Germany
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 83.5 million people live in Germany, on 357,588 km². The capital is Berlin.
- Capital
- Berlin
- Population
- 83,491,249
- Area
- 357,588 km²
- Official languages
- German
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Germany?
Sockets take plug type C/F, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Germany?
Call 110 for the police, 112 for an ambulance and 112 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Germany?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Germany?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Germany?
Prices are in Euro (EUR).
What language do they speak in Germany?
Official languages: German.
How do I call a number in Germany from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +49.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
