I will be in Kiel, Germany. What can you tell me about drinking the water in Germany? I will be staying in a private residence. Also what about availability to use a US Credit card?
Thanks, Joyce

My husband stayed with a friend in Alsfeld, Germany.(plus Bonn) He did not have any trouble drinking the water in that home. Credit cards are taken at most major places. Some smaller stores, restaurants and attractions may only accept euros. Hope this helps.

ATMs, cash machines, issue euros at a good exchange rate, so I draw cash from them and then do not care whether pubs and other pleasant places take credit cards. Even when they do I prefer to pay cash. It is quicker, and the bank does not take a percentage off the vendor.

When I have to use a card, for example to book cinema seats or a hoitel room, I use a debit card, which takes a lower percentage from the vendor than does a credit card.

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The drinking water in Germany is perfectly safe, particularly in cities.

Water is the most highly controlled food in Germany!
The taste may differ in different regions but it will always be perfectly safe!

Amazing! Seemingly fastest growing business in Europe is bottled water.
I wonder if this is a fad similar to hula hoops? There are more personal safety concerns to worry about than the water quality. Check the automobile accident rates.

While living in Germany for several months in late 2002/early 2003, we drank plenty of tap water (perfectly fine) and mineral water. Most mineral water in Germany is sparkling. We didn't see much flat mineral water. Gerolsteiner is one of the most popular brands.
Re credit cards, our impression was that Germany is less "into" credit cards, especially in small towns, than other European countries. We ran into quite a few "cash only" places. The good news is that cash machines are nearly everywhere.