-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Help me survive in Europe for a week!
- Thread starter Bebpo
- Start date
- Status
Just open google maps when you have wifi and zoom in and out a bit. Should cache more then enough to get around.
For larger cities TripAdvisor has offline guides available. Works like a charm.
U-Bahn (U stands for Untergrund) is usually underground while S-Bahn (I think S stands for "Stadt" but not 100% sure) is usually overground.
The ticket system is kinda on good faith here in germany, sometimes while you are using a train there are some people from the city train services checking your ticket, otherwise they don't really check if you have a ticket or not.
When you take the regional train there are usually 1-2 people per train that check tickets every 2-3 stations.
That sounds similar to what I had to do in Krakow, but you validate on your first journey. The timestamp indicates when your ticket runs from. Could well be very wrong, have never been to Munich.
I guess you already know Wikivoyage? If not, check it out: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Munich
Site has lots of helpful info, especially when it comes to confusing stuff like train tickets which are checked from time to time on board the train -- and you'll want to have the right kind if someone asks you to show it.
And, yes, U is mostly underground while S is mostly above ground!
Site has lots of helpful info, especially when it comes to confusing stuff like train tickets which are checked from time to time on board the train -- and you'll want to have the right kind if someone asks you to show it.
And, yes, U is mostly underground while S is mostly above ground!
Can just take a screen shot also.
Well I moved to Germany about 7 months ago, it definitely is a bit of a culture shock but I really am settling in and starting to enjoy it much more than I imagined I would. I just visited the US again for two weeks and it felt really weird being there after having spent the past half year+ in Germany.
Pretty much all good advice has been given here. Munich is a sufficiently large enough city that most people you run into will speak English. Don't feel bad about speaking to other Germans in it, if you make any attempt to speak German many will appreciate it.
Concerning the trains, yes it is good faith. Random ticket checking will occur on the U-banh and S-banh (it happens to me all the time) but if you ride on of the regional trains (RE) or the high-speed trains (ICE) expect to get checked 95% of the time (have not been checked on some of the RE trains but always checked on the ICE). You probably will only use the RE or ICE if you are traveling to another German city.
Pretty much all good advice has been given here. Munich is a sufficiently large enough city that most people you run into will speak English. Don't feel bad about speaking to other Germans in it, if you make any attempt to speak German many will appreciate it.
Concerning the trains, yes it is good faith. Random ticket checking will occur on the U-banh and S-banh (it happens to me all the time) but if you ride on of the regional trains (RE) or the high-speed trains (ICE) expect to get checked 95% of the time (have not been checked on some of the RE trains but always checked on the ICE). You probably will only use the RE or ICE if you are traveling to another German city.
Not from Munich but visiting often: Blue/U(nderground)-Bahn takes you through the center parts and the borders of suburb-style towns/cities. Red/S-Bahn trains take you further out but you will have to buy a different ticket for that, it stands for Schnellbahn/Rapid transit.
There is a ticket for MuenchenXXL which covers the Underground in the center which should do you fine for the first days. Can't tell you where the S-Bahn leads you but I believe there are some interesting cities to visit with it.
Never saw anybody checking for tickets, either way, the day ticket is only like 6-8€ for moving around the city centre.
TanookiTom
Member
I think you should try to relax, OP. There are some differences, of course, but I would say that (Western) Europe is culturally pretty close to the U.S., probably more so than any other region outside North America.
Also people in large cities are used to dealing with tourists every day, so don't worry too much about making mistakes.
Don't be afraid to ask people for help. Other posters have provided some good sources like wiki travel to get a brief overview over the countries you're visiting. I think people will really appreciate if you show some knowledge, but they won't expect it from you being a tourist.
Also people in large cities are used to dealing with tourists every day, so don't worry too much about making mistakes.
Don't be afraid to ask people for help. Other posters have provided some good sources like wiki travel to get a brief overview over the countries you're visiting. I think people will really appreciate if you show some knowledge, but they won't expect it from you being a tourist.
Or download Nokia's HERE Maps and cache a whole country offline.
jufonuk
not tag worthy
in a loud voice point out to everyone you meet how great the USA is , tell them they are welcome for the liberation during WW2, everyone loves that, also mention how quaint all things are..
or do not worry the majority of people speak English, the food is immense and have a great time
or do not worry the majority of people speak English, the food is immense and have a great time
Been having a great time here, partly thanks to all the help from gaf. Yesterday I seemed to have picked up a sinus cold from being packed like sardines with tourists at Lindelhof Castle (gorgeous castle, and the view from Neuschwanstein Castle is incredible looking out to the village, fields and lakes).
Today eyes are watery, nose is running, and feeling super fatigued. Not letting it get me down and did a ton of walking to and through Nymphemburg Palace while drinking lots of water, but I'd really like to go to the Apothecary and pick some cold medicine up to take. But since I have no idea what any of the meds are or what they do and don't want to take something with weird side effects that I'm not expecting, I'd like to figure out what I should be taking beforehand. I googled around but didn't find many good answers other than that the US Sudafed is banned here but there is some version of Claritin here.
Can any gaf Germans figure out what I should pick up from the big A to help speed up getting rid of this cold?
Thanks,
Today eyes are watery, nose is running, and feeling super fatigued. Not letting it get me down and did a ton of walking to and through Nymphemburg Palace while drinking lots of water, but I'd really like to go to the Apothecary and pick some cold medicine up to take. But since I have no idea what any of the meds are or what they do and don't want to take something with weird side effects that I'm not expecting, I'd like to figure out what I should be taking beforehand. I googled around but didn't find many good answers other than that the US Sudafed is banned here but there is some version of Claritin here.
Can any gaf Germans figure out what I should pick up from the big A to help speed up getting rid of this cold?
Thanks,
D
Deleted member 1235
Unconfirmed Member
dont' worry about anything and go sit in a biergarten. all will be well.
D
Deleted member 125677
Unconfirmed Member
Wear white sneakers, lumberjack shirt, baseball cap, fanny-pack and ask people to take pictures of you and say "wow, that's a great shot!"
or just relax, people don't mind speaking in English to tourists. Are you visiting other countries as well while you're over?
or just relax, people don't mind speaking in English to tourists. Are you visiting other countries as well while you're over?
TanookiTom
Member
If you have a travel insurance it might be worth just going to see a doctor if you're really feeling bad. Isn't Claritin just an antihistamine for allergies? If so just go to the Apotheke asking for something containing antihistamine/against the symptoms allergies.
But if it's really a cold that shouldn't help you at all.
The most well-known cold "medicine" in Germany is probably "Gripstad C" containing some of the components of "Sudafed" which you mentioned. But doctors usually tell you to not take that because its mostly just making you feel better without actually helping you against the cold or speed up recovery. So I would not recommend that.
Maybe just try some nasal spray (Nasic for example) and Paracetamol if you're really feeling bad. And try to take it slow for a few days.
You will not get any anti viral medicine in Germany, especially not over the counter.
Interceptor
Banned
Don't worry too much about your behaviour in germany. You will be fine. Just talk english and enjoy your trip. 10% tips are fine but even many (unpolite) germans don't do that. Have a beer, make sure you have a valid train ticket and have fun.
As others said.. europe is not one country. Ignore all of the above in other countries. ^^ Especially France.
As others said.. europe is not one country. Ignore all of the above in other countries. ^^ Especially France.
I'd probably just get some nasal spray and Wick MediNait (Vicks NyQuil) for the night, so you can catch some sleep. Maybe some Paracetamol for the day, if you have to, but there's nothing that will really speed up getting rid of a cold.
TanookiTom
Member
I'm really sorry about the weather, let's hope it's gonna improve while you're still here! Till when are you staying and what are your other destinations in Germany? Staying down south in Bavaria?
Staying through next Tuesday. Already seen the city center and churches of Munich, along with some museum, the two castles, Nymphemburg palace. Still planning on walking the English Garden on a nice day (hopefully Friday), going to the Deutches Museum and the Pinakothekan art museums. Then I'll feel pretty happy with my Munich sightseeing.
Planning on using the other days to visit Salzburg, Nuremburg, and Lake Chiemsee and the two islands in it.
TanookiTom
Member
Your plan sounds quite nice! Salzburg is exceptionally beautiful imo. Make sure to take a day or half a day in Regensburg. Its right on your way to Nuremberg (1,5 hours from Munich by train and 1 hour from Nuremberg) and features one of the largest intact historical centers in Germany - it was never bombed (unlike Nuremberg which suffered a lot of damage) and dates back to Roman times. The Walhalla and Befreiungshalle Kelheim are worthwile and well-known sights near to Regensburg. If you choose to visit the Befreiungshalle in Kelheim make sure to take a ship down the Danube (they're offering inexpensive roundrips on a ferry) - the scenery is amazing - and visit the Weltenburg monastery. It's said to be one of the oldest monastery breweries and the beer is awesome ;-)
TanookiTom
Member
Actually this is pretty much the same deal as Grippostad - it's mostly making you feel better because of substances like/which act like caffeine and pain killers... Wouldn't really recommend anybody to take that. It's mostly marketing really. But I don't want to make this a thread about medications ;-)
Cool, thanks for the info! I still have one day left unplanned (which I may end just unfortunately just using on Saturday to sleep all day if I'm still feeling sick), but hopefully if I'm doing ok, I'll use that day to check out the brewery! I love beer and unfortunately I'm not drinking any atm because not a good idea when you have a cold :X
I have to say though, Bavaria has been exceptionally beautiful. I've taken a ton of pictures so far and it's just really, really impressed me. The lush countrysides, the small villages and the alps in the background, the gorgeous castles and palaces. I've traveled most of the US (even been to "castles" in the US), Canada, Japan and nothing outside of maybe Big Sur's incredible beaches and Alaska's awe-inspiring fjords compares to the beauty I've seen in Bavaria in only a few days (maybe Kyoto's temples and foliage, but I think stuff like Big Sur/Fjords and Bavaria fields are on a whole different level). What I'd give to see the world 150 years ago when the palaces were filled with activities and you could look out the window from a castle and see the kingdom thriving (although apparently, was not thriving because the castle building and such was bankrupting Bavaria haha ^^
. It's interesting in that even though I'm really burnt out on the Assassin's Creed series at this point and got pretty sick of Unity, this stuff really, really reminds me of AC and it makes me appreciate AC's "historic setting life simulation" aspect a lot more. Because that's a way I can actually put myself in virtual shoes and experience places in a historical time that doesn't exist today. Would be cool if they did an AC game in Bavaria :0
Tried a Donor Kebab and didn't really care for the taste of the meat. I know heresy, prefer gyro meat in California. The bratwurst and sausages have all been amazing though, and the gelato and desert/sweet stuff is crazy good. Tried a pizza slice once and it was just ok, I think we fairly good pizza in America, so not sure if I'll find any here to blow me away. Need to try a really good Italian place. Also need to try Snitzel since I like fried things and I like meat.
Went to Regensburg for the day today to get out of Munich. It was nice! The old city center is neat, and has a distinct feel. The giant twin tower church of St. Peter was very impressive and the island area along the rivers was gorgeous. They were doing a hamburger festival, but I dunno what time it was starting because I was there for like 6 hours and they were setting up the whole time and so I took off before it started. But got to see some cool stands!
One thing I liked about Regensburg was that it was a little less touristy. I went off the main path and explored around and often I was wandering down empty cobblestone streets all by myself which was nice. Another thing I liked was at the main station there was a MALL, I've been traveling around for about 2.5 weeks now and the mall was the first place that felt like home in California, so it was kind of nice. They even had a Gamestop! (I didn't know Gamestop was global, how sad), so I walked around and browsed German games. There was a neat record shop in the city center, didn't buy anything because I didn't want to have to carry it around, but it was fun to browse.
Definitely was a nice day trip, thanks for the recommendation! I'm wondering if I should still go to Nuremburg for a day. It's even further and is it really going to be different enough from Munich and Regensburg to be worth traveling 2+ hours each way too? Even the 1:30 min train felt like a trip for a day trip. Still definitely doing Salzburg on Sunday.
NerdEyeBlind
Member
Survival Protip: Just Say No To Hostels
TanookiTom
Member
What makes you say that? I love staying at hostels - just don't choose the dorms. But you can often find private rooms on a budget - oftentimes offering higher value for the money compared to even three star hotels (think of the common rooms with a fridge etc.). Plus it's a good way to get to know people in common rooms if you're traveling alone.
Gosh, he has 8 days! Don't listen to this hippie op! Take Grippostad or Aspirin Complex, it will help you a lot. Drink lot's of fluid. Also a schnapps here and there helps. Get a good rest sometime as well. Bang!
Regarding the language, I think most Germans love to speak English, don't worry, it's not France.
Also someone said you cross the cuttlery on the plate after you've finsihed. That's exactly wrong. You put knife and fork parallel to each other on appr. 4 pm.
left: not finished, right: finished.
TanookiTom
Member
Hippie? Sorry?
Grippostad and Aspirin Complex is just bullshit. If you wanna feel better - as I said - just buy cheaper pain killers. Those "medications" are just a waste of money, you pay them for or adding caffeine and Vitamin C. So telling somebody that it "will help it a lot" is outright wrong and misinformed. It might make him feel better - but taking much cheaper Paracetamol with a cup of coffee will have exactly the same effect.
In Europe, tipping practices vary from region to region, although, in general, tipping is not considered obligatory. If you visit the nordic countries they don't expect tipping at all.
In European countries it is a legal requirement to quote prices including all taxes. The expectation when a price is advertised, is to pay that amount and no more. Restaurants post a menu outside including prices. If a service charge is to be added, this is usually indicated on the menu. If an establishment attempts to charge more than was shown on a menu, for example by adding a service charge not clearly posted, or by adding a tip by default, this is seen as an attempt to overcharge the customer.
There's no such rule despite it showing up and being declared "important" in various places no waiter will take an unfinished plate away because you accidentally put knife and fork parallel to each other.
Waiting staff always completely ignores the placement, it has zero relevance because even if such a rule existed you cannot expect every guest to know about or follow it and assuming people do would only lead to problems and guests complaining about bad service.
family_guy
Member
You don't need phone service for gps/google maps. What you should have done is downloaded a map of the country before you got there. Google Maps has this feature. You can use it offline. You won't get turn by turn directions offline, but that's actually a feature coming later this year. Anyway, once you get access to wifi you can download the map.
The Wicks stuff has actually been working pretty great. Feel solid during the day and last night tried the night one and it knocked me out from 8pm-8am. Drinking lots of water although I've been having a few beers actually and it doesn't seem to be making the cold any worse. Not a ton of it cause yeah, mixing alchohol and meds is bad for the liver, but like 2 small beers yesterday, 1 large beer today at a beer garden.
I've been staying the nights in since it seems kind of dead around the station at night where I am, but since it's Saturday night, planning on walking around the main street leading to Marienplatz which seems to be the center of town and I'll see if anything's going on. Otherwise there's a theater near the Deustches Museum (which was pretty incredible) playing Jurassic World OV version, so might catch that. Always interesting seeing a movie in another country as the experience and audience reaction always differs between cultures.
Walked like miles and miles through the English Garden today, really scenic. Looking forward to checking out Austria tomorrow with Salzburg. Hopefully I can get around on foot and do some quality sight-seeing. I tried doing a tour for the Neuschwanstein and Lindelhof Castles and I really don't enjoy tours since you're rushed from one place to another with no chance to just walk around and find cool stuff. So even though there is a tour around Salzburg, I'm just gonna take a train over and try to figure it out for the day. Do you have to do some kind of customs stuff when traveling between countries by train? Obviously I'll have my passport on me. And I'll look it up in a second, but I'm assuming Austria will take Euros?
Does this work on Windows phone?
John Kowalski
Banned
Wow, you haven't died yet? Good work.
Thank you, I pride myself on good work.
Wow, thanks. I've had my phone for almost 2 years and never knew this. Would be helpful for some situations like now.
Wow, thanks. I've had my phone for almost 2 years and never knew this. Would be helpful for some situations like now.
- Status