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Practical Information
Please find below some practical information to help you make your stay in Frankfurt even more enjoyable.
Arrival By Car
Frankfurt was declared an "environmental zone" on 01st September 2008. This zone comprises the majority of the metropolitan area of Frankfurt, being bordered to the west by the A5 motorway, to the south by the A3 motorway and to the north and east by the A661 motorway. Motor vehicles entering this environmental zone must display a green emissions sticker (EURO 4 emissions standard) on their windshield.
For more detailed information on the emissions sticker, please visit the following website: www.umwelt-plakette.de
Emissions stickers are available from the Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV): www.tuev-sued.de
Barrier-Free Frankfurt
Many of Frankfurt's sightseeing attractions are barrier-free. For further information on the subject, please visit: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/barrier-free
Bus, Tram, Train & Taxi
Frankfurt's well-developed public transport system enables locals and visitors to reach their destinations quickly and easily, thereby avoiding the time-consuming search for a parking space.
Tickets for Frankfurt's public transport are available at the countless ticket vending machines, which you will find at all stops and stations. The ticket machines are multilingual and thus very easy to use. For further information, please visit www.rmv.de.
Please note that tickets must be purchased prior to the start of your journey. It is not possible to purchase tickets on trams, subways and commuter trains. Tickets do not have to be validated once you've boarded.
To order a taxi, call one of the following numbers, amongst others: +49 (0) 69 / 23 00 01 or +49 (0) 69 / 23 00 33 (Taxi Frankfurt).
Citycard
The Frankfurt Card is a convenient super-saver card that provides free and unlimited use of the city's public transport system while at the same time offering holders a wide range of discounts.
Shopping
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Shops and departments stores are generally open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Most supermarkets are open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. All shops and stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays. For further information on shopping in Frankfurt, please visit: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/shopping |
Entry Requirements
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In order to enter Germany from abroad, visitors need a passport valid for no less than four months from the time of entry. Visitors from EU countries may enter with a valid personal identity card. EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Germany. Citizens from all other countries generally require a visa, with the exception of a number of countries for which the European Union has waved visa requirements. Citizens of these countries do not require a visa when visiting Germany if the duration of their visit does not exceed three months within a six-month period. For further information, please visit www.auswaertiges-amt.de. |
Frankfurt International Airport
Frankfurt's main train station and the city centre are quick and easy to reach from Frankfurt Int'l Airport (Regional Station, Terminal 1) using the S8 or S9 commuter train lines (S-Bahn). The trip takes approximately 10 minutes.
Lost & Found Office
Have you lost something? For information on Frankfurt's lost property offices, simply visit: www.frankfurt.de
Temporary Baggage Storage
Luggage lockers may be found at Frankfurt's main train station and the airport.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Germany,
Climate
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Frankfurt has a moderately warm climate with westerly winds. Extreme temperature fluctuations are rare. It generally rains throughout the year. For the most current weather forecasts, visit: www.dwd.de
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Credit Cards
Generally speaking, restaurants, hotels, shops and stores accept major credit cards (American Express, MasterCard and Visa). For further information, simply contact your bank or credit card company.
Please note that it is generally not possible to pay smaller amounts (less than € 20.00) with credit cards. It is thus recommendable to carry at least a small amount of cash with you at all times.
Museums
Most Frankfurt museums are open from Tuesdays to Sundays and closed on Mondays. Opening hours on public holidays often vary, so check the museums' respective websites.
Nature
Frankfurt is an incredibly green city, featuring a vast number of parks, gardens, forests and green belts. All of these green spaces are well suited for a walk, a hike or a cycling tour.
Parking
Frankfurt has countless Park+Ride parking lots as well as an abundance of multi-storey car parks in the city centre. For an overview of your parking options, please visit: mainziel.de
Post
Stamps are available from local post offices as well as most hotels and tourist shops.
Smoking
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In Germany, smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport. The State of Hesse is one of the most ardent supporters of the country's no-smoking legislation, which officially prohibited smoking in restaurants and public places in October 2007. Smoking is only permitted in special smokers' chambers, which must be spatially separated from all non-smoking areas. These regulations also apply at special events. |
Religion
As one of Germany's most multicultural cities, Frankfurt has places of worship for all major religions.
Electricity
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Power sockets in Germany are made to receive Type C ("Europlug") and Type F (shock-proof plug") plugs, which supply 230V. For a closer look at these plugs, visit www.iec.ch/worldplugs. If necessary, make sure to bring along a suitable adapter. |
Language
The national language is German, although English is spoken in most places.
SOS
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Emergency telephone numbers:
In case of an emergency, you may call either of these numbers using local landlines or mobile phone networks at any time and free of charge. |
Telephone
Germany's country code is +49, while the area code for Frankfurt is 069. When making calls to Frankfurt from overseas, call +49 69.
SIM cards for mobile phones are available at most every supermarket or telephone shop.
Toilets
Public toilets may be found at the main train station, at the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache stations and at St Paul's Square, amongst other locations. For a full list, visit www.frankfurt.de.
Tourism Fees
The City of Frankfurt has been levying a tourism fee for overnight stays since 01st January 2018. This fee, applicable to private travellers, is € 2.00 per person/per night.
Tourist Information Offices
There are three official tourist information offices in Frankfurt. You may reach them by phone at +49 (0) 69/21 23 88 00.
Tourist Information Office Römer
Römerberg 27, 60311 Frankfurt/Main – Old Town
Tourist Information Office Main Train Station
Main Train Station (Reception Hall), 60329 Frankfurt/Main
Tourist Information Office Höchst/Tabak & Presse Krämer
Antoniterstraße 22, 65929 Frankfurt/Main
Tipping
A service charge is generally included in the price of food and beverages. If you are satisfied with your meal, drinks and/or service, it is customary to tip somewhere between 5-10 % of the invoice total. Tipping is however done at one's own discretion.
When using a taxi, tips of approximately 10% of the fare are customary. You should of course also take into account the distance travelled and the driver's demeanor.
Currency
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Germany's official currency is the EURO (€, EUR):
It is not customary to pay with 100, 200 and 500-euro notes. Cash machines (ATMs), currency exchanges and tax-free services may be found throughout Frankfurt. To use a currency exchange converter, visit: Currency Converter |
WiFi
Free WiFi is available in specific areas (e.g., at cafés, restaurants, hotel lobbies, airports, train stations).
Time Zone
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Germany is part of the CET or Central European Time Zone (GMT/UTC +1).
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Customs
Goods brought into Germany from other EU countries are not subject to import duties if they are carried by the person in question and deemed for personal use. Goods brought into Germany from non-EU countries are duty-free up to a specific value.
Import restrictions exist for specific goods, such as tobacco, alcohol and perfume (from non-EU countries). For detailed information, visit: www.zoll.de