Germany & Berlin
As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defence organisations.
European power struggles immersed the country in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious allied powers of the US, UK, France and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German reunification in 1990. Since then Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages up to western standards. Germany is situated in the middle of Europe and its capital Berlin is easily accessible to everyone.
Today, Germany has over 80 million inhabitants and is part of the European Union. Germany is a modern industrial country with a long scientific tradition. Germany has for many years offered price stability, and it is one of the most visited countries in Europe. No vaccinations are required. Germany is not prone to natural disasters or social unrest. The cities are generally safe and everyone can move around freely and without hindrance.
Facts about Berlin
Berlin fascinates visitors with its contrasts and contradictions. It was the capital of Germany until 1945. After World War II, it became a city divided politically and by the famous Berlin Wall. When the border between East and West Berlin was opened on 9 November 1989, it marked the beginning of the end of the division of a nation which has existed since 1945. With the proclamation of the State Treaty between the two German states in October 1990, Berlin once again became a united city, and shortly after again capital of Germany.
With an area of 880 km2, and a population approaching 4 million, Berlin is Germany's largest city. Its inhabitants represent many nationalities, languages and cultures and give Berlin its cosmopolitan flair and flavour. East Berlin, once the capital of East Germany, is a fascinating mixture of historical Berlin and former socialist city, which is rapidly developing a new face. West Berlin, long famous for its diverse cultural and political life, has retained its brash, lively character.
Since November 1989 a lot of things have changed in both parts of the city, in both East and West. After 40 years of separation, the two Berlins are becoming one at a breath-taking pace. History is being made these days in Berlin and people living here are a part of it. Visitors to Berlin can experience this too.
The official city website - Berlin International >>
The official congress promoter - visit Berlin >>
Berlin - City of Contrast
Berlin has many faces. Visitors can wander about the museum village of the earliest Berlin settlement, through the lovely villa district of Dahlem, or promenade and shop in the elegant shops along the famous Kurfürstendamm and Unter den Linden. They can enjoy the colourful multicultural scene in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, or discover the rustic village character of the outer districts. With its rivers, lakes, canals, islands, parks and forests, Berlin also offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and take a break from the hectic pace of big city life.
Berlin Around the Clock
The cultural life of Berlin is rich and varied. There are museums appealing to every taste and interest including the renowned National Gallery, the Egyptian Museum (with the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti), the Bauhaus Museum, the Pergamon Museum and the exquisite porcelain collection at Palace Charlottenburg, to name just a few. Visitors from all over the world have come to Berlin to enjoy the famous nightlife. Berlin is open "round the clock" and that is no exaggeration! Numerous restaurants, pubs, cafés and bars offer local and international specialties, and Jazz clubs, cabarets, revues, discos and dance clubs keep up the beat until the early hours of the morning. Discover Berlin as the Metropolis between East and West, two cities becoming one!
"Berlin ist eine Reise wert". Indeed, Berlin is worth a trip.
Good to know
Currency
The German currency is the Euro (1 Euro = 100 cents).
Oanda quick currency converter >>
Banks
The most current foreign currencies (in cash or traveller checks) can be exchanged at most hotel cashier stations, and of course at any available bank.
Banking hours vary according to the bank used but the most common are:
- Monday - Friday 08:30-13:30
- Tuesday and Thursday 08:30-13:30 / 15:00-18:00
- Saturday - Sunday closed
Visas
You do NOT need a visa for Germany for business, personal visits or tourism if you are:
- a citizen of an EU country
- a citizen of Norway, Switzerland, Iceland
- from a country listed on the Foreign Ministry list
- not staying more than 90 days
In this case, a passport or ID Card valid for the duration of your stay is sufficient.
Citizens of other countries may need a visa. Please contact your travel agent or the nearest German diplomatic authorities for further information. If you should need a visa, please apply early enough to allow sufficient handling time to the authorities. You may ask the EULAR Organising Secretariat for an official letter of invitation (proof of registration required).
Climate
Berlin has a continental climate, temperate and marine with cool, cloudy, wet winters but pleasant and hot springs and summers. In June you can count on sunny weather and an average temperature of 22 to 25°C.
The weather in Berlin right now >>
Electricity
The standard voltage in Germany is 220 volts. Most hotels provide 110-vlt outlets for shavers.
Telephones
For calls to Germany, use the international code +49. The regional code for Berlin is 30. Calls from Germany follow international standard dialling rules.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, Eurocard/Mastercard, Diners Club) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Insurance and Liability
It is recommended that participants obtain adequate cover for travel, health and accident insurance before they depart from their country of residence. EULAR and MCI as organisers cannot accept responsibility for personal injuries, or loss of, or damage to, private property belonging to the congress participants and accompanying persons.
Shopping
Department stores and most shops are open from:
- Monday - Friday 09:00/10:00 - 20:00
- Saturday 09:00/10:00 - 16:00
- Sunday closed
Visitors from outside the European Union are able to reclaim the VAT on goods purchased, either at the airport or at the border. Refund application forms are taken care of on departure day. Look for the tax-free sign in shops and please remember to ask for the VAT reclaim form at the time of the purchase.
Time
Germany follows Central European Time (CET) which is GMT +1 hour in winter and GMT + 2 in summer.
Tipping
You are not expected to tip on top of restaurant service charges but you can leave a little extra if you feel service warrants it. If there is no service charge, the customer should consider leaving a 10% tip, but this is not obligatory. Tipping taxi drivers is not common practice, but you are expected to tip the porter at topend hotels.
Also see