If it’s your first time visiting Germany you might be wondering how to navigate the local customs and etiquette.
Well, you’re in luck!
This guide is designed just for you.
As German natives who have traveled intensively worldwide, we understand the subtle differences between cultures and how important it is to be aware of local customs. As a tourist, knowing the dos and don’ts can make your visit more enjoyable and respectful.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the key things you should never do when visiting Germany, from cultural faux pas to legal restrictions. Some of these points can be taken with a grain of salt 😉
these are the 19 most Common tourist Mistakes
1. Standing on the Left Side When Riding an Escalator
One thing you’ll quickly notice in Germany, especially in big cities like Berlin and Munich, is how seriously people take the “stand on the right, walk on the left” rule when using escalators. This unwritten rule helps keep things moving smoothly, especially during busy times when everyone’s trying to get somewhere fast.
The right side is where you stand still, while the left side is reserved for those in a rush, walking up or down the escalator.
If you block the left side, don’t be surprised if someone taps you on the shoulder and says, “Links stehen, rechts gehen” (stay on the left, walk on the right) —a friendly reminder to move over.
I remember my first time in Munich when I absentmindedly stood on the left side. The look of frustration from the commuters behind me was enough to make me quickly shuffle over to the right.
2. Not Taking off Your Shoes When Entering a House
In Germany when you’re invited to a private home, it’s generally expected that you’ll leave your shoes by the door. If you’re unsure whether to take off your shoes, just ask—most hosts will appreciate that you care.
3. Assuming You Can Pay with a Credit Card Everywhere
One thing that might catch you off guard in Germany is the fact that credit card acceptance isn’t as widespread as you might expect, especially compared to other countries.
While major cities and larger establishments are more likely to take cards, many small businesses, local shops, and even some restaurants still prefer cash. This is particularly true in more traditional or rural areas, but even in cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, you’ll find places that only accept cash.
Another thing to note is that American Express (AMEX) is not very common here. Even at places that do accept credit cards, AMEX is often not one of the options. It’s a good idea to always have some cash on hand, especially when you’re heading to smaller shops, local markets, or casual eateries.
We’ve had a few moments of stress when we tried to pay with our card and were met with a polite “Nur Barzahlung,” meaning “cash only.”
Carrying cash might seem a bit old-fashioned, but in Germany, it’s just part of daily life. You can get cash at the nearest ATM (= Bankautomat / Geldautomat).
So, when you’re out and about in Germany, don’t rely solely on your credit card. Bring some cash with you or get it at a to avoid any inconvenience.
And consider bringing another VISA or Mastercard when traveling to Germany, as AMEX is not widespread.
4. Speaking Loudly in Public Transportation
One of the first things you’ll notice when riding public transportation in Germany, especially on the Deutsche Bahn, is just how quiet it is. Germans value their peace and quiet, particularly in shared spaces like trains and buses.
It’s almost an unspoken rule to keep your voice down, and loud conversations are generally frowned upon. If you’ve ever been on a packed train in a major city, you know how noisy it can get, but in Germany, even when the train is full, there’s a noticeable hush.
The Deutsche Bahn even takes this a step further by designating certain carriages with a “Silence” sign (Ruhebereich) where talking is discouraged altogether. These are perfect if you want to read, work, or just relax without any disruptions. On the other hand, there are also “Talking” sections (Gesprächsbereich) where conversation are not a problem, but even here, people tend to keep it to a low volume.
5. Do Not Throw Your Trash in the Same Bin
In every home, public place, and even on the streets, you’ll find multiple bins designated for different types of waste—paper, glass, plastic, and organic waste all have their own separate containers.
This system makes recycling much easier. Sometimes there are even pictures on the bins that help you figure out which type of waste goes in which container, making it more convenient to dispose of items correctly.
6. Do Not Turn Right on a Red Light With Your Car
One traffic rule that often surprises visitors in Germany, especially those from the US, is the strict prohibition against turning right on a red light.
Unlike in the US and many other countries, where turning right on red is a common practice, in Germany, you must always wait for the green light or a green light in the shape of an arrow.
7. Walking on Bike Paths as a Pedestrian
In German cities, bicycle lanes are as common as sidewalks. Cyclists use these lanes to get around quickly and efficiently, and they expect them to be clear of pedestrians.
Walking in a bike lane can be more than just a minor inconvenience—it can be hazardous. Cyclists may not have enough time to stop or swerve if they suddenly find a pedestrian in their path, leading to potential accidents.
I’ve seen more than a few close calls where tourists, unfamiliar with the local rules, casually strolled into a bike lane, only to be met with the sound of a bell or a shouted warning from a speeding cyclist.
In cities like Bamberg, Göttingen or Munich, where biking is a popular mode of transport, these lanes are often busy, especially during peak hours. The bike paths are usually marked by a bike symbol on the pavement or sometimes just a different color or texture from the main walkway, making them easy to spot.
When crossing a bike lane, look both ways, just as you would before crossing a street. Even if it seems empty, it’s better to be cautious, as bikes can come up quickly and quietly.
8. Assuming Your Train Will Be on Time
Germans have a reputation for being punctual, valuing timeliness in both professional and personal settings. However, when it comes to the train system, this stereotype doesn’t always hold true. Delays can and do happen more often than you might expect.
If you’re planning a trip and need to make tight connections or have important appointments, it’s a good idea to build some extra time into your schedule. Relying on the train being perfectly on time, especially during peak travel seasons or bad weather, can lead to unexpected stress and missed connections.
We’ve learned this the hard way. There was a time when we had a connecting train in Frankfurt, and gave ourselves just a few minutes to make the switch. Of course, our first train was delayed by about ten minutes, and by the time we got to the platform, our train was long gone. Lesson learned—now we always allow at least 15-30 minutes of buffer time for connections.
Another thing to keep in mind is that delays are often announced only in German, which can make it tricky for non-German speakers. It’s helpful to keep an eye on the train schedule boards and look for the word “Verspätung,” which means delay. If you see it, check the new departure time, and adjust your plans accordingly.
9. Not Having an ID with You
In Germany, it’s required by law to carry an ID with you at all times. This might sound surprising, especially if you’re coming from a place where this isn’t the norm.
Personally, we’ve never ever been stopped in public and asked to show our ID. For the most part, day-to-day life goes on without needing to flash your ID anywhere.
However, there are situations where it’s essential to have it. For example, when we travel by train to neighboring countries like Switzerland, we’ve experienced passport checks. Also during a traffic stop by the police, you will usually be asked for your ID and driver’s license.
10. Smoking in Public Areas is not allowed
You’ll find that smoking is generally not allowed in places like restaurants, public buildings, transportation hubs, and bars.
When it comes to bars and clubs, smoking is also generally not allowed inside. However, there is an exception known as a “Raucherkneipe,” which is a type of bar that permits smoking. These places are usually smaller, older-style bars where smoking is still allowed, but they are becoming less common.
At train stations, there are dedicated spots marked with yellow lines where smoking is permitted. These areas are usually found on the platforms and are clearly marked, making it easy to find where you can light up without breaking the rules.
11. Overtaking on the Highway (Autobahn) on the Right Side
One important rule to remember when driving in Germany, especially on the Highway (= Autobahn), is that overtaking should always be done on the left side. Passing vehicles on the right is not only frowned upon but is actually illegal and can result in hefty fines.
On German highways, the general flow of traffic keeps slower vehicles to the right and faster-moving vehicles to the left. If you’re not actively overtaking, you should stay in the right lane to allow faster drivers to pass on the left.
12. Assuming That Public Restrooms Are for Free
If you’re traveling in Germany, don’t be surprised when you find that public restrooms often come with a small fee. It’s quite common to be charged anywhere from 50 cents to one Euro to use facilities in places like train stations, shopping centers, and sometimes even in restaurants.
Personally, we always make sure to have some loose change in our wallets when we are out and about, just in case.
Some restrooms, especially those at train stations or at the highway have machines which will give you a receipt or voucher that can sometimes be used as a discount at nearby stores or cafés, so at least you get a little something back!
In larger cities, you might find automated turnstiles or gates at the entrance to restrooms, where you’ll need to insert a coin to gain access. It’s also common to see a small dish where you can leave a tip if there’s an attendant on duty.
13. Trying to Buy Groceries on a Sunday
One thing that often surprises visitors to Germany is that most stores are closed on Sundays due to labor laws. This tradition of “Ruhetag,” or rest day, is taken seriously, and it’s meant to give everyone—from shop workers to customers—a day off to relax. So, if you’re planning to do your shopping on a Sunday, you might be in for a surprise when you find the doors locked.
To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend that you plan your shopping accordingly. Make sure you have enough supplies to get through the weekend, especially if you’re hosting guests or planning to cook a big meal. Small shops may already close on Saturday afternoon. So it’s a good idea to get everything you need before the weekend starts.
There are a few exceptions, though. Some bakeries, especially in larger cities, open for a few hours on Sunday mornings to sell fresh bread and pastries. Also, convenience stores at train stations and some petrol stations might have a limited selection of essentials available. However, these options can be more expensive and might not offer everything you need.
14. Wearing a Bathing Suit in Saunas
If you’re planning to visit a sauna, be prepared for a different experience than you might be used to. In German saunas, it’s customary to be nude. Wearing a bathing suit is often not allowed.
Initially, this can feel a bit intimidating if you’re not used to it, but nudity in German saunas is seen as completely natural and is not sexualized. The focus is on relaxation, health, and the therapeutic benefits of the sauna, rather than appearance. Both men and women use the same saunas. But there are also often specific times or sessions reserved for women only, if you feel more comfortable with that.
15. Throwing Plastic Bottles in the Trash and Not Using the Deposit System
When you buy bottled drinks, whether it’s water, soda, or beer, you pay a small deposit, usually between 8 to 25 cents, on top of the purchase price. This deposit is refundable, but only if you return the empty bottle or can to a recycling point.
Returning bottles is straightforward—most supermarkets and many convenience stores have Pfand machines where you can deposit your empties and get a receipt for the refund. You can use these receipts at the store checkout like cash.
Simply throwing these bottles into the trash would not only wasteful but also costly. You’re essentially throwing money away!
16. Using the Subway Without a Valid Ticket
Using public transportation without a valid ticket is a serious offense, commonly known as fare dodging or “Schwarzfahren.”
It’s not something that’s taken lightly—getting caught without a ticket can lead to severe fines and, in some cases, even legal trouble. Always make sure to buy and validate your ticket before boarding any subway or tram to avoid these hefty penalties.
German public transportation operates on a trust-based system, meaning there are no turnstiles or barriers to stop you from getting on a train or bus. However, don’t mistake this for a free ride.
Plainclothes ticket inspectors frequently board trains and buses, checking for valid tickets. These inspectors are quite thorough and appear randomly, so there are chances of getting caught if you don’t have a ticket. The fines for fare dodging can be steep, often starting around 60 euros and increasing if you’re caught repeatedly.
If you couldn’t get a ticket beforehand, don’t worry—some trams and buses are equipped with vending machines where you can purchase a ticket on board. These machines are usually found near the doors, but it’s important to buy your ticket as soon as you board, and then validate it immediately to avoid any misunderstandings with inspectors.
17. Not Showing Respect at Historical Monuments
Germany is home to many historical monuments and memorials, each with a deep and often solemn significance. These sites, such as the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, war memorials, and other landmarks, command respect. It’s important to remember that these are places for reflection and remembrance, honoring the past and the people who suffered or fought for the country.
When visiting these monuments, always refrain from inappropriate behavior. Climbing on statues, making loud noises, or treating these sites like playgrounds is seen as disrespectful. Even seemingly harmless actions, like taking playful selfies, can be viewed as offensive, particularly at sites related to tragic events or loss of life.
18. Assuming Your Hotel Will Have AC
One thing that can catch travelers off guard in Germany is the lack of air conditioning in many hotels. Unlike in some other countries where AC is a standard feature, in Germany, it’s not as common, especially in older buildings and smaller, family-run hotels. During the summer months, when temperatures can rise, it’s a good idea to check if your accommodation offers air conditioning before you book, especially if you’re not accustomed to higher temperatures.
We’ve experienced a few sleepless nights during unexpected heatwaves because we assumed the hotel would have AC. Instead, we found ourselves relying on a small fan or trying to catch a breeze through an open window. While these alternatives can work, they’re not always as comfortable as a cool, air-conditioned room. Some hotels might provide fans upon request, but these can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.
If air conditioning is important to you, make sure to read the hotel descriptions carefully or call ahead to confirm. You’ll often find that larger chain hotels and newer establishments are more likely to have AC, while smaller inns, hostels, and historic buildings may not. Additionally, consider bringing lightweight clothing and staying hydrated to cope with the warmer temperatures in summer time.
19. Assuming You Get Ice for Your Drinks
If you’re used to having your drinks served over ice, Germany might surprise you. Unlike in some other countries, where ice-filled glasses are the norm, drinks in Germany are typically served without ice. Whether you’re ordering water, soda, or even a cocktail, don’t expect to find your glass brimming with ice cubes. If you prefer your drinks chilled, you may need to specifically request ice.
Final thoughts: What to Avoid as a Tourist in Germany
While it’s important to be aware of these common mistakes, remember that not every misstep will lead to a major problem.
Some of these points can be taken with a grain of salt, so don’t stress too much.
Here are the top 5 that you should avoid as a tourist in Germany:
- Assuming You Can Pay with a Credit Card Everywhere
- Walking on Bike Paths as a Pedestrian
- Not Taking off Your Shoes When Entering a House
- Standing on the Left Side When Riding an Escalator
- Speaking Loudly in Public Transportation
Enjoy your time in Germany and have fun exploring all the amazing things this country has to offer!
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