🇪🇺 Europe 3 regions 1 city guide

What to Pack for Germany

Country-wide essentials plus region-specific packing for Berlin and northern Germany, Bavaria and the Alps, and the Rhine Valley and the west.

Updated April 13, 2026

Quick answer

Pack layered clothing for variable weather, sturdy walking shoes for cobblestones, a Type F adapter for 230V outlets, and 50 to 100 EUR in cash for pay-in-cash restaurants and small shops. For Bavaria add hiking gear; for Oktoberfest, smart-casual or traditional Tracht; for Berlin, anything relaxed and dark goes.

Germany is efficient, organized, and surprisingly regional. Berlin runs creative and casual, Munich and Bavaria lean traditional and polished, and the Rhine and west tilt international. A packing list has to flex across that range plus a real climate spread: the North Sea coast is cool and wet, the Bavarian Alps hit sub-zero in winter and mid-80s F in summer, and the Rhine Valley is the warmest and driest part of the country.

Two practical facts shape every Germany trip. First, cash is still meaningful. Restaurants, bakeries, small cafes, older hotels, and many bars are cash-preferred or cash-only. A working EC-Karte (German debit) is ideal but unreachable for tourists; Visa and Mastercard work at chains and ATMs but not everywhere you might expect. Always keep 50 to 100 EUR in cash on hand. Second, Apotheken (pharmacies, green cross sign) are the only place to buy most medications including ibuprofen and allergy pills. Drogerie stores like dm sell toiletries but not meds.

Germany runs on 230V at 50 Hz using Type F plugs (two round pins with side grounding clips, also called Schuko). A standard EU adapter works. ETIAS authorization for US citizens is scheduled for late 2026 at around 20 EUR for 3 years.

Country essentials

Plug type

Type F, Type C · 230V, 50 Hz

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

German

Visa

US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period. ETIAS launches late 2026 (around 20 EUR, valid 3 years). Passport must be valid 3+ months past planned departure from the Schengen area.

SIM / data

Airalo and Holafly eSIMs activate instantly. Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 sell prepaid SIMs at airports and in high-street shops. ID (passport) required for SIM registration. Free WiFi is less common than in France or Italy.

Tipping

Round up or 5 to 10 percent at restaurants. Say the total including tip out loud to the server (not written on a slip). Cash tipping is preferred even when you pay the bill by card, because it goes directly to the server.

Driving side

right

Tap water

Safe to drink

Emergency #

112

Cultural notes and dress codes

  • Cash is still king in many places. Even in Berlin, some restaurants, bakeries, and doner shops are cash-only. Keep 50 to 100 EUR on you.
  • Apotheken (pharmacies) are the only source for ibuprofen, paracetamol, allergy pills, and most OTC meds. Drogerie stores (dm, Rossmann, Mueller) sell toiletries and cosmetics but not medications. Pharmacies close evenings and Sundays; there is always one on rotating night duty called Notdienst.
  • Tip in cash, even if paying the bill by card. Say the full amount with tip included to the server ('fuenfundvierzig bitte' for a 42 EUR bill = 45 EUR total).
  • Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are enforced in residential buildings: 10 pm to 6 or 7 am, and all day Sunday. No vacuuming, loud music, or drilling.
  • Sunday closures are real. Almost all shops and supermarkets are closed. Only gas stations, train station stores, and restaurants stay open. Plan groceries on Saturday.
  • Jaywalking is socially frowned upon. Germans wait for the pedestrian signal even at empty streets, especially if children are present.
  • Punctuality matters. Trains and appointments run on time; arriving 5 minutes late reads as rude.
  • Oktoberfest runs mid-September into early October (not October). Dress options: traditional Tracht (Dirndl for women, Lederhosen for men, rented or bought locally), smart-casual jeans and a nice top, or a button-down. Avoid costume-shop fake Dirndls; Bavarians notice.
  • Beer garden etiquette: you can bring your own food to a traditional Bavarian Biergarten, but you must buy your drinks there.
  • Recycling is taken seriously. Bottles and cans have a Pfand deposit (8 to 25 cents) refundable at supermarket machines.

Build Your Custom Packing List

Use PackSmart to create a personalized packing list for Germany based on your trip dates, activities, and style.

Try PackSmart Free

Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Luebeck, and the Baltic and North Sea coasts. Urban creative culture, maritime cities, flat terrain, and cooler weather than the south.

Climate: Oceanic to continental. Cold winters (20 to 40 F, occasional snow), mild summers (60 to 78 F with heat-wave spikes to 95 F), rain possible year-round. Hamburg and the coasts are windier and wetter.

  • Dark casual layers
  • Rain jacket
  • Sturdy sneakers
  • Mid-weight coat
  • Crossbody bag

🖤Clothing

Essentials

  • Dark jeans or trousers x2 (Berlin leans all-black and dark denim, very casual)
  • Long-sleeve t-shirts and layering tops x5
  • Waterproof jacket

Nice to Have

  • Sweater or hoodie x2
  • Mid-weight coat (Oct-Apr)
  • Casual going-out outfit (Berlin club scene rewards understated, dark, relaxed looks; avoid flashy)
  • Warm hat, scarf, gloves (winter)

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Comfortable sneakers or boots (Berlin is a 20,000-steps-per-day city)

Nice to Have

  • Waterproof boots (fall/winter)
  • Casual socks x5

🎒Day Bag and Essentials

Essentials

  • Crossbody bag or small backpack
  • Refillable water bottle
  • 50-100 EUR cash float (Many Berlin bars, doner shops, and cafes are cash-only)

Nice to Have

  • Compact umbrella

🔌Electronics and Documents

Essentials

  • Type F Schuko adapter x2
  • Power bank
  • Passport + ETIAS confirmation (from late 2026)

Nice to Have

  • BVG Jelbi app or BVG Tickets app (Berlin public transit + rental bikes/scooters)

When to visit and what changes by season

Spring (Mar-May)

March to May · 40-65°F

Variable and greening fast. Alps still snow-covered into April. Tulip and blossom season peaks mid-April. Expect rain and cold mornings, warm afternoons by May.

  • Layers
  • Rain jacket
  • Light scarf
  • Waterproof shoes

Summer (Jun-Aug)

June to August · 60-85°F

Warm and often sunny, with afternoon thunderstorms in the Alps and Rhine Valley. Heatwaves can push 95 F in Berlin and Frankfurt. AC is still uncommon in apartments and older hotels.

  • Breathable shirts
  • Shorts for Alps hiking
  • Sun hat
  • Light rain shell

Fall (Sep-Nov)

September to November · 40-68°F

Oktoberfest runs mid-Sept to early Oct (yes, mostly September). Wine harvest in the Rhine and Moselle. Crisp days, cool nights, stunning color by late October. Rainy November.

  • Mid-weight coat
  • Knitwear
  • Scarf
  • Waterproof shoes

Winter (Dec-Feb)

December to February · 20-42°F

Cold and often gray. Christmas markets open late November through December 23. Alps get reliable snow December through March. Berlin and Hamburg are wetter, Bavaria is colder and drier.

  • Warm coat
  • Thermal base layers
  • Gloves and hat
  • Waterproof boots

Packing tips for Germany

  1. 1 Keep 50 to 100 EUR cash on you at all times. Plenty of small restaurants and bakeries are cash-only or cash-preferred.
  2. 2 Buy a Type F / Schuko adapter. Standard two-pin EU plugs (Type C) also fit, but some grounded devices need the full Type F shape with side clips.
  3. 3 Pack layers year round. Germany weather is changeable, and even Berlin summers have cool evenings.
  4. 4 Waterproof jacket in every season. Summer thunderstorms in the Alps and Rhine Valley are frequent.
  5. 5 Bring broken-in walking shoes. Berlin's Mitte, Munich's Altstadt, and every Rhine town are heavily cobblestoned.
  6. 6 Download DB Navigator (Deutsche Bahn) for trains. Buy ICE tickets 2 to 3 months out for saver prices.
  7. 7 Bring any daily medications with you in original packaging; import rules for prescription meds are strict.
  8. 8 Pack a compact daypack. Storage lockers (Schliessfaecher) at most train stations let you ditch luggage for day trips.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Germany as a US citizen?
No visa is required for tourist stays under 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period. ETIAS authorization launches in late 2026 (around 20 EUR, valid 3 years) and will be required before boarding flights to Germany. Your passport must be valid at least 3 months past your planned departure from the Schengen area.
What plug adapter do I need in Germany?
Germany uses Type F plugs, also called Schuko, with two round pins and side grounding clips. Type C two-pin Europlugs also fit Type F sockets for ungrounded devices. Germany runs on 230V at 50 Hz. Most dual-voltage US devices (check the charger label for 100-240V) work fine with just an adapter. Single-voltage 110V-only appliances will burn out.
Is Germany cash or card?
Germany is more cash-reliant than most of Western Europe. Many small restaurants, bakeries, doner shops, older hotels, and bars are cash-only or cash-preferred. Visa and Mastercard work at major retailers, chains, and supermarkets. Keep 50 to 100 EUR in your pocket at all times. ATMs (Geldautomat) are everywhere; use bank-brand ATMs (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank) rather than Euronet to avoid high fees.
How much should I tip in Germany?
Round up or 5 to 10 percent at sit-down restaurants. Tipping is done out loud: tell the server the total including tip when they bring the bill. Tip in cash when possible, even if you pay the main bill by card; cash goes directly to the server. No tipping for drinks at a standing bar. Hotel housekeeping: 1 to 2 EUR per night left on the pillow. Taxi: round up.
What is an Apotheke and what does it sell?
Apotheken are German pharmacies, marked by a red A and a green cross. They are the only legal source for most medications, including ibuprofen, paracetamol (acetaminophen), allergy pills, and cold medicine, all of which are OTC elsewhere. Pharmacists are highly trained and can recommend medications without a doctor visit. Apotheken close at 6 or 8 pm and on Sundays; every town always has one on night duty (Notdienst) rotating. Drogerie stores (dm, Rossmann, Mueller) sell toiletries and cosmetics but no meds.
Is tap water safe to drink in Germany?
Yes, tap water is safe and high quality everywhere. However, asking for tap water (Leitungswasser) at restaurants often raises eyebrows. The default is paid bottled water (Mineralwasser), usually sparkling (mit Gas) unless you specify still (ohne Gas). Carrying a refillable bottle is the easiest workaround.
What should I wear to Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is mid-September to early October in Munich's Theresienwiese. Three options: traditional Tracht (Dirndl for women, Lederhosen with a checked shirt for men, either rented or bought in Munich for 80 to 300 EUR), smart-casual (jeans plus a nice shirt or blouse), or your normal clothes. Bavarians appreciate real Tracht; avoid cheap costume-shop versions as they read instantly as tourist fakes. Wear sturdy walking shoes (you are on gravel and beer-slicked wood), and layer for a 40 F morning warming to 70 F afternoon.
Are shops really closed on Sundays?
Yes. Almost every shop, supermarket, and non-restaurant business is closed on Sundays nationwide. Train station shops (Bahnhof), gas stations, museums, restaurants, cafes, bakeries (some), and tourist shops are the exceptions. Buy groceries and basics on Saturday. This is a cultural feature, not a bug.
How do I get around Germany?
Deutsche Bahn trains connect every city and most towns. ICE (high-speed) trains link Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg in 4 to 6 hours. Book 2 to 3 months ahead via DB Navigator app or bahn.de for saver prices. The Deutschland-Ticket (49 EUR per month) covers all regional trains and local transit nationwide, though not ICE. Rental cars make sense for the Rhine, Moselle, and Bavarian side trips but parking in cities is a headache.
What is Ruhezeit (quiet hours)?
German law and building rules enforce quiet hours. Nightly Ruhezeit runs 10 pm to 6 or 7 am, plus all day Sunday (Sonntagsruhe). That means no loud music, no vacuuming, no power tools, no lawn mowing, and ideally no showering with noisy pipes in apartment buildings. As a traveler in an Airbnb or rental apartment this is genuinely enforced; neighbors complain. Plan laundry and showers outside quiet hours.

City packing lists in Germany

Related countries

Build Your Custom Packing List

Use PackSmart to create a personalized packing list for Germany based on your trip dates, activities, and style.

Try PackSmart Free

Share this post

X / Twitter Reddit Hacker News

Stay in the loop

Get notified when I publish new posts. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.