Practical Information

Getting into Germany

U.S. citizens need a passport valid for the whole of your stay to enter Germany. No visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months. Note that the total stay within the Schengen area must not exceed three months in any six-month period.

Getting into the Netherlands

U.S. citizens need a passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of departure from the Netherlands. No visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months.

If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, applications are available at larger branches of the US Post Office or from passport agencies located in major cities. If you have any questions about obtaining a passport, call your local Post Office or the passport information number listed under “State Department” in the US Government section at the front of your phone book.

COVID-19 information

Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for participation in Cleveland Orchestra events.

Entry to Germany (source: https://de.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ correct as of 18 February 2022)

As of 23 December 2021, every person over the age of six is obliged to carry proof of their COVID‑19 status when entering Germany. Persons over the age of six must therefore have a negative test result or proof of recovery or vaccination when entering Germany. As a rule, COVID‑19 test results (antigen or PCR tests) must not be more than 48 hours old at the time of the (planned) entry. However, if entering Germany with a carrier (e.g. an airline), PCR tests may be taken a maximum of 48 hours before the (scheduled) start of the journey (e.g. departure time). But antigen tests must not be taken more than 48 hours before the (scheduled) time of arrival in Germany even if travellers are being transported by a carrier.

Staying Healthy

If you’re an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), usually available from health centres, covers you for most medical care. It will not cover you for non-emergencies or emergency repatriation. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Germany/ the Netherlands. If you do need health insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

Good health care is readily available. For minor self-limiting illnesses an apotheek (pharmacy) can give valuable advice and sell over-the-counter medication. It can also advise when more specialised help is required and point you in the right direction. The standard of dental care is usually good; however, it is sensible to have a dental check-up before a long trip.

For general emergencies and ambulance service in Germany and the Netherlands, call 112.

Money

The currency in Germany and the Netherlands is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. There are coins for one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and €1 and €2. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

ATMs

Automated teller machines can be found outside most banks, the airport and most train stations. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard/Eurocard are widely accepted, as well as cash cards that access the Cirrus network. Be aware that, if you’re limited to a maximum withdrawal per day, the ‘day’ will coincide with that in your home country. Also note that using an ATM can be the cheapest   way to exchange your money from home –but check with your home bank for service charges before you leave.

Credit Cards

Most major international cards are recognized, and you will find that most hotels, restaurants and major stores accept them. But always check first to avoid disappointment.

Cash

Nothing beats cash for convenience. Plan to pay cash for most daily expenses.

Tipping

Tipping will be taken care of for you throughout the trip where we are together. So, the only time you will need to think about tipping is when having a drink or meal on your own.

Tipping is not essential as restaurants, hotels, bars etc. include a service charge on their bills. A little extra is always welcomed though, and it’s an excellent way to compliment the service (if you feel it needs complimenting). The tip can be anything from rounding up to the nearest euro, to 10% of the bill.

Telephones

The country code for Germany is +49.

The country code for The Netherlands is +31.

Weather

Germany:

Compared to August, the average daily temperature drops nearly three degrees, down to 15°C (around 58°F) from the previous month’s 18°C (about 64°F). The daytime highs for this time of the year get up to 19°C (around 66°F), still warm for the start of autumn and a great temperature for being outside. You’ll want to bring along light-weight layers to put on and take off throughout the day, as the temperature can fluctuate from morning to evening.

The Netherlands:

Temperatures begin to cool off resulting in jackets being pulled back out for the first time in months. Average afternoon highs in September are still 18°C (64°F) but average overnight lows dip to 11°C (51°F), compared to October, which has average high and low temperatures of 14.5°C and 8°C respectively.

What to Pack

As we will be doing a lot of walking during the day, your daily dress should have comfort in mind and be in keeping with variable temperatures.  Footwear is of the utmost importance and good rubber-soled flat shoes for the daytime are highly recommended.

Time Zone

During our trip, we will be 6 hours ahead of Cleveland.