Business Travel Tradeshow
Business Travel in Germany
Find everything you need to know about business travel to and in Germany.

Germany Business Travel

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Business Travel

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany. Without a visa, however, they may not stay longer than three months every half-year or take up gainful employment requiring a work permit. If required, citizens may obtain a residence and/or work permit after entry.
For more information, visit the German Embassy website.

Travel

Germany is a leading destination for international business travel, hosting many of the world’s major trade fairs, conferences, and conventions. The country combines strong infrastructure, efficient transportation networks, and a highly developed economy, making travel between major cities quick and convenient. In addition to its business environment, Germany offers a rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and diverse landscapes. 
For more information, visit the German travel website.

Traveling within Germany:

  • Air: Domestic flights are well developed. Frankfurt and Munich are hubs to Lufthansa, Germany’s national airline. Flying within Germany is quick, taking about 1 hour to get anywhere domestically.
  • Rail: The Deutsche Bahn AG offers a network that will get you almost anywhere in Germany. The German rail network is extensive compared to the United States. High-speed trains operate between major cities, making it an efficient alternative to flying, as rail stations are always located in the city center.
  • Car: Germany’s highways - the Autobahn network - are in excellent condition and very well developed. However, construction sites are common for maintenance reasons and allow extra time in case of traffic jams.
  • Bus: There is a growing network of affordable long-distance bus routes in Germany. The following website identifies connections of various bus companies including booking (German only): http://www.busliniensuche.de 

Time Difference (U.S. - Germany)
The German time zone is located within the Central European Time Zone.

  • Eastern Standard (EST): +6 hours
  • Central Standard Time (CST): +7 hours
  • Mountain Standard Time (MST): +8 hours
  • Pacific Standard Time (PST): +9 hours
  • Alaska Standard Time (AST): +10 hours
  • Hawaii Standard Time (HST): +11 hours

Note: Due to different daylight saving time schedules in the United States and Europe, the time difference may vary by one hour for short periods in spring and autumn.

Money & Payments:

  • Currency: Germany uses the euro (€): Click here to receive more information about Germany’s currency and economy.
  • ATMs & Banks: ATMs are widely available throughout Germany, including at bank branches and in busy shopping and tourist areas. Most international debit and credit cards are accepted. American Express is not widely accepted.
  • Credit Cards: Most credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses. However, smaller shops, cafés, and local establishments may still prefer debit cards or cash.
  • Tipping: Service charges are often included in restaurant and hotel bills. If service was good, rounding up or leaving a tip of around 5–10% is customary. Taxi drivers are typically tipped about 10%, and porters about one euro per item.

Technology & Connectivity:

  • Mobile networks: Mobile phone coverage in Germany is nearly universal, and most modern smartphones work without issues. You may wish to check with your provider regarding international roaming or SIM/eSIM options.
  • Electricity: Germany uses 230V electricity. Most modern devices (such as laptops and phone chargers) support both 110V and 230V, but a plug adapter is required for German outlets.
  • International Calls from the USA: To Germany: 011 + 49 + Area Code (disregard 0) + number (Example - German number 030 83051900: Dial 011 49 30 83051900 from the United States); To U.S.: 001 + Area Code + number (Example - U.S. number (202) 555-1234: Dial 001 202 555 1234 from Germany) 

Hours of Business: Opening times of stores are between 9 am and 10 am. Closing times are between 6 pm and 10 pm Monday through Saturday. Supermarkets open mostly at 7 or 8 am and close between 8 and 10 pm. The regulations vary slightly between the federal states. On Sunday almost all stores are closed, the exceptions being gas stations and convenience stores, which carry some food items, snacks and beverages, newspapers, and journals as well as a basic supply of toiletry articles. Banks and post offices are generally open from 8:30 am to 1 pm and again from 2:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday; some banks have extended hours on Thursday. Pharmacies open at 8 am.

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Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

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