Germany Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Germany.
Healthcare System
Germany has a world-class healthcare system with universal coverage for residents and a mix of public and private hospitals. Medical facilities are modern, well-equipped, and staffed by highly trained professionals. Both emergency and routine medical care are readily available throughout the country.
Hospitals
Major cities have numerous hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments (Notaufnahme). University hospitals (Universitätsklinikum) typically have the most comprehensive services and English-speaking staff. Private clinics are also available for non-emergency care. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheke) are easily identified by a red 'A' sign and are widely available. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many over-the-counter medications available elsewhere require prescriptions in Germany. Each area has a rotating 'Notdienst' (emergency pharmacy) open outside regular hours - check the notice on any pharmacy door or call 116 117.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is mandatory for non-EU visitors applying for a Schengen visa and highly recommended for all travelers. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card. While emergency care will be provided, you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance documents with you at all times
- For non-emergency medical advice, call 116 117 to reach the on-call doctor service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst)
- Prescription medications should be brought in original packaging with a doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Germany and of excellent quality
- Pharmacies require prescriptions for many medications that might be over-the-counter elsewhere, including some antibiotics and stronger pain relievers
- Download the 'Apotheken-Notdienst' app to find emergency pharmacies near you
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists, particularly in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist hotspots. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Bicycle theft is extremely common in German cities, with thousands stolen annually. Both rental bikes and private bicycles are targets, even when locked.
Theft from parked vehicles, particularly rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates, occurs at tourist sites and parking areas. GPS devices and visible luggage are common targets.
While relatively rare, drink spiking has been reported in nightlife areas, particularly targeting solo travelers. Incidents are more common during major events and festivals.
Germany has extensive cycling infrastructure, but accidents involving tourists unfamiliar with cycling rules and right-of-way conventions do occur. Bike lanes are taken seriously and pedestrians walking in them can cause collisions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists asking them to sign a petition for a charity or cause (often claiming to be deaf or supporting disabled people). After signing, they demand a donation. While you're distracted, accomplices may pickpocket you.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit money or drugs. They may flash fake badges quickly. While 'inspecting' your wallet, they steal cash or cards.
Some taxi drivers, particularly at airports and train stations, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken and quote inflated prices, or add fake surcharges. This is more common with unlicensed cabs.
Some tourist-area restaurants add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or water that should be free, or add excessive 'service charges.' Waiters may also shortchange you when giving cash back.
Operators run shell games or card games on streets, often with accomplices posing as winners to lure tourists. The game is rigged, and you cannot win. Aggressive demands for money follow if you try to leave.
Promoters outside clubs offer 'free entry' or 'VIP treatment,' then once inside, you're presented with minimum drink charges, mandatory coat check fees, or inflated cover charges that weren't mentioned.
Someone approaches and ties a bracelet or gives you a flower, then demands payment. They may become aggressive or claim you damaged it if you try to remove it.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation Safety
- Validate your ticket before boarding - ticket inspectors are common and fines are €60
- Watch for pickpockets on crowded U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram services, especially during rush hour
- Keep bags in front of you and zipped closed on public transport
- Avoid empty train cars late at night; sit near other passengers or the conductor's cabin
- Be cautious at major train stations late at night, particularly in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin
- Download the DB Navigator app for real-time public transport information
- Emergency help points are available on all platforms - look for the SOS button
Driving Safety
- Autobahn sections without speed limits still have recommended speeds (130 km/h); drive according to conditions
- Stay in the right lane except when passing - left lane discipline is strictly enforced
- Winter tires are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, ice) from November to April
- Environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in cities require an emissions sticker - rental cars should have these
- Never drink and drive - the legal limit is 0.05% BAC (0.00% for new drivers), and penalties are severe
- Highway rest stops can be isolated - park in well-lit areas and don't leave valuables visible
- Keep your driver's license, rental documents, and insurance papers with you always
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Check that doors and windows lock properly upon arrival
- Be cautious of 'helpful strangers' who follow you to your accommodation
- Don't announce your room number publicly or leave key tags visible with room numbers
- Use official taxi services or hotel shuttles when arriving late at night
- Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and meeting points
- Keep emergency numbers and your embassy contact information written down
Money and Documents
- Make copies of your passport, visa, and important documents; store separately from originals
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible to avoid card skimming
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry a mix of payment methods - while cards are widely accepted, some smaller establishments prefer cash
- Be discreet when accessing money; don't count large amounts in public
- Use hotel safes or secure money belts for excess cash and backup cards
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
Cultural Awareness and Local Laws
- Jaywalking is illegal and taken seriously - always use crosswalks and wait for the green light
- Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are typically 10pm-6am and all day Sunday - keep noise down in residential areas
- Nazi symbols, salutes, and Holocaust denial are serious crimes with prison sentences
- Public drinking is generally allowed, but disorderly conduct is not tolerated
- Smoking is banned in public buildings, trains, and most restaurants
- Respect cycling lanes - don't walk in them and look both ways before crossing
- Recycling is taken very seriously - follow local guidelines for waste disposal
- Photography restrictions apply at some museums and all military installations
Nightlife Safety
- Berlin's nightlife is vibrant but can be intense - pace yourself and know your limits
- Stick to well-known, established venues rather than following strangers to 'exclusive' parties
- Never leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps late at night; avoid unlicensed cabs
- Travel in groups when possible, especially in areas like Hamburg's Reeperbahn
- Keep your phone charged for emergencies and share your location with friends
- Some clubs have strict door policies - research dress codes and entry requirements beforehand
- Be aware that some clubs don't allow photos - respect these rules to avoid confrontation
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Germany is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The country has strong gender equality, low rates of violent crime, and women commonly travel alone without issues. However, standard precautions apply, particularly in nightlife areas and on public transportation late at night. Harassment is relatively uncommon but can occur, especially during large festivals like Oktoberfest or in nightlife districts.
- Solo travel is common and safe - Germans are generally respectful of personal space and boundaries
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps late at night rather than walking alone in unfamiliar areas
- If staying in hostels, consider women-only dorms for added comfort and security
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends or family when out at night
- On public transport late at night, sit near other passengers or in cars with more people
- Learn basic German phrases like 'Lass mich in Ruhe' (Leave me alone) and 'Hilfe' (Help)
- During Oktoberfest and large festivals, stay with your group and watch your drinks carefully
- Dating apps are popular and generally safe, but meet in public places and tell someone where you're going
- Dress as you please - Germany is liberal and casual dress is widely accepted, though some upscale restaurants and clubs have dress codes
- If harassed, German bystanders will typically intervene or help if you ask - don't hesitate to seek assistance
- Emergency women's helpline (Hilfetelefon) is available at 08000 116 016 for violence or harassment issues
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Germany is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals have strong legal protections. Adoption rights, partnership rights, and anti-discrimination laws are comprehensive.
- Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich have thriving LGBTQ+ scenes with numerous bars, clubs, and events
- Christopher Street Day (CSD) pride celebrations occur in most major cities, with Berlin and Cologne hosting the largest events in July
- Berlin's Schöneberg neighborhood is the historic gay district; Kreuzberg and Neukölln are popular with younger LGBTQ+ crowds
- Cologne has a large gay scene around the Schaafenstraße area
- Same-sex couples can openly hold hands and show affection in cities without issues
- LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations are widely available - look for Rainbow Flag symbols or check specialized booking sites
- The Siegessäule magazine (available in Berlin) lists LGBTQ+ events and venues
- While acceptance is high in cities, exercise discretion in very rural or conservative areas
- Trans individuals are protected by law, though bureaucratic processes for legal gender changes exist
- LGBTQ+ travelers rarely face harassment, but isolated incidents can occur - report any discrimination to police
- Many hotels, restaurants, and businesses actively welcome LGBTQ+ guests
- Germany's gay scene is diverse and inclusive, with venues for all ages and interests
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Germany. While the country is safe and has excellent healthcare, medical treatment can be very expensive for those without proper coverage. EU citizens can use EHIC cards, but comprehensive insurance is still recommended. Non-EU visitors will face full private healthcare costs without insurance. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions that are more likely than medical emergencies.
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