Questions and Answers

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

First time to Germany? Unsure about this or that? Reading contradicting advice? Need suggestions on places to eat? Cultural or etiquette concerns? The following are some of the common questions our guests have…

Q) Can I pay with US Dollars? Sterling? Magic beans?

A)The currency in Germany, as it is in the rest of the EU is the Euro – €. For more info, click here.

Q) Can you recommend somewhere good in Munich for food and drink? We are headed to Berlin after Munich; you got any suggestions for there?

A) Sure, plenty. For Munich, click here. For Berlin, click here. To read about German food, click here. For delicious, health-giving beer and other beverages, click here.

Q)So we have been to one of the places you recommended and now we are paying up. How can I do that? Do I tip them or is that included?

A)Good questions. Best you click here

Q)We are considering going to Oktoberfest this year. Any tips, anything we should know?

A)Tips; plenty. Take a look here

Q) Is it true I have to pay to use the restroom in a bar or restaurant?

A) The bathroom is technically free. However, you will very often find a cleaning lady sitting next to a little table with a plate with coins in. The coins are invariably €1 and €2 – the highest denomination Euro coins. This is a ruse. 20 or 30 cents is fine: she is not working solely for tips, she will be on the payroll. When Taff worked as chef in Berlin, the cleaning girls made more than he did cooking. After putting your smaller denomination coins on the plate, as you turn your heel, you will simultaneously hear “Danke” and the sound of those coins being removed so that only the €1 and €2 coins remain. You will find on rare occasions that your bar or cafe restroom has a turnstile. This is to stop non-customers using the facilities for free. Ask your waiter and they will usually give you a token.