The Euros 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable event, and what better place to experience it than in Germany? Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a sports traveller, or simply a travel enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. From savvy travel tips to understanding local traditions, read on to make your trip more special than a hat-trick.
Travel tips for Germany
Travelling to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re travelling for a big event. To help you prepare so you can travel with peace of mind, here are some useful tips to help make your trip to Germany smoother and more enjoyable:
Entry requirements
If you're travelling to Germany from the UK, it's important to know the current entry requirements. As a UK citizen, you won't need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. However, you’ll need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months from when you plan on leaving Germany.
Get a portable phone charger
Keeping your stadium tickets on your phone is super convenient, but it also means you need to keep your phone charged. Imagine arriving at the venue, excited for the match, only to find your phone's battery is dead and you can't access your digital tickets. Buying a portable phone charger or power bank will take that risk out of the equation. It's a handy device that fits easily into your pockets or bag and can give multiple charges for your phone. And what’s more, they can be very affordable. Don't let a dead battery spoil your Euros 2024 experience—stay powered up and stress-free.
But before you start shopping, keep in mind that most of the German stadiums don’t allow power banks bigger than your phone, so choose wisely.
Stay safe in the sun
Germany might not be the first place you think of when it comes to sunny weather, but during the summer months, it can get quite warm. Make sure to pack sun cream, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. The last thing you need to think about when you’re enjoying the match is how sore your skin feels.
Find more tips on how to stay safe in the sun, and to learn more about UV rays that can damage your skin.
Getting around
It’s well known that Germany’s public transport system is effective and usually very reliable. To make travelling simpler, Euros ticket holders will have access to a 36 Hour Travel Pass for public transport, as well as discounted national or international train tickets. So, make travelling around Germany and its cities simpler, and save some extra cash, by making the most of the public transport on offer.
Cash is a must
When heading to Germany, it's a good idea to have some cash on you. Even though using credit cards and prepaid holiday cards for cashless travel is convenient, Germans generally prefer cash. Also, remember that most public toilets aren't free, so having change ready will come in handy for when you’re exploring the cities.
But when you’re in the stadiums, cash payments won’t always be accepted. Paying by card or contactless is encouraged.
Sunday closures
When visiting Germany, it's good to know that most shops, supermarkets, and retail stores are usually closed on Sundays. So, if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation and need groceries, or plan on doing a spot of shopping while you’re there, you won’t get far on a Sunday. It's a common practice there for businesses to take a day of rest, so planning ahead for any shopping needs on Sundays is a wise move.
This doesn’t apply to public transport in hosting cities, which usually runs until 1am Sunday - Thursday and all night Friday and Saturday. To double check transport options, routes and running times for each host city, visit the UEFAs Euro 2024 guide.
Traditions, greetings and rules you should know about
While you're in Germany, immersing yourself in local culture can make your experience even more memorable. Here are a few traditions and greetings to keep in mind:
- Greetings: A firm handshake is the standard greeting in Germany. Make eye contact and offer a friendly smile.
- Punctuality: Germans value punctuality. Being late is considered rude, so make sure to be on time for any meet-ups or events.
- Politeness: Use polite forms of address such as "Herr" (Mr.) and "Frau" (Mrs.), followed by the person’s last name unless you’re on a first-name basis.
Stadium rules
Like any event, you need to be aware of the stadium rules for all the host cities. After all, the last thing you’d want is to be turned away from cheering on your favourite team. Though these rules may differ between cities, here is a list of the main rules you’ll need to keep in mind ahead of matches:
- Power banks no bigger than your phone
- No bags bigger than A4 size allowed in the stadiums
- You’ll need to keep a form of ID (that mates the details on your ticket) handy, in case you’re asked to show it at the ticketing centre
- No cane umbrellas or professional cameras allowed. Small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed
- No smoking or vaping is allowed in the stadiums
For a full list of stadium rules for each host city, learn more via the Euros 2024 event guide.
The importance of travel insurance
When gearing up for your journey, travel insurance steps in as a safety net for unexpected events. It can cover things such as medical emergencies to unexpected trip cancellations, giving you peace of mind that you're protected if things take a turn. To save time and money for your trip, try comparing cover on PayingTooMuch instead of visiting each insurer. It's quick, easy, and could leave you with extra cash in your pocket for your trip. Here are some key points to remember as you map out your travels:
What can void your travel insurance?
Drinking alcohol is a common pastime abroad, but did you know that being under the influence of alcohol can actually void your travel insurance if you need to make a claim? While everyone hopes for a smooth-sailing trip, it’s not always the case - which is why your holiday cover is so important.
It’s also worth noting that while it’s legal to drink alcohol on the streets, public drunkenness is seen as socially unacceptable in Germany. Be aware and act sensibly to avoid any unwanted trouble.
Medical cover: state vs. private healthcare
Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, but the type of care you receive—state or private—can vary. Most policies will cover you for state care if you have an accident or become unwell, but always make sure you’ve read the fine print to understand what is covered.
Do you need an EHIC/GHIC card?
The GHIC card, available for UK residents, covers necessary healthcare in most countries in the EU, including Germany. While the GHIC covers medical care, it's still important to get travel insurance to cover yourself for secure comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance offers other benefits such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency repatriation that could cost you thousands if you’re not covered.
Learn more about what a GHIC/EHIC covers by reading our blog.
Cover for cancellations and delays
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver if you’re faced with cancellations or delays on your trip. Imagine your flight gets delayed, causing you to miss the big game—devastating, right? Thankfully, with travel insurance, you might be able to recoup your losses. Policies often cover costs related to trip cancellations or significant delays, including tickets for events you've missed as a result. It's a small investment that can save you a lot of heartache and money, helping you bounce back from unexpected hiccups without too much stress.
