11+ things to know before traveling to Germany on your own

What to know before going to Germany, what to know before traveling to Germany, what to know when traveling to Germany? In this article we will together find out the answer for these questions with 11+ things to know before traveling to Germany!

If you’re planning your first independent trip to Germany, congratulations – the journey ahead is sure to be exciting, culturally rich, and… a little more packed than you think.
With a transport system famous for its punctuality, castles straight out of fairy tales, “famously” delicious beer, and a seemingly dry jungle of laws, Germany is an interesting mix of tradition and modernity, freedom and discipline. But that’s why, without careful preparation from the start, you can easily get “lost” in seemingly small things: from how to use train tickets, buy SIM cards, eat, to sorting trash at your Airbnb.

This article is all you need before flying to Germany – gathered from the practical experiences of many young Vietnamese people who have traveled independently to major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne… Join us to note down these 11 things so that your trip to Germany is both complete, free, and smooth.

Schengen Visa Is The First Step – And You Should Start From The German Embassy (#things to know before traveling to germany)

If you have a Vietnamese passport and plan to travel to Germany, a Schengen visa is required. Germany is a country in the Schengen area, so you can apply at the German Embassy or Consulate if this is the country you first enter or stay in the longest during your trip.

Basic documents include: passport valid for at least 6 months, standard ID photo, round-trip air ticket, confirmation of stay, international travel insurance and financial proof (savings book, salary confirmation, etc.). The visa application process usually takes 10–15 working days, so start at least 1 month before your trip.

You can apply directly through the VFS Global center and make an appointment online. If this is your first visa application or you are not familiar with the application, you should use a visa support service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Extremely Developed But Confusing Public Transport

Germany is famous for its convenient and extensive public transport network, from U-Bahn, S-Bahn trains to buses, trams and regional trains. However, unlike the imagination of “just buy a ticket and go”, in Germany, you need to clearly understand the type of ticket, the operating area and… remember to validate the ticket if necessary.

In big cities like Berlin or Munich, you can buy a day ticket, a regional ticket or use a card like the Deutschland Ticket (national ticket 49€/month – extremely economical if you stay long). If you are only staying for a few days, a group day ticket or City Card (which comes with a train ticket + museum discount) is a good option.

(*) Tip: always carry Google Maps + a local transport app (like BVG or DB Navigator) to check the real-time time. The train may be late, but… it may also leave earlier than expected if the station is not crowded!

Bring Some Cash!

Germany is one of the European countries that is still quite “traditional” in using cash (Bargeld). In many small eateries, farmers markets or public toilets, you still need coins or paper cash – and it will be a hassle if you only bring an international card.

However, for tourists, you can still pay with Visa/Mastercard, especially in big cities and major tourist destinations. Some large stores, train systems, mid-range restaurants have accepted payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay. So, prepare:

• An international card that can be used without OTP (choosing a debit card is more convenient than a credit card in Europe)
• A little cash: around 100–200€, enough for buses, small meals, or local cafes

(*) And don’t forget: many places don’t have a bill splitter, so if you’re in a group, remember to prepare small change or use a quick calculator app to split it evenly!

Using the Toilet in Germany: Not Always Free

This may seem like a small thing but it’s extremely practical. In Germany, most public toilets charge a fee – ranging from 0.50€ to 1€, even at train stations, rest stops, supermarkets or McDonald’s.

Modern toilet stations like Sanifair (often found at gas stations or the Autobahn) also give you a 0.50€ coupon to use in the store. Some supermarkets like REWE, Edeka or restaurants also have toilets for customers, but sometimes you have to make a purchase to use them for free.

(*) Tips:

• Always carry coins or a contactless card
• Take advantage of using the toilet at museums, shopping malls or restaurants where you eat
• Don’t “guess” – ask the staff or look for clear signs before entering

Germans Don’t Use Google Maps – Install DB Navigator & BVG Now!

If you think that Google Maps is all you need to travel around Germany, you will be quite confused. Google Maps does not update train delays/cancellations in real time in Germany, especially when there are strikes or line maintenance. Instead, locals use official apps like:

• DB Navigator: for long-distance trains (ICE, IC, RE), view timetables and book tickets
• BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich): for public transport in the city
• Flixbus app: if you are travelling long distances by cheap intercity buses

These apps are available in English, are easy to use, and are often more accurate than Google Maps. Don’t forget to download the offline version if you’re traveling to an area without a signal.

Sundays in Germany: Everything is Closed (Really!)

If you’re used to a 24/7 lifestyle, Sundays in Germany can be a bit of a culture shock. Supermarkets, shops, shopping malls – almost everything is closed, except for some pharmacies, small convenience stores at train stations or airports.

Germans spend Sundays resting, taking walks, visiting family or reading – you should also take advantage of this day to relax, go to the park, or visit museums that are still open.

(*) Little tips:

• Buy snacks, fruits and drinks from Saturday
• Check the schedule of the attractions you want to visit
• If urgent, visit the central station (Hbf) – the only place still open for eating and drinking

Respect the common space – “Silent Law” is a very German culture

Germans highly value privacy and order, especially in public spaces such as trains, libraries, museums or apartments. Talking loudly, playing music, making loud video calls in public places will be looked at unfavorably or even reminded directly. Especially if you stay in Airbnb, please note:

• Do not litter (should learn to classify trash by color)
• Limit parties, loud music after 22:00 (Quiet hours – Ruhezeit)
• Keep order in common stairs, elevators, hallways

Respecting common spaces is not just a rule, but a way for you to show yourself as a civilized tourist when coming to Germany. You don’t forget!

SIM & eSIM in Germany: Where to Buy, Which Type to Use to Avoid Trouble?

Unlike some Asian countries, buying a SIM in Germany is not as simple as “visiting a store and getting it right away”. Here, you will have to activate the SIM with your passport and verify your identity, even need to video call or go to the post office.

So, the easiest way is to buy a SIM or eSIM for tourists before flying. On Klook, you can find multi-country European eSIM packages, which can be used comfortably in both Germany and surrounding countries. Just scan the code and you have the network – no need to show your passport or complicated registration.

If you still want to buy in Germany, look for brands like Telekom, Vodafone, O2 or virtual carriers like Lidl Connect, ALDI Talk (cheap, can be bought at supermarkets). However, ask carefully about the procedure and activation time – sometimes you have to wait 1-2 days to be able to use the network.

Eating in Germany: Not Just Sausages and Beer!

When it comes to German cuisine, many people only think of grilled sausages (Bratwurst) and beer – but in fact, the food here is more diverse and easier to eat than you think. From Pretzel bread, grilled meat with mustard sauce, potato salad, to fried schnitzel or Berlin’s signature currywurst – you can choose freely without worrying about “hard to swallow”.

If you want to save money, you can have lunch at Imbiss (fast food stalls), food markets, or visit supermarkets like REWE, Lidl, Edeka to buy ready-made food. Each portion usually ranges from 3-6€, enough to fill you up, neat and convenient.

(*) A little note: Germans rarely use free water, so when ordering a drink, ask clearly what type of water (sparkling water – Sprudelwasser – or still water – Stilles Wasser) to avoid ordering the wrong thing. And if you are served well, don’t forget to leave a tip (about 5–10%) – although not required, it is a beautiful cultural feature that is highly appreciated.

Always Carry Your Passport When Traveling Between Cities

You can easily travel between cities in Germany by train or Flixbus, but remember that your passport is a mandatory document to carry with you, even if you are only traveling domestically.

The reason is that many stations or long routes have random checks, especially if you take the ICE, IC train or leave your current state. Forgetting to bring your passport can result in a fine or having to get off the train at the nearest station. So always:

• Keep your passport in a waterproof/compact bag
• Save a photo of your passport in your phone to prevent loss
• If you have an additional residence card or Schengen visa, don’t leave it in the hotel, keep it with your passport

What to Buy as a Gift from Germany: Don’t Just Think About Chocolate & Beer!

Gifts from Germany are not just about Ritter Sport chocolates or bottles of craft beer. You can choose items that are both beautiful, easy to carry, and typical such as:

• Zwilling or Victorinox knives (super sharp, better price than in Vietnam)
• Balea cosmetics, Nivea “made in Germany” or Lavera (organic)
• Fruit tea, hand-roasted coffee
• Herbal candies, pancake mix, special sea salt
• Even… traditional pottery from the Christmas market (if you go at the end of the year)

Additional suggestion: visit the dm, Rossmann or Galeria Kaufhof chains – where you can find enough interesting, quality gifts at affordable prices, and get a tax refund if you buy enough receipts (over 25–30€ depending on the place).

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Germany on Your Own

Do you need a visa to travel to Germany?

Yes. If you have a Vietnamese passport, you need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Germany. You should apply at least 1 month before your trip.

Which SIM or eSIM is best to use in Germany?

You can choose eSIM for European travel (sold on Klook) for convenience, no registration required. If you buy a SIM in Germany, major carriers include Telekom, Vodafone, O2. Note that you must verify your identity to use it.

Is it okay to use Google Maps in Germany?

Google Maps is okay but does not update train schedules in real time. You should use additional apps such as DB Navigator (train), BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich) for more accuracy.

Is cashless payment possible?

Yes, but not everywhere accepts it. Many smaller places only accept cash. Always carry some cash with you.

Can you buy things and get a tax refund in Germany?

Yes. If you buy goods over €25–30, keep the original receipt and passport, you can get a tax refund at the airport before leaving the EU.

Germany is not a “flashy” destination, but it is memorable for its ancient beauty, attention to detail, and unique culture. You will learn to respect the rules, understand more about punctuality, and sometimes laugh at the… “cold” but sophisticated culture here.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Berlin you can refer to

• Berlin Welcome Card with Optional Museum Island Pass
• Discover Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Potsdam Half Day Tour from Berlin
• East Berlin Half Day Walking Tour
• Berlin Friedrichstadt-Palast: Vivid Grand Show Ticket in Berlin
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Ticket in Berlin
• Berlin Red Buses Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
• Berlin Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• 4G WiFi (SG Delivery) for Europe
• 3G/4G SIM Card for Multiple European Countries (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Europe from Uroaming

Are you looking for more top things to do in Berlin: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And guide to Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Postdam, Bremen and Germany.