Delegates arriving by airplane are advised that the airport is about 22 miles (35 km) away from the city centre (regular suburban train line S1 and -preferable- S 8, bus service, taxi fare about € 55.00 ). With a travelling time of just 40 minutes it is only a short connection away from the centre.
Not all banks keep the same hours. The following information is based on the average bank opening hours in Munich. Banks are normally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3/4 p.m. on weekdays, and until 5/6 p.m. on Thursdays. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. All banks provide 24-hour cash machines that accept most credit cards such as MasterCard, VISA, Maestro or American Express. The bank at the Central Station is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; at the Airport from 7 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. You can find a travel service at the central branch of the Sparkasse, just around the corner from the main square, Marienplatz.
Munich is in a temperate climate zone, which means that it never gets too cold in winter – or too hot in the summer. The average temperature in Munich in September is 18,7° Celsius (67° F). Clothing should be suitable for changeable weather; raincoat and umbrella for occasional showers may be useful. There also is an interesting phenomenon known as ‘Föhn’, a warm, dry wind out of Italy, blowing across the Alps and resulting in clear skies and unseasonably high temperatures, even in early September.
Most hotels, restaurants, stores, train stations and taxis accept all major credit cards. However, it is also recommended that visitors carry small amounts of cash in the form of Euros at all times for everyday expenses.
The official currency of Germany is the Euro.
In Germany we drive on the right hand side of the road.
The electrical current in Germany is 220V. Appliances designed to operate on 110V will require a transformer.
Munich is well serviced by a local transportation network (underground lines ‘U-Bahn’, suburban trains ‘S-Bahn’, bus, tram). With this excellent service you will be able to explore Munich and the surrounding region.
The bill you receive at a hotel, restaurant, café or bar includes a service charge. A tip is an indication of your satisfaction – 5% is average, whereas 10% indicates exceptional service. Tip taxi drivers about 5% and porters and others who assist you with baggage one Euro per item.
One of Germany’s leading daily papers – “Süddeutsche Zeitung” – features national and international news and reports. “Münchner Merkur” focuses on the greater area and is very strong in reporting news from both the city and the surrounding areas, as well as national and international news. A selection of international papers is available at several places in the city.
Prescription and non-prescription medicine is generally available at pharmacies from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6/7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12.30/2 p.m. There are also drug stores that sell non-prescription medicine during normal opening hours. 24-hour pharmacy service is provided on a rotating basis.
To contact the police dial 110, to contact the fire brigade or emergency medical services dial 112. Hotel staff members can direct guests to local emergency centres, hospitals or dental clinics.
Munich has a population of over 1.3 million.
The opening hours on weekdays are from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12.30/2/6 p.m., but they are closed on Sunday.
Please visit www.munich-tourist.de ( service for visitors )
Stores in Munich open between 9-10 a.m and close between 6-8 p.m, monday through saturday. On Sunday almost all stores are closed. The exceptions: gas stations and convenience stores, which carry some food items as well as snacks and beverages.
Sightseeing tours are offered e.g. by Sightseeing Tours Munich and SIGHTseeing Gray Line
Public institutions are smoke free zones. A great number of hotels offer non-smoking rooms or have non-smoking floors. In pubs, night cubs, cafés and restaurants smoking is allowed. A lot of restaurants already have non-smoking areas.
Most Munich taxis have a very high standard (Mercedes-Benz cars). The fares depend on the distance and the velocity and are determined by a meter. After the ride you pay the price displayed on the meter. If you have bulky luggage with you, there will be a small extra charge. Taxis are available at regular taxi ranks, in front of bigger hotels, at most points of interests and at many underground stations.
Phone Cards can be bought from post offices and kiosks. They are available in various different denominations and work out significantly cheaper than using a mobile phone. Germany’s country code is 49; Munich’s area code is (0)89. For directory assistance within Germany dial 11833, for international directory assistance 11834.
The time zone in Germany is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1 hour and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). In Germany, clocks are set to Central European time. From the end of March to the end of October (summertime) they are put forward one hour.
Phone +49 (0)89 233 9 65 00 (general information)
Phone +49 (0)89 233 9 65 55 (hotel reservation)
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
tourismus@muenchen.de
www.muenchen-tourist.de
One of our service centres is located at the Central Station.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Another service centre can be found at Marienplatz (New Town Hall).
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed on Sunday and Holiday.
Munich is perfectly accessible: it is conveniently situated in the heart of Europe. Owing to its very modern airport it can be reached easily and comfortably from all over the world by air. Our International Airport provides air connection to over 60 countries. ICE and EC train connections to all of Germany’s main cities and many European ones guarantee smooth arrivals and departures. Seven highways will take you into town by car. They all end directly at the Mittlerer Ring road which envelopes downtown Munich.
Prices for goods and services in Germany always include a 19 % value-added tax (VAT). Some or all of the VAT may be refundable for goods purchased at stores displaying the “Tax-Free for Tourists” sign. You need to request a tax-free form upon making a purchase. Before leaving the country and before checking any luggage, present the purchased goods, the tax-free form and your receipt to German customs officials at the airport. They will certify the form as proof of legal export. You may then obtain a cash refund at one of the Tax-Free Shopping Service counters located at all major border crossings, airports, ferry ports and train stations.
Citizens of the countries belonging to the European Union do not require a visa to enter Germany. Generally speaking, citizens of all other countries must have a visa to enter the country.
Germany uses kilometres/metres, kilograms and litres. Metric/English equivalents:
1 kilo (kg) = 2.2 pounds
1 litre (L) = about 1.76 pints
1 kilometre (km) = 0.62 mile
1 metre (m) = 1.1 yards
1 centimetre (cm) = 0.39 inch
Images courtesy www.muenchen.de