4, 04107 Königinstraße 5, 80539 München Leipzig Tel: (0341) 213-840 (Within Germany)(089) 2888-0 After-hours emergencies only: (0341) (Outside Germany)+(49)(89) 2888-0 213-8413

* All embassies and consulates are closed on American and German holidays

Germany Traveler Article: Germany: Important Phrases Most Germans speak not only German (Deutsch), but also excellent English as a secondary language, especially younger Germans. Almost all Germans speak at least some English, although some may be shy about it. Many West Germans are also conversant in French, while many East Germans may be conversant in Russian. It is not uncommon for many Germans to be polyglots.

In the smaller towns in the black forest, English is limited except for the younger people. Most restaurant menus are in German and translations from a dictionary can be hard to find. Most waitresses will try and help but if they are busy this can be a hassle.

This one page phrasebook can be very handy when at the airport, restaurant, and hotel. Just print it out and you're on your way.

Page | 4 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

One Page German Phrasebook

WORDS AND PHRASES NUMBERS Pronunciation Man/Gent's Room Mann/Herren Man/Hair-ren One Eins Woman/Ladies Room Frau/Damen Frau/Dar- Two Zwei men Child/Children Kind/Kinder Three Drei

Hello (on the phone) Hallo Four Vier How are you? Wie geht's? Vee-gates? Five Fünf (informal) How are you? Wie geht es Vee gate ess (formal) ihnen? eenen? Do you speak Sprechen sie Sprecken zee Six Sechs English? Englisch? English? Hello (in person) Guten Tag Gutten Targ Seven Sieben Good evening Guten Abend Gutten Arbend My wife Meine Frau Miner Frau Eight Acht My husband Mein Mann Mine Man Nine Neun I understand Ich verstehe Ich fer-stay Ten Zehn I don't understand Ich verstehe das Ich fer-stay nicht dass nicht I don't know Ich weiß es nicht Ich vice ess Eleven Elf nicht Help! Hilfe! Hill-fer! Twelve Zwölf Thank you Dankeschön Danker-shern Thirteen Dreizehn Thank you very much Vielen Dank! Feelen Dank! Fourteen Vierzehn Where is....? Wo ist...? Voh ist...? The Train station Der Bahnhof Derr Barn- Fifteen Fünfzehn hoff Restroom Toilette/WC Toilet/Vay- Sixteen Sechzehn See The Airport Der Flughafen Derr Floog- Seventeen Siebzehn harfen The Post Office Der Post Derr Posst Eighteen Achtzehn I'm looking for... Ich suche... Ich soo-kerr... Nineteen Neunzehn I would like...please ich möchte...bitte Ich muk- Twenty Zwanzig ter...bi-tuh a glass of water ein Glas Wasser ayn glahs Thirty Dreissig vah-ser

Page | 5 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

"check" please (I Zahlen, bitte S(t)ah-len, Fourty Vierzig would like to pay, bit-tuh please) How do you say...in Wie sagt Vee sakt Fifty Fünfzig German? man...auf mahn...of Deutsch? Doitsch? What is...... ? Was ist...... ? Vass ist...? Sixty Sechzig

Who is...... ? Wer ist...... ? Verr ist...? Seventy Siebzig When is...... ? Wann ist...... ? Van ist...? Eighty Achtzig Why is...... ? Warum ist...... ? Varrum ist...? Ninety Neunzig Cell phone/Mobile Handy Handy One-Hundred Einhundert Train Zug Tsoog One- Eintausend Thousand Subway/Underground U-Bahn, S-Bahn Oo-barn, One-Million Eine Million Ess-Bahn Tram/Streetcar Straßenbahn Strassen- barn I'm ill Ich bin krank Ich bin crank I need... Ich brauche Ich brow-kerr Drugstore/Chemist's Apotheke Appo-taker Doctor Arzt Arr-st Hospital Krankenhaus Cranken- house

Germany Traveler Article: Germany: Banks & Money

The Deutsche Mark (DM) was the primary currency of Germany until 1 January 2002, when the Euro (€), currency of the European Union, was introduced into general circulation. The Deutsche Mark is no longer accepted anywhere in Germany, nor are any of the former currencies of any other members of the so-called "Euro Zone: such as the French Franc, the Dutch Guilder, Austrian Schilling, Italian Lira, etc. If you still have some of these banknotes, they are no longer valid or exchangeable in North America. However, in Europe it is still possible to exchange former currencies for Euros according to the Deutsches Bundesbank website (English version). Exchange policies vary by country and what particular banknotes you possess. Germany will continue to accept Deutsche Mark banknotes and coins for exchange into Euros, either in person at Bundesbank branches or by mail (details on their website).

Currency Exchanges (Geldwechsel) - You can find currency exchange desks at any airport you arrive into, most train stations (Bahnhof) in larger towns and cities and all banks or you can use your ATM card at most ATM's in Germany. ATMs are known in German as Bankomat. ATMs are multilingual so your Visa

Page | 6 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com or debit card should be used without problems. Some banks have a reciprocal agreement with other banks (for example Deutsche Bank with Barclays and Bank of America) which saves on bank charges when using the ATM. Check with your bank before you travel. Also big cities will have branches of major banks (eg Citibank) that may help you to get money with lower fees. Try to use main bank branches as ATMs at railway stations or convenience stores may charge extra.

With regards to currency exchange all banks and exchanges will display two figures - one is what they will buy your Dollars, Pounds, Franks, Pesos, etc. at; the other is what they will sell you Dollars, Pounds, Franks, Pesos, etc. for. Since you are trading a different currency into Euros, you will need to look at the rate posted under € - Sell, which is always higher than the rate posted under € - Buy.

Coins and Bills (Muenzen und Banknoten) - The Euro is circulated in denominations up to 500 Euro in coins of .10, .20, .50, 1, 2, and 5, and bank notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Larger notes over 100 Euro may not be readily accepted in some smaller restaurants or shops. ATMs will normally distribute notes up to €50. Changing money or traveller's cheques can be done in most major banks and also in airports, railway stations etc. Look out for the exchange rate though as it varies. To see photos of actual Euro notes, visit Euro Notes. For coins, look at Euro Coins. Note also that the motifs on coins vary from country to country within the European Union but are valid anywhere the Euro is accepted. (Do not be concerned that accepting a Euro in Greece, which has Hellenic themes on it, will not be valid in Germany.)

Be aware that CREDIT CARDS are not widely accepted in Germany. Especially, if you are from the UK or U.S it is important to know that smaller shops, such as bakeries, butchers, news agents, etc. only accept CASH or the German EC card (a bank card). It is always a good idea to check before you buy or sit down to a meal to ensure which type of payment is accepted or that your particular brand is readily accepted (American Express can be a problem). Be aware the American Express Card is only rarely accepted even by banks, the phone number on your card is generally useless. You cannot make collect calls from most German phones. If you got a German SIM card, it will not allow you to make collect calls. Most stores and restaurants will display the logos of the brands they accept on their door(s), but it is still wise to ask before ordering. Most petrol stations accept nearly every type of credit card offered.

As of 2015 credit cards, e.g. Mastercard were accepted almost everywhere - BUT you must have a 4 digit pin to enter into the handheld transaction device as this has replaced the signature and provides added security. The transaction is still processed as a credit (not a debit). If you do not have a pin for your credit card be sure to get one before you get to Germany as the process can take a few days.

Traveller's Checks (Reiseschecks) - These are universally accepted throughout Germany, but here, as elsewhere in Europe, you will be charged a fee for their use which sometimes can be quite large. Ask before you sign a check!

Page | 7 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

Belgium Traveler Article: Belgium: Tipping & Etiquette (Trip Advisor)

Tipping is not common in Belgium. Restaurant, taxi and hairdresser bills include the service charge. Service staff in Belgium are well-paid, in comparsion with those in the USA, and do not rely on tips to make up their income.

However, if you are very happy with the service you got, leaving a few Euros (or to round up your bill) as a tip is the way forward, but think of 10% as the maximum to leave (i.e. when you receive exceptional service).

In some of the touristy places in Brussels, you may find that the staff 'expect' you to tip more. You are under no obligation and are well-advised to stick to your guns.

Belgium Traveler Article: Belgium: Emergencies

The emergency number in Belgium is 112. You can dial it from any telephone, free of charge

If you get into a car accident, call the police immediately except when it's a minor accident and you can fill in the paperwork yourself.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you need to go to the nearest police station to report it. The police will issue you with a crime reference number and documentation. Take this to your national embassy in order to obtain an emergency passport, enabling you to return home.

Don't hesitate to contact your hotel receptionist or host to call a doctor in case of acute illness.

Belgium Traveler Article: Belgium: Telephones

32 ( three two ) The International Telephone Country Code for Belgium.

00 ( zero zero ) is the International Outgoing ( Dialing ) Code you use to call overseas from 'within' Belgium.

Telephone numbers look like this: 081 00 0000 When calling from outside Belgium, dial +32 81 00 00 00. When calling from anywhere in Belgium, dial +32 81 00 00 00. The prefix 081 is the area code and should be substituted, depending on the municipality you're calling.

To find a phone number in Belgium check www.1207.be

Page | 8 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

Public telephones accept coins, phone cards (available in bookstores and post offices) and Belgian cash cards (Proton).

Cell phones (called GSM) are widely used (technologies used are GSM and 3G). You can rent a cell phone at the airport from www.locaphone.be, for use inside or outside Belgium. Alternatively, if you plan to stay longer in Belgium, you can buy a cell phone with a prepaid card. You can buy a cell phone with the activation card and a prepaid card in any phone store, you should pay no more than 80€ for an adequately functional phone. Topping up your phone credit can be done through most Belgian ATMs or on-line.

The 3 Belgian cell phone operators offer prepaid card programs:

-Proximus: Pay & Go ( www.proximus.be)

-Mobistar: Tempo ( www.mobistar.be)

-Base: BASE Advantage Bundles ( www.base.be)

Call rates from hotel rooms are very high and you should avoid this method of communication, except in absolute emergency.

Belgium Traveler Article: Belgium: Banks & Money

Belgium is one of the 15 countries that use the Euro as its national currency.

The Euro (€) is a decimally-based currency, 1€ comprising of 100 cents.

Coins - 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, 1 and 2€

Notes/Bills - 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500€

You can exchange your foreign currency for Euros at the usual outlets, banks, post offices and foreign exchange counters. Banks are generally open 9:30 to 16:00 Monday through Friday. Post Offices in Belgium are open 9:00 to 17:45 Monday to Friday and 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturday in the larger towns and cities.

Credit cards are widely used and accepted in Belgium, VISA is the credit card of choice, but MasterCard will be accepted in most outlets. American Express and Diners Club are not as widely accepted.

Page | 9 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

For the tourist, debit cards should be enabled on the Maestro or Cirrus network in order that you can use these in Belgium. Proton, Bancontact and Mister Cash are Belgium's three debit networks, but these are only available to use if you hold a Belgian bank account.

Belgium Traveler Article: Belgium: Important Phrases

The residents in the Southern portion of Belgium (Wallonia) speak French. The residents in the Northern portion (Flanders) speak Flemish, which is the same language as Dutch. About 10,000 people living on the Eastern side of Belgium (cities of Eupen, Malmedy, St Vith) speak German. The three official languages are therefore French, Dutch and German.

Brussels is somewhat 1/2 & 1/2, very few people speak 'Brusseils' (a mix of French and Dutch - you are likely to find them in the neighborhood Les Marolles) and many people in Brussels speak English.

The Flemish are likely to try and switch to English as soon as they notice you're a foreigner. In general, they have a much better knowledge of English than the French speaking people. Language is a sensitive topic in Belgium. Do NOT use French in the northern (better organised, cleaner, larger and richer) part of the country, but stick to English or try some Dutch.

Important Phrases in Dutch

-Hello: Goeiedag

-Good evening: Goeden avond

-Bye bye: tot ziens

-Thank You: Dank u wel

-Please: alstublieft

-Excuse me: sorry

-Where is....: Waar is...? (the nearest ATM: een bancontact)

-How much...: Hoeveel kost ....?

-French Fries with Mayonnaise, please: frietjes met mayonnaise, alstublieft!

-My name is: Ik heet.../Mijn naam is...

Page | 10 TICO#02716341

Royal Plaza, Unit 8, 10 Paisley Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2N6 Phone: (519) 826-4077 / Fax: (519) 826-5244 / 1-877-683-5742 (N.A.) [email protected] / www.agritourscanada.com

-I am from: Ik ben van...

Important Phrases in French

-Hello: Bonjour

-Good evening: Bonsoir

-Bye bye: Au revoir

-Thank You: Merci

-Please: S'il vous plait

-Excuse me: Excusez-moi

-I am looking for...: Je cherche...

-Where is....: Ou se trouve...? (the nearest ATM: le bancontact le plus proche)

-How much...: Combien coute...?

-French Fries with Mayonnaise, please: Une frite-mayonnaise, s'il vous plait!

-My name is: Je m'appelle...

-I am from: Je viens de...

-I am lost: Je suis perdu

Page | 11 TICO#02716341