Climate
Weather in Germany varies by region. The northern coast is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, making for a mild but stormy winter and a cooler summer. The Alpine regions are colder and wetter. In the east, long dry periods have been recorded; however, rain is likely throughout the year in all of Germany.

Language
The official language here is German, although every region has its own dialect. Everyone learns English in school so many Germans will also speak English as a second language.

National Holidays and Festivals
National Holidays:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 6 – Epiphany
Varies in April – Easter
May 1 – Labor Day
39 days after Easter – Ascension Day
60 days after Easter – Corpus Christi
August 15 – Assumption Day
October 3 – German Unity Day
October 31 – Reformation Day
November 1 – All Saints Day
Wednesday before November 23 – Day of Repentance and Prayer
December 25 – Christmas Day

National Festivals:
August 8 – Peace Festival

Money
As part of the European Union, the currency used in Germany is the Euro. The exchange rate as of July 2010 is €0.77 to US$1. In Germany, a comma is used to indicate a decimal so that €1.000,77 would actually be one thousand euros and 77 cents.

Credit cards are not widely accepted and generally taken only at hotels and larger retailers. ATMs can be found throughout.

Tipping in Germany shows appreciation to good service and is generally 5-10%.

Electrical Requirements
230/50Hz; 2-pin rounded plugs