We get asked for packing tips and advice a lot. 💼✈️ Hopefully this is helpful for those of you who want to visit Germany! Also, for all of our German viewers, if you have any more packing advice and tips please let us know! 🤗💜
Do you 2 have plans for kids in the Future? I know an Eismann Who makes the best Eis in the world. His name is Bruno and he lives in Bevern. he is Italian and he makes eis since 1982. And every Eissorte he makes is a creation from him. A new eissorte from his is Coca Cola, Cookies is really good, Gummibärchen Eis is very good too and he make even more eissorten who are perfect. When you want to make are comparison video where Eisdilen and Eis Unternehmen ein VS machen sollen würde ich euch bruno vorschlagen. LG aus Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Ostwestfalenlippe
@@Bocky_B They are also the cheaper ones in Germany (called discounter) and you won't get "special stuff" there. But the quality is fine, especially for the price. Other big supermarkets are Edeka or Rewe for example. They are more expensive but have a bigger selection in special stuff and more brand products.
One thing I would like to add: If you plan to do a lot of walking and sightseeing, bring/wear comfortable shoes and DON'T wear high heels or flip flops. A blister on your foot can ruin your whole vacation and many cities and villages have areas that are paved with cobblestone or gravel or other uneven materials that make flip flops very uncomfortable and high heels dangerous to wear.
I work at a major tourist place in NYC and see women tourists wearing heels every day. What are they thinking? It's like a European city - lots of walking. News flash tourists: getting around the Statue of Liberty takes a lot of walking besides getting to the boat. You don't drive in and park in a lot.
@@Be-Es---___ In Bruge it's a long walk from the train station to the center of town. All cobblestones. Some people were testing the durability of their rolling suitcase wheels by banging along all the way there. My luggage is backpack style - sometimes worse but in that case way better.
Another good tip is to not overfill your suitcase. You're most definitely going to buy something to take back with you (planned or unplanned) so it's always good to leave some space for that. I like to just fold my clothes and put them in on the way there and then roll them up on the way back cause rolling clothes really saves a lot of space! 😉
6 Tops, 4 bottoms, a vest with lots of zip pockets, 2 scarves (one dressy silk, and 1 knit), 1 rain jacket, 1 dress, 1 sneaker pair, 1 semi dressy flats pair, a cardigan sweater, a warm wrap, 2 long sleep shirts, unders, socks, 1 bra, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, buy toiletries there. Wear some of the items on the list and you will have plenty of room to bring things back. Backpack held laptop, iPad, camera, electronics and all that. Vest held all the documents, phone and other items I would usually put in a purse. I packed a small empty purse so I didn’t have to carry one during travel. This was a 21“ carryon, and a small backpack for a 3 week trip. Skip the hair dryer and curlers, just get a good cut and some product that works with your natural hair. Only cosmetic was a combo cheek/lip color, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, and crayon type eyeshadow stick. Never needed more.
@@DeanaandPhil It is of course always safer to type on a keypad that hundreds of people have touched before... Yeah no, that's for sure :-( Guys, go to the bank, take out money in all kinds of bills and better tip a few cents more. This is more hygenic than a contaminated keypad and the waitress is happy to get a little more tip for exposing herself to potential corona carriers all day long!
I made the mistake of thinking I could pick up shampoo, deodorant etc when visiting the US from Germany, so I didn't pack any. Then I went to a supermarket (Target) to stock up and was really shocked at the prices! They were about 3 times the price!
You guys are spot on. We moved to Germany last year and everything you mentioned is true. I would also mention to look up German road signs and basic rules of the road if you plan to drive. That "yield to the right" got me confused in the beginning. Cheers
Thats german law. On "mehrspurigen Schnellstraßen" multiple track Highways you are obliged to stay on the right.... and NEVER EVER overtake on the right if the overall traffic is faster than 80km/h. Anything less than 80km/h on a Highway tends to get a "Stau" traffic jam where you are allowed to pass on the right.
Also good to know: With the "DB Navigator" you can also look up all bus and subway connections in the whole of Germany. You usually can't book it there directly but it is a great way to get an overview over all the options of transportation :)
@@helenrodrigues4594 Hefeweizen is a special wheat based type of beer mostly brewed and preferably drunken in the South of Germany, especially Bavaria. Wiki says: "Wheat beer is a top-fermented beer which is brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The two main varieties are German Weizenbier and Belgian witbier; other types include Lambic (made with wild yeast), Berliner Weisse (a cloudy, sour beer), and Gose (a sour, salty beer)."
This is very helpful and practical information. I love Deanna's "sign language" and facial expressions when Phil is speaking. So close to 50k subscribers!
Reminder: The German powersockets are very deep - so you can't fit the multichanger inside it if it's too big (see the f-type plug? That thing has to go all the way into the socket). Just a little heads-up. If in doubt, simply buy them here. Commonly found at bigger trainstations or shops along the Autobahn.
I love how they finger count differently, just like in that scene from Inglourious Basterds. At 2:31, she uses the index, middle and ring fingers to count 3, while he uses the thumb, index and middle finger.
Good spot! Different countries/cultures have different ways of even doing the simplest things. For example (using the only two countries I'm familiar with) in the UK we generally start with 1, but in Hungary, they regard 0 as the first number - they have an M0 motorway and keyboards have the 0 on the left. Their dates are also the 'sensible' way round - 10th May 2023 in the UK is 10/5/23, but in Hungary it's 23/5/10 (although both of these make more sense than the US way of writing dates!). And the same applies to names - first name first in the UK, but surname first in Hungary. They also have a very weird way of telling the time after the half hour in Hungary. Basically they take the time away from the next hour - but it's not as simple as just saying ten to six. Despite living there for several months every year from 2001 to the pandemic, I've never quite understood this - I just avoid it!
Something no one ever mentioned is the tunnels from the train stations or ubahn tracks. It's like another city underground. We actually rode the elevator to the basement, walked to the ubahn station, caught our train to the airport, all without being on the street....crazy! Not to mention all of the stores along the way underground.
If your are a 'senior' depending on the country (62-65) you may get a 'senior' discount on transportation and museums for example. Usually your passport will have your birthdate to qualify. Also bring a shopping bag as not usually not provided for free if at all in grocery stores.
I think you guys are great. You hit all the important questions and concerns and do it in a concise manner! Keep up the good work. I already feel more comfortable to my trip in 2 days!
This is the best, most comprehensive, video like this that i’ve seen! Super smart to have both an American and a German perspective! Awesome job, thank you!!
4:42 Also Aldi und Lidl. That’s where I got my toiletries from. So much easier as you can’t get certain items through airport security. And I’ll definitely be returning to Nürnberg next year 😊😊🇩🇪
At 2:30, Deana and Phil show the number 3 with their hands in a different way. It's interesting to realize that the American and German way to signal 3 is different.
Though you may have to pay for it ..it’s worth 😃the small amount for such a well kept, clean bathroom. What impressed me is in the convenient stores for example you pay to use the bathroom but they give you a receipt giving you in-store credit to apply to items purchased at the store. I’ve never seen so many clean public bathrooms in my life! Also, I would highly recommend (At least for Americans) If you use any rubbing alcohol for cleaning surfaces or your hands..pack the large plastic bottles in your suitcases ( I always double ziplock mine) because apparently while you can purchase it in Germany at a pharmacy ..it’s sold in very small quantities at a much higher price.
I was expecting to be very cold but I was walking everywhere and at a faster pace. I was warm most of the time. Also building construction is much better. It retains the heat nicely, all the layers were perfect. The taxi app was great, it translated everything for me and I was able to pay with it. A good midsized backpack, sports bottle and walking shoes were all I needed.
In the summer it is most of the time realy warm but in the winter it is sometimes colder than -10°C and a few years ago at one day it was -23°C at the place where I lived.
Great thanks for the great advice, regarding good footwear I just purchased my first pair of Birkenstock’s and I’m 🥰 in love it my feet are at least 🥳regard from Matt here in New Zealand
German potatoes salad one old German lady had her way: old baking potatoes cooked w/skin and peeled when cool/add cornishons cut in cubes/cut cool potatoes in cubes/and eggs cut in cubes/ mayonnaise and salt and pepper and voila! salad for the weekend in Toronto. She was from Berlin and got to Canada in 1950's do not recall which exactly. My favourite German pastry is the plum cake w/crumbs ! oh lah lah ! We have famous Bavarian huge bakery and tell you there is the cafe there and so much delicacies ....Thanks!
If your phone can handle it, get a eSIM. It's a software based SIM that doesn't require you to physically pull out your card and insert another. The only caveat is that your phone must be unlocked from your home carrier.
Clothes, it depends on the region you travel to. I live in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, and here you have to be prepared for heat and not cold, and extremely mild winters.
@@lukegeorgian5481 Some bars will have promotions or deals for students. You usually order and say you're a student. Sometimes they'll ask for your student ID and you'll show it then. 🍻
Great information! I will save this when hopefully next year, since this year didn't work out lol, I will make my European trip! You also helped me win an arguement too because you mentioned that if we don't have travel insurance and need to see a doctor it is quite expensive - I was being told healthcare was covered for everyone (citizens and otherwise) overseas and I said no only for those who contribute aka taxpayers - so thank you for that! I enjoy your channel and wish lots of happiness and good health together for many years to come!
Haha nice! 😋 Don't quote us on this, but we are pretty sure you're supposed to have travel insurance or some type of insurance when you travel to Germany. If you're applying for a German visa they usually check this, but if you are allowed access upon arrival there's usually no check. We're pretty sure this is correct and I'm sure someone will correct us if not!
@@DeanaandPhil Travel insurance is a very important. There are a lot of "holes" that it does cover that standard American health insurance doesn't cover. When my son and his girlfriend traveled to England in January, I made sure they had travel insurance! :)
I'm going to Germany for 12 days and having to get certificates to bring my pain meds is a pain. I got a certificate sighed by my doctor, the schengen article 75 paper filled out by my doctor, copy of the prescription and the original bottle. Bit of a pain but I'm super excited
Deana and Phil forgot to mention if you are taking prescription medication you need to get a letter from your doctor, it helps when you get to the border if they question your medication. And also in might be advisable to see a Travel Doctor who will help with any medical needs you may have ( especially if you have some major health problems). A travel doctor is GP who specialises in needs for people who are traveling (especially overseas.)
Prescription drugs, even over the counter drugs should be in their original containers. I use a CPAP, it would be a good idea to have a copy of the prescription for it or a letter from your doctor so can bring with your carry on bags on flights.
We visit a small village in Germany near the Czech border frequently. We will often take Utah salsa to our family, frozen, wrapped and sealed. So far no problem with customs. Love, Love Germany!
No, just no fresh fruits or diary products. everything that can potentially hold insects, bacteria or germs. But it's about the same as when returning to US.
Deana! I live in a town called Kaiserslautern and I found a store at the local mall with hot Cheetos. It is an American snack food store called “uncle woody’s.” I know it is usually out of the way, but I figured I would let you know since you are both traveling around Germany
Additional shoes and layered clothing is actually really smart, last thursday we had 22°c in the sun and on the following day we had 0°c with snow in most of the country so, keep that in mind.
i think both are a good tip no matter where you go -- could not imagine traveling with one pair of shoes and then something happened to them (or one) ..would be difficult to get another pair when you don't have one to wear!
If you like a bottle of wine a travel corkscrew and maybe small plastic wine glasses. I found screw tops less common in Europe than in North America and you will need this. Or buy one on arrival as needed. Portable water containers, collapsible are good as tap water is fine to fill them as you will walk a lot.
Wine with cork still exists, but it's more on the more valuable wines, on the young fresh one you often have screw tops, but you had to pay attention in the store.
We bring one plug adapter and a standard North American extension cord so we can plug in all our chargers and power supplies at the same time. The extension cord is also helpful in old hotels with few sockets or when the socket is in an inconvenient place. Compared to Canada, mobile coverage in Germany is cheap so we had no problem with that, and Canadian bank debit cards work in German automated tellers with minimal to no extra fees than what we would pay at home.
In America the voltage is 110volts. In European Countries (like germany of course) the so called Verbundnetz is normed on the level of 230volts. As you can see it is nearly the double rate of tension, so if you connect a device to the german (or EU) grid directly -well it will be the last time you can use it..
Different frequency as well - 60Hz in the US, 50Hz in Europe. This isn't as serious an issue as the voltage difference (nothing should die or explode), but it might mean things don't work properly - or at all.
Moovit is an app we use all the time in Europe. We could even schedule our taxi ride to the airport at 4 a.m. Perfect for the trains, busses, and trams. Agree on the Flixbus. We take it to many cities. We try to take trains in the wintertime.
@@tomzito2585 I do it the same with the 4 and I'm german. How else can you even do it EDIT: Ah okay because she shows 2 times 4 and he shows 5 and 3. Yeah thats different. I wonder if everbody does it like that in the US
I think "the cash" problem, is bigger in small towns, compared to the city. I didn't use cash for the last 2 years I think, you can use your "Girocard" or smartphone, for nearly every payment, even for public restrooms (and for the shopping carts, I use a plastic coin), but I would still recommand having cash on you, when travelling in Germany!
I won't just visit Germany but I'll be working there anytime soon, just waiting for my Visa. This video helped a lot. Thanks Deana and Phil. Any more tips? 😊
Bring your own country's multi-way power adapter, so that all of your home-appliances you brought with you will work from just 1 x EU power adapter :) We travel from the UK to Germany a lot and it always helps to have a 4-way UK power adapter in the hotel room, ready for our phone / speaker / laptop / toothbrush / shaver to charge from :)
Maybe but definitly not meat or organic products. They are not allowed to bring in th EU and will be thrown away. Helpful: www.zoll.de/DE/Privatpersonen/Reisen/Reisen-nach-Deutschland-aus-einem-nicht-eu-Staat/reisen-nach-deutschland-aus-einem-nicht-eu-staat_node.html this is the site of german customs. Google can translate it.
I don´t know why so many people say that we have to pay for using the toilet and that it is not free in Germany. I know, sometimes you need to pay for the toilet, but it is actually not so very often. Maybe in other regions it appears more often, but the place I live (Hamburg and surroundings) you only seldom find places you have to pay for the toilet. And as all places who sell drinks, like restaurants, pubs, diners etc. are forced by law to offer free toilets, you will actually always find a toilet for free. The most cases I was paying for the toilet, I actually didn´t have to pay. I was just giving a tip to the cleaner.
11:18 This applies especially for animal and diary products. This kinds of products are generally not allowed to be imported by travellers from outside the European Union. The reason is animal disease prevention.
For Switzerland the same rules as germany, but bring twice the money. Oh and we not only have 230V outlets, we also have 50 Hz instead of the American 60. for most things it doesn’t matter, they’re multi-voltage/multi-frequency. There is a label on it. Mostly 100-240V. The UK has a weird plug ( due to safety regulations). So not even standard 2-prong euro-plugs fit in there, even if they fit everywhere else. If you buy an adaptor, please invest some extra $$ for safety. Those cheap ebay travel plugs are death traps. Oh, and many countries have no free autobahn. There will be a hefty fine if you mess this up
America is one of the very few countries where What's App is not so popular, but I've found that it is very widespread internationally. Might be a good idea to download it to your phone ahead of time.
I think you missed to explain what an offline-map is and why do you need it offline. Doctors visit can be quiet affordable, just the visit and a short talk might not be more expensive than 40-50€. X-Ray is about 50-80€. It's way cheaper than in US. If you have no insurance in US, better get your treatment in Germany (and pay cash ;-)).
There are no student discounts for public transport you can use as a tourist. Student tickets are only available for the ones studying in the area they are good for. And other offers are just on your age not your student status. e.g. German Rail Youth Pass (under 28y) www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/passes/german-rail-pass.shtml or e.g. a Baden-Württemberg Ticket Young (under 27y) www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/regio/regionale-tickets/bawue/baden-wuerttemberg-ticket-young.shtml Student IDs (Europeans, US citizens etc.) or the ISIC is useful for discounted admission fees esp. with public museums etc. Sometimes there are also cheap theatre/opera tickets for students. E.g. a the 3 days Berlin Museum Pass is for students EUR 14,50 (regular price is EUR 29,00). www.visitberlin.de/en/museum-pass-berlin
I've driven many times in Germany in rental cars and trucks using my Louisiana drivers license. Also, in order to get access to cell service in Hundlandia, one must be angemeldet.
So I hadn’t seen this video before my trip this past spring but I’d definitely agree with everything you guys mentioned. I’ll try to use all these suggestions, especially the SIM card because using WiFi for everything is tricky, when I return. I didn’t get the chance to study abroad long like I planned but I want to return someday to Germany because I loved the three weeks I got before Coronavirus sent me home. Thanks for the suggestions Deana and Phil!
Pack for a holiday in Seattle. Western Europe have the same power outlets. Don't know of Central Europe. UK is a different story, but hey the drive on the left. Learn to drive manual shift car or be prepared to pay more for automatic. Google Maps also implements detours when there is a serious traffic jam.
A really good video for getting information about travelling to Germany (Europe). For me as a German it's funny but about the toilet things I did it right that when I travel inside Europe. For Example, I was last year for a week in London UK and only with hand luggage so I decided to get only the really necessary things in my backpack like clothes and a second pair of shoes, teeth brush, Electronic shaver and very important a switch for the power ;-). So first thing I did in London was to drive to the city from Heathtrow Airport and checked via google maps a small supermarket near by my hotel in West Ham (north east London) to get deo, teethgel and a suncrem as well. Long story short it makes it easier to get through the security and border control especially when you leave the european union.
Also the tampons and pads here are kinda different (better in my opinion) so if you don’t wanna try anything new maybe you should bring enough if you need them
I looked up the rules about bringing food because I cannot eat gluten. Forbidden foods are anything containing meat or milk. You can bring other foods.
The last time I used the Deutschebahn app which like he said is really good. Previously I booked some trains ahead from the US and printed out the ticket page. Different types of trains at different times can have very different prices. Sometimes the transfer time seems too short (like a few minutes) on some itineraries so watch out for that. Of course if some guy decides to kill himself by jumping in front of a train in Brussels the whole system schedule can suffer and make you miss the connection anyway.
We get asked for packing tips and advice a lot. 💼✈️ Hopefully this is helpful for those of you who want to visit Germany! Also, for all of our German viewers, if you have any more packing advice and tips please let us know! 🤗💜
Do you 2 have plans for kids in the Future? I know an Eismann Who makes the best Eis in the world. His name is Bruno and he lives in Bevern. he is Italian and he makes eis since 1982. And every Eissorte he makes is a creation from him. A new eissorte from his is Coca Cola, Cookies is really good, Gummibärchen Eis is very good too and he make even more eissorten who are perfect. When you want to make are comparison video where Eisdilen and Eis Unternehmen ein VS machen sollen würde ich euch bruno vorschlagen. LG aus Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Ostwestfalenlippe
@@lennartgamer2339 No plan for children at the moment! 😋 and it is summer Eis time here!! Well have to check Bruno out if we're ever in the area! 🍨
You schould also download the app "öffi". It will be helpful if you want to use the public transportation system.
@@Bocky_B They are also the cheaper ones in Germany (called discounter) and you won't get "special stuff" there. But the quality is fine, especially for the price. Other big supermarkets are Edeka or Rewe for example. They are more expensive but have a bigger selection in special stuff and more brand products.
Do you consider doing a “what to bring to the US” video?
When you travel to Germany, you need an "Allwetterjacke" because man weiß ja nie.
Walmart didn't had them
That was their downfall xD
@@Hanmacx Walmart paid people to greet the clients, and clients thought what an humiliating job they give to people. "we don't want to support this".
Am besten die gute alte Jack Wolfskin Jacke.
Agreed!!!
@@Hanmacx Klaut der einfach meinen Kommentar vom Why Walmart failed in Germany Video...
Anzeige ist raus.
As a Brit I’ve found that most German hotels don’t have coffee or tea making facilities in the rooms. I always bring a travel kettle and teabags.
One thing I would like to add: If you plan to do a lot of walking and sightseeing, bring/wear comfortable shoes and DON'T wear high heels or flip flops. A blister on your foot can ruin your whole vacation and many cities and villages have areas that are paved with cobblestone or gravel or other uneven materials that make flip flops very uncomfortable and high heels dangerous to wear.
I work at a major tourist place in NYC and see women tourists wearing heels every day. What are they thinking? It's like a European city - lots of walking. News flash tourists: getting around the Statue of Liberty takes a lot of walking besides getting to the boat. You don't drive in and park in a lot.
But German cobbled stone streets will ruin shoes and feet. Specially in smaller towns.
@@Be-Es---___ In Bruge it's a long walk from the train station to the center of town. All cobblestones. Some people were testing the durability of their rolling suitcase wheels by banging along all the way there. My luggage is backpack style - sometimes worse but in that case way better.
Another good tip is to not overfill your suitcase. You're most definitely going to buy something to take back with you (planned or unplanned) so it's always good to leave some space for that. I like to just fold my clothes and put them in on the way there and then roll them up on the way back cause rolling clothes really saves a lot of space! 😉
Yess! 😍👍
6 Tops, 4 bottoms, a vest with lots of zip pockets, 2 scarves (one dressy silk, and 1 knit), 1 rain jacket, 1 dress, 1 sneaker pair, 1 semi dressy flats pair, a cardigan sweater, a warm wrap, 2 long sleep shirts, unders, socks, 1 bra, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, buy toiletries there. Wear some of the items on the list and you will have plenty of room to bring things back. Backpack held laptop, iPad, camera, electronics and all that. Vest held all the documents, phone and other items I would usually put in a purse. I packed a small empty purse so I didn’t have to carry one during travel. This was a 21“ carryon, and a small backpack for a 3 week trip. Skip the hair dryer and curlers, just get a good cut and some product that works with your natural hair. Only cosmetic was a combo cheek/lip color, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, and crayon type eyeshadow stick. Never needed more.
Thanks! I’m planning a 14 day trip to Germany on a budget so only bringing one suitcase. I’m screenshooting this comment so I’ll remember the tips!
Oh I love you !
Due to corona paying with card gets more common even in smaller shops
That's trueee!!
I hope it'll stay like this after Corona
In bigger towns it is possible. at the countryside, you need cash.
Actually there hasn't been a difference at my place or familys place. Still Cash.
Only big chains like Rewe prefer Card now.
@@DeanaandPhil It is of course always safer to type on a keypad that hundreds of people have touched before... Yeah no, that's for sure :-(
Guys, go to the bank, take out money in all kinds of bills and better tip a few cents more. This is more hygenic than a contaminated keypad and the waitress is happy to get a little more tip for exposing herself to potential corona carriers all day long!
I made the mistake of thinking I could pick up shampoo, deodorant etc when visiting the US from Germany, so I didn't pack any. Then I went to a supermarket (Target) to stock up and was really shocked at the prices! They were about 3 times the price!
Yeah sorry about that 😅 ! I’m visiting Germany & im so excited ❤️
@@TheKianaRoe I'm late but good luck I hope it was a good time there 🤭🤗
America is more expensive.
"Freedom isn't free!" lol
You guys are spot on. We moved to Germany last year and everything you mentioned is true. I would also mention to look up German road signs and basic rules of the road if you plan to drive. That "yield to the right" got me confused in the beginning. Cheers
Thats german law. On "mehrspurigen Schnellstraßen" multiple track Highways you are obliged to stay on the right.... and NEVER EVER overtake on the right if the overall traffic is faster than 80km/h. Anything less than 80km/h on a Highway tends to get a "Stau" traffic jam where you are allowed to pass on the right.
Also good to know: With the "DB Navigator" you can also look up all bus and subway connections in the whole of Germany. You usually can't book it there directly but it is a great way to get an overview over all the options of transportation :)
My daughter is just starting college in Germany. I'm so glad I found you guys! You're so fun!!
That stuffed bear is so cute.
Bring an open mind, leave intolerance and prejudice.
Yes!!
that passive aggressive comment tho...
definitely bringing extra tolerance to The Land of Hefeweizen!
What does Hefeweizen mean? Thanks in advance 🌈🌻
@@helenrodrigues4594 Hefeweizen is a special wheat based type of beer mostly brewed and preferably drunken in the South of Germany, especially Bavaria.
Wiki says: "Wheat beer is a top-fermented beer which is brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. The two main varieties are German Weizenbier and Belgian witbier; other types include Lambic (made with wild yeast), Berliner Weisse (a cloudy, sour beer), and Gose (a sour, salty beer)."
I always pack a roll of 4L / 1Gallon freezer bags and a roll of packing tape. Good for packing whatever small things you buy.
This is very helpful and practical information. I love Deanna's "sign language" and facial expressions when Phil is speaking. So close to 50k subscribers!
Reminder: The German powersockets are very deep - so you can't fit the multichanger inside it if it's too big (see the f-type plug? That thing has to go all the way into the socket). Just a little heads-up. If in doubt, simply buy them here. Commonly found at bigger trainstations or shops along the Autobahn.
I love how they finger count differently, just like in that scene from Inglourious Basterds. At 2:31, she uses the index, middle and ring fingers to count 3, while he uses the thumb, index and middle finger.
Good spot! Different countries/cultures have different ways of even doing the simplest things. For example (using the only two countries I'm familiar with) in the UK we generally start with 1, but in Hungary, they regard 0 as the first number - they have an M0 motorway and keyboards have the 0 on the left. Their dates are also the 'sensible' way round - 10th May 2023 in the UK is 10/5/23, but in Hungary it's 23/5/10 (although both of these make more sense than the US way of writing dates!). And the same applies to names - first name first in the UK, but surname first in Hungary. They also have a very weird way of telling the time after the half hour in Hungary. Basically they take the time away from the next hour - but it's not as simple as just saying ten to six. Despite living there for several months every year from 2001 to the pandemic, I've never quite understood this - I just avoid it!
Something no one ever mentioned is the tunnels from the train stations or ubahn tracks. It's like another city underground. We actually rode the elevator to the basement, walked to the ubahn station, caught our train to the airport, all without being on the street....crazy! Not to mention all of the stores along the way underground.
Usually s bahn to the airport
If your are a 'senior' depending on the country (62-65) you may get a 'senior' discount on transportation and museums for example. Usually your passport will have your birthdate to qualify. Also bring a shopping bag as not usually not provided for free if at all in grocery stores.
I think you guys are great. You hit all the important questions and concerns and do it in a concise manner! Keep up the good work. I already feel more comfortable to my trip in 2 days!
This is the best, most comprehensive, video like this that i’ve seen! Super smart to have both an American and a German perspective! Awesome job, thank you!!
4:42 Also Aldi und Lidl. That’s where I got my toiletries from. So much easier as you can’t get certain items through airport security.
And I’ll definitely be returning to Nürnberg next year 😊😊🇩🇪
This video was very helpful! I am in college right now and I am saving for my trip to go to Germany when I graduate within the next two years! 😊
😍👍
Excellent. That was fun. Especially the recommendation about VPN. And cash and coins. Great tips. Cheers.
I am so glad I found your channel! I started to learn German 6 months ago because my fiancé and I will be going there for our honeymoon. Thank you 🙌🏻
At 2:30, Deana and Phil show the number 3 with their hands in a different way. It's interesting to realize that the American and German way to signal 3 is different.
I'm glad I started watching these videos, before my trip. I just learned I shouldn't bring all the exppensive food, I was planning to bring. Thanks
Just found out that I’m moving to Germany in a few months, and your videos have been really helpful! Thank you!!!
I am watching this while waiting for my flight to Germany at the airport. ✈️
Though you may have to pay for it ..it’s worth 😃the small amount for such a well kept, clean bathroom. What impressed me is in the convenient stores for example you pay to use the bathroom but they give you a receipt giving you in-store credit to apply to items purchased at the store. I’ve never seen so many clean public bathrooms in my life! Also, I would highly recommend (At least for Americans) If you use any rubbing alcohol for cleaning surfaces or your hands..pack the large plastic bottles in your suitcases ( I always double ziplock mine) because apparently while you can purchase it in Germany at a pharmacy ..it’s sold in very small quantities at a much higher price.
If you look at things that way, it's basically like you got to use the bathroom for free because you bought something there. Pretty cool.
7:20 Aldi Talk is very nice
Omg Soooooo relatable. I live in Europe and you guys are sooo right. LOVE YOU 😍
Thank you!! Yeah, a lot of these things can be applied to other countries in Europe too. 🤗💜
When taking prescription medication across borders, I always take a copy of the prescription, specially if I am talking several weeks worth.
I was expecting to be very cold but I was walking everywhere and at a faster pace. I was warm most of the time. Also building construction is much better. It retains the heat nicely, all the layers were perfect. The taxi app was great, it translated everything for me and I was able to pay with it. A good midsized backpack, sports bottle and walking shoes were all I needed.
In the summer it is most of the time realy warm but in the winter it is sometimes colder than -10°C and a few years ago at one day it was -23°C at the place where I lived.
Danke to both of .Super tips😜
Hey guys, you're a good channel, and you've become better these days. Well done.
Lol did Phil not get the “break wind” or was he too focused on what he was saying? That was funny 😆
It's cultural. Nudity and toilet and body function related jokes are just not a thing over here.
Different, not better!
Great thanks for the great advice, regarding good footwear I just purchased my first pair of Birkenstock’s and I’m 🥰 in love it my feet are at least 🥳regard from Matt here in New Zealand
German potatoes salad one old German lady had her way: old baking potatoes cooked w/skin and peeled when cool/add cornishons cut in cubes/cut cool potatoes in cubes/and eggs cut in cubes/ mayonnaise and salt and pepper and voila! salad for the weekend in Toronto. She was from Berlin and got to Canada in 1950's do not recall which exactly. My favourite German pastry is the plum cake w/crumbs ! oh lah lah ! We have famous Bavarian huge bakery and tell you there is the cafe there and so much delicacies ....Thanks!
Hi i'm new to this channel and from Germany
so far I like the video
Welcome! 🤗💜 Thanks for stopping by!
If your phone can handle it, get a eSIM. It's a software based SIM that doesn't require you to physically pull out your card and insert another. The only caveat is that your phone must be unlocked from your home carrier.
Dude, thank you! I had no idea it existed. Traveling from USA to Germany soon. Will do a research. I have unlocked iPhone.
Clothes, it depends on the region you travel to. I live in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, and here you have to be prepared for heat and not cold, and extremely mild winters.
Love the channel so far… good info
I can tell I will definitely need when I go there! Haven't watched it yet but I can tell it's going to be epic. Thanks Deana and Phil 😄
🤗💜 Thank you!! And thanks for commenting!!
@@DeanaandPhil I have one small question about student cards,For example I want beer and do I just show my student card or how do you use it?
@@lukegeorgian5481 Some bars will have promotions or deals for students. You usually order and say you're a student. Sometimes they'll ask for your student ID and you'll show it then. 🍻
@@DeanaandPhil ah alright I see,Well thank you for the advices you gave when coming to Germany😄
Great advice on the electrical adapters.
Great information! I will save this when hopefully next year, since this year didn't work out lol, I will make my European trip! You also helped me win an arguement too because you mentioned that if we don't have travel insurance and need to see a doctor it is quite expensive - I was being told healthcare was covered for everyone (citizens and otherwise) overseas and I said no only for those who contribute aka taxpayers - so thank you for that! I enjoy your channel and wish lots of happiness and good health together for many years to come!
Haha nice! 😋 Don't quote us on this, but we are pretty sure you're supposed to have travel insurance or some type of insurance when you travel to Germany. If you're applying for a German visa they usually check this, but if you are allowed access upon arrival there's usually no check. We're pretty sure this is correct and I'm sure someone will correct us if not!
@@DeanaandPhil Travel insurance is a very important. There are a lot of "holes" that it does cover that standard American health insurance doesn't cover. When my son and his girlfriend traveled to England in January, I made sure they had travel insurance! :)
I'm going to Germany for 12 days and having to get certificates to bring my pain meds is a pain. I got a certificate sighed by my doctor, the schengen article 75 paper filled out by my doctor, copy of the prescription and the original bottle. Bit of a pain but I'm super excited
This reminds me of those packing lists you get from school when going on a trip
Deana and Phil forgot to mention if you are taking prescription medication you need to get a letter from your doctor, it helps when you get to the border if they question your medication. And also in might be advisable to see a Travel Doctor who will help with any medical needs you may have ( especially if you have some major health problems). A travel doctor is GP who specialises in needs for people who are traveling (especially overseas.)
I've never had a problem. No prescription opiods though.
Prescription drugs, even over the counter drugs should be in their original containers. I use a CPAP, it would be a good idea to have a copy of the prescription for it or a letter from your doctor so can bring with your carry on bags on flights.
Thanks guys, very informative. And Deana, your hair is amazing!
Danke für eure tollen Videos
durch euch lerne ich auf entspannte und spaßige weise besseres englisch zu sprechen
huuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
We visit a small village in Germany near the Czech border frequently. We will often take Utah salsa to our family, frozen, wrapped and sealed. So far no problem with customs. Love, Love Germany!
No, just no fresh fruits or diary products. everything that can potentially hold insects, bacteria or germs. But it's about the same as when returning to US.
Gracias, Amigos 👋😀
Deana! I live in a town called Kaiserslautern and I found a store at the local mall with hot Cheetos. It is an American snack food store called “uncle woody’s.” I know it is usually out of the way, but I figured I would let you know since you are both traveling around Germany
Additional shoes and layered clothing is actually really smart, last thursday we had 22°c in the sun and on the following day we had 0°c with snow in most of the country so, keep that in mind.
i think both are a good tip no matter where you go -- could not imagine traveling with one pair of shoes and then something happened to them (or one) ..would be difficult to get another pair when you don't have one to wear!
If you like a bottle of wine a travel corkscrew and maybe small plastic wine glasses. I found screw tops less common in Europe than in North America and you will need this. Or buy one on arrival as needed. Portable water containers, collapsible are good as tap water is fine to fill them as you will walk a lot.
Wine with cork still exists, but it's more on the more valuable wines, on the young fresh one you often have screw tops, but you had to pay attention in the store.
We bring one plug adapter and a standard North American extension cord so we can plug in all our chargers and power supplies at the same time. The extension cord is also helpful in old hotels with few sockets or when the socket is in an inconvenient place. Compared to Canada, mobile coverage in Germany is cheap so we had no problem with that, and Canadian bank debit cards work in German automated tellers with minimal to no extra fees than what we would pay at home.
Nice to see that you're closing in on the 50K subscriber mark!
When you get it take the flat one it fits everywhere the round one doesnt
Deana, you look like the real life Lili or her sister. One of my favorites. Helpful video.
In America the voltage is 110volts. In European Countries (like germany of course) the so called Verbundnetz is normed on the level of 230volts. As you can see it is nearly the double rate of tension, so if you connect a device to the german (or EU) grid directly -well it will be the last time you can use it..
Different frequency as well - 60Hz in the US, 50Hz in Europe. This isn't as serious an issue as the voltage difference (nothing should die or explode), but it might mean things don't work properly - or at all.
Moovit is an app we use all the time in Europe. We could even schedule our taxi ride to the airport at 4 a.m. Perfect for the trains, busses, and trams. Agree on the Flixbus. We take it to many cities. We try to take trains in the wintertime.
10:38 it's interesting how germans and americans count differently with their fingers lol
If you're a spy, it can get you shot! (movie reference)
@@tomzito2585 I do it the same with the 4 and I'm german. How else can you even do it
EDIT: Ah okay because she shows 2 times 4 and he shows 5 and 3. Yeah thats different. I wonder if everbody does it like that in the US
@@wesprog9809 Americans start counting with the first finger and add the thumb for 5. Europeans start with the thumb.
I think "the cash" problem, is bigger in small towns, compared to the city. I didn't use cash for the last 2 years I think, you can use your "Girocard" or smartphone, for nearly every payment, even for public restrooms (and for the shopping carts, I use a plastic coin), but I would still recommand having cash on you, when travelling in Germany!
That's a good idea. May I ask where you got the plastic coin at?
I won't just visit Germany but I'll be working there anytime soon, just waiting for my Visa. This video helped a lot. Thanks Deana and Phil. Any more tips? 😊
Bring your own country's multi-way power adapter, so that all of your home-appliances you brought with you will work from just 1 x EU power adapter :) We travel from the UK to Germany a lot and it always helps to have a 4-way UK power adapter in the hotel room, ready for our phone / speaker / laptop / toothbrush / shaver to charge from :)
Usually the rule for anything edible it has to be vacuumed sealed and for personal consumption.
Maybe but definitly not meat or organic products. They are not allowed to bring in th EU and will be thrown away. Helpful: www.zoll.de/DE/Privatpersonen/Reisen/Reisen-nach-Deutschland-aus-einem-nicht-eu-Staat/reisen-nach-deutschland-aus-einem-nicht-eu-staat_node.html this is the site of german customs. Google can translate it.
@@christiank.8748 That is true
Your videos are so fun and positive!!
I don´t know why so many people say that we have to pay for using the toilet and that it is not free in Germany.
I know, sometimes you need to pay for the toilet, but it is actually not so very often.
Maybe in other regions it appears more often, but the place I live (Hamburg and surroundings) you only seldom find places you have to pay for the toilet. And as all places who sell drinks, like restaurants, pubs, diners etc. are forced by law to offer free toilets, you will actually always find a toilet for free. The most cases I was paying for the toilet, I actually didn´t have to pay. I was just giving a tip to the cleaner.
Binge watching you guys! Such a fun couple! Thanks for helping me understand German culture. I'm planning to visit as soon as the situation allows.
Another time just for the algorithm.
🤗💜 thank you!!
11:18 This applies especially for animal and diary products. This kinds of products are generally not allowed to be imported by travellers from outside the European Union. The reason is animal disease prevention.
Thankyou so very much for the information while traveling . You two are a lovely couple. 😍
Good advice..makes me miss home in Germany
Great video, thanks!
For Switzerland the same rules as germany, but bring twice the money. Oh and we not only have 230V outlets, we also have 50 Hz instead of the American 60. for most things it doesn’t matter, they’re multi-voltage/multi-frequency. There is a label on it. Mostly 100-240V. The UK has a weird plug ( due to safety regulations). So not even standard 2-prong euro-plugs fit in there, even if they fit everywhere else. If you buy an adaptor, please invest some extra $$ for safety. Those cheap ebay travel plugs are death traps. Oh, and many countries have no free autobahn. There will be a hefty fine if you mess this up
I recommend bringing a spare backup phone. I went to Germany and my main phone died, my other phone was a life saver
America is one of the very few countries where What's App is not so popular, but I've found that it is very widespread internationally. Might be a good idea to download it to your phone ahead of time.
Thanks
Very helpful as I am planning to visit Germany soon
I think you missed to explain what an offline-map is and why do you need it offline. Doctors visit can be quiet affordable, just the visit and a short talk might not be more expensive than 40-50€. X-Ray is about 50-80€. It's way cheaper than in US. If you have no insurance in US, better get your treatment in Germany (and pay cash ;-)).
There are no student discounts for public transport you can use as a tourist.
Student tickets are only available for the ones studying in the area they are good for.
And other offers are just on your age not your student status.
e.g. German Rail Youth Pass (under 28y)
www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/passes/german-rail-pass.shtml
or e.g. a Baden-Württemberg Ticket Young (under 27y)
www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/regio/regionale-tickets/bawue/baden-wuerttemberg-ticket-young.shtml
Student IDs (Europeans, US citizens etc.) or the ISIC is useful for discounted admission fees esp. with public museums etc. Sometimes there are also cheap theatre/opera tickets for students.
E.g. a the 3 days Berlin Museum Pass is for students EUR 14,50 (regular price is EUR 29,00).
www.visitberlin.de/en/museum-pass-berlin
I've driven many times in Germany in rental cars and trucks using my Louisiana drivers license. Also, in order to get access to cell service in Hundlandia, one must be angemeldet.
Can you make a video were phil tries anerican drinks?
Greart Prepaid-Card is from Kaufland mobile. Is using Telekom and is cheap.
So I hadn’t seen this video before my trip this past spring but I’d definitely agree with everything you guys mentioned. I’ll try to use all these suggestions, especially the SIM card because using WiFi for everything is tricky, when I return. I didn’t get the chance to study abroad long like I planned but I want to return someday to Germany because I loved the three weeks I got before Coronavirus sent me home. Thanks for the suggestions Deana and Phil!
Do you know why the suggest to bring an “unlocked” phone? Can you not use a German SIM card on a traditional apple phone?
Apple phones can be locked or unlocked. Locked, means that the phone works only with certain provider. Unlocked means it works with any.
Pack for a holiday in Seattle.
Western Europe have the same power outlets. Don't know of Central Europe. UK is a different story, but hey the drive on the left.
Learn to drive manual shift car or be prepared to pay more for automatic.
Google Maps also implements detours when there is a serious traffic jam.
A really good video for getting information about travelling to Germany (Europe). For me as a German it's funny but about the toilet things I did it right that when I travel inside Europe. For Example, I was last year for a week in London UK and only with hand luggage so I decided to get only the really necessary things in my backpack like clothes and a second pair of shoes, teeth brush, Electronic shaver and very important a switch for the power ;-). So first thing I did in London was to drive to the city from Heathtrow Airport and checked via google maps a small supermarket near by my hotel in West Ham (north east London) to get deo, teethgel and a suncrem as well. Long story short it makes it easier to get through the security and border control especially when you leave the european union.
Also the tampons and pads here are kinda different (better in my opinion) so if you don’t wanna try anything new maybe you should bring enough if you need them
I love your channel! You guys are great and so fun to watch. 😊
Thank you! 🤗💜
I really enjoy watching you both
I looked up the rules about bringing food because I cannot eat gluten. Forbidden foods are anything containing meat or milk. You can bring other foods.
Washing bar soap (soap cake) is must, if not using washing machine...
The last time I used the Deutschebahn app which like he said is really good. Previously I booked some trains ahead from the US and printed out the ticket page. Different types of trains at different times can have very different prices. Sometimes the transfer time seems too short (like a few minutes) on some itineraries so watch out for that. Of course if some guy decides to kill himself by jumping in front of a train in Brussels the whole system schedule can suffer and make you miss the connection anyway.
Tysm for sharing all the information
Very interesting, thank you!
useful content. I will visit Germany this May.
Informativ und niedlich wie immer.
it's really helpful . thanks you guys alot
The Corona warn app is pretty useful nowadays
Please do more vlogs. I love your energy :)
loved it♥️♥️thank you guys