Overview

• Germany uses GSM 900 and 1800 frequency bands. The phone must be “unlocked” to accept German SIM card.
• You can buy the SIM card at airport, online, coffee shops, tabacs, super markets, etc.
• You can recharge the SIM online, super markets, tabacs, coffee shops, etc.
• The following are service providers in Germany for Prepaid SIM cards and Other Pay As You Go Options:
  • T-Mobile
    
  • Vodafone
    
  • O2

Tipping is optional in Germany.

• Restaurants: You can simply round up to the next Euro or add a few Euros preferably 5% to 10% for good service. Most restaurants, stores and even hotels only accept cash so carry ample and check about plastic payment before ordering. You will generally not get the check/bill; the waiter will tell you how much you owe instead. You can tell them the amount you would pay including the tip and hand it over to the waiter directly. They will return any change remaining.
• Bars: You may round up the amount or tip 5% to 10% of the total amount.
• Taxis: Tipping is not necessary but you may round- up the fare to the nearest Euro or tip 10% of the fare.
• Hotel Porters/Concierge: If you receive good service you can tip you porter between EUR 1.00 to 3.00 per bag. Your housekeeper should receive between EUR 3.00 and 5.00 per night and you can tip the concierge up to EUR 10.00 or 20.00 if they provided you with good service.