European Novice
 

I have a few general questions, and maybe one or two specific ones. I leave for Germany at the end of Dec. for severl months on business. My company is taking care of all of the hotel accomodations during our stay. One concern is what to do about currency. I am aware that the Euro currency will be in full swing by new year. Should I only be concerned with that particular currency? I spend most of the time in Germany, with a trip to Switzerland and Maybe one other country.<BR><BR>What about meals after a long travel day, and possibly a late night? We actually begin work in Russelheim? I am not exactly sure where that is.<BR><BR>I fly into Frankfurt, but must get to Langhenthal, Switzerland ( near Zurich)--what is the best/easiet mode of transportation?<BR><BR>Why I know a few words in German, and plan to learn much more of the language while there, how difficult will it be for me to arrange transprotation and collect my luggage after the flight?<BR><BR>Would a Eurorail pass be a good idea during my stay? How difficult it is to take a one or two day trip to another part of the country? <BR><BR>Sorry to ask so many questions, but I really need the feedback/advice. I do have friends who are German citizens, so if something really dire happened I could look to them for a helping hand. Any advice on money vs. credit cards, travel by trains, and hotel customs would be much appreciated. Thanks.

PMB,<BR>You ask good questions, but many that would probably be best answered with a good guidebook. My suggestion would be Rick Steves Europe Through The Backdoor. It is a book intended for first time European visitors and will answer questions regarding transportation, passes, money etc. You'll find many Europeans speak English, especially those working in ariports, train stations etc. They are often reluctant to speak for fear of not speaking perfect English, but you'll be able to communicate. Do know how to say hello, please, thank you and of course, how to ask for a beer!, before going. Get a German phrase book, and 2 good ATM cards before you go. Eating late won't be a problem.<BR>Have a great time!

The Euro will indeed be in full swing commencing January 1, 2002 but not in Switzerland which has not adopted it. You'll encounter the Swiss franc when there.<BR><BR>Europeans dine much later in the evening than do Americans. You should have little or no trouble with late dining.<BR><BR>Ruselsheim is almost due southwest of both Frankfurt and its airport. It's about an hour's train ride from Frankfurt.<BR><BR>Rail is the best mode of transport from Frankfurt to Langenthal. Langenthal is ideally situated since it's about the same distance from Langenthal to Bern, Basel, Luzern or Zurich. The Swiss rail system is excellent (as is the German rail system).<BR><BR>Language should not cause a problem for you; most Germans in the tourist and travel industries speak English well. So too do the Swiss.<BR><BR>I wouldn't commit to a Eurail pass initially if you're going to be using it just for weekend tourist travel. The German rail system has special steeply discounted rates for weekend travel that won't necessitate a Eurail pass. You might check with your company as to their recommendations for rail passes for business travel; I assume they'll pick up that.<BR><BR>A few final suggestions. Pick up a copy of the Michelin Road Atlas for Europe. It will be a big help to you in planning any weekend getaways.<BR><BR>Visit your library or large chain bookstore and check the contents of the Michelin Green Guide to Germany, Fodors, Frommers and the Insight Guides to Germany and any other countries of interest to you. Invest in the one or ones you're most comfortable with. Finally, familiarize yourself with the German rail networks website. It's extremely comprehensive and accurate and includes schedules for all of Europe, not just Germany. You'll find it, in English, at: http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en<BR><BR>Feel free to drop me an Email if you've any questions.

Thank you so much for the response(s) to Germany/Switzerland questions. I do own the FODOR'S 2000 European guide. I had picked it up a few months ago, when I thought I was planning an early summer vacation. I am one of those people who just likes to do a lot of research before I delve in--I feel more comfortable. It is so very helpful to get first hand experiences. The Fodor's guide is full of info, but now that I have specific plans; I can narrow my search.<BR><BR>"wanttohelp" and Wes Fowler, I think I will look into getting both the Rick Steves...Back Door and both the Michelin atlas/Green Guid To Germany--excellent directions. I had also started a German language tutorial on my computer, and invested in a pocket term guide. It is my goal to converse on, at least, a basic level and be able to understand--even if I don't have the perfect reply. I had noted the German Rail website, and give that a good read. <BR><BR>If you have any other info you'd like to share, feel free. I too will send any specific questions via the "travel talk" section. Again, thanks for the advice.

Money wise i would suggest you use the local ATM to draw from your account back home. In this way you get a better rate and you don't have to carry so much cash around. <BR>During our recent trip(last month), that's what we did. we changed about 500DMs and then used the ATMs to draw the money. during our side trips to Austria, Swiss & France, we just used the ATMs to withdraw the money & the exchange rate is favourable even deducting 2% service charge.<BR>You may wish to visit my website for more info on our recent trip to germany. : www.vgpma.com/travel

I might take issue with the statement about late night dining in Germany. I usually eat at 9 or so in the evening in the US, admittedly late for some people, but found that in Germany dining was pretty early -- except for the major cities. When we arrived in Berchtesgaden, for example, we checked into our hotel and went downstairs to have dinner at 7:45 and found that the dining room closed at 7:30. The two nearest restaurants were also closed when we got there -- 8:00 by then. And this was in the height of their summer tourist season! This has often been my experience in smaller towns of Germany, but there is usually somewhere that will be open later.

Victor: Thanks for the advice on money exchange and ATMs. That is a concern/question I have. I also wonder about credit cards? People have suggested that you put all of your charges on one card--easy way to keep track of spending. There is also the question of Travs. Cheques? I will look at your web site.<BR><BR>Patrick: I had a feeling that might be the case about late night dining. I will be in Germany (majority of the time); Switzerland; and the Netherlands a total of 5+ months. A lot of the towns/cities will not be in the metro. area most of the time. I will be working late and want to know that I can grab something after I'm done--perhaps I should just count on a preplanned snack? Thanks for your reply.

hm, restaurant closed at 7:45. am or pm? For even in small villages the restaurants etc. are open till 11 or 12, the kitchen usually till 10 pm. I think there is no prob to find somthing to bit.<BR>Guten Appetit<BR>Gar

I live in Germany and would like to answer a few of your questions: 1. make sure your atm card is an international point of sale card with a 4 digit pin number, the european atms usually go to the primary account which here is checking. There is no such thing as a quick bite to eat in this country. Many of the locals do eat a little later around 7-8 but after 10 you will hard pressed to find anything open. Also, most businesses do not take credit cards and if they do they will charge you a processing fee. The germans are a cash and carry society, so if you bring credit cards bring a visa and an a mastercard, you should be able to at least use of them. Your post stated that you will be in small villages, you may find a Donerkabob shop (gyros) that is open a little later...As for currency it is best to be ready for the euro and then get the swiss stuff as needed be sure to spend as much of your change as possible as you cannot convert it back to dollars. If you have any other questions please feel freee to post as I cruise this web site alot, I have become addicted to this website.

MH: Thanks for the advice on the "point of sale" ATM card. Also, it is good to know about the cash and carry. Yes, most of the time, we will be an hour outside the major cities. We do go to Amsterdam for two weeks--the trip really is concentrated in Germany though.<BR><BR>Since the majority of my time will be spent in hotels, I'm just trying to be up on the local customs--tipping, attire, meal times, etc. I'm sure I will have many more questions at time draws near and I continue to stumble across things in my reading.