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berlin trip for the americans
What is necessary to make the trip fun? How do you prepare for it? Can somebody kind enough to post a picture of the electrical plug used in Berlin. I tried and tried to google, it said you need a converter, and voltage change, but no pics. I have some plug converter for Asian trip, dont know whether they are the same. TIA,
bun |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
Bun,
Having lived in Germany (Berlin & Augsburg) off and on growing up (Air Force Brat). The best advice I can offer is to pick up a little of language. I have found that if you make the attempt to speak the local language, the locals (for the most part) will let you muddle through for a while and then help you out.;) I had several friends who "hated" being overseas because the "People are rude to Americans". Most of this was self inflicted by assuming that everyone should speak English. :o Fun stuff: the museum at Check Point Charlie was a favorite of mine while living there (early 80s). Beer - German beer is WAY better IMO than your typical American style beer. Sample, Sample, Sample. Electricity: There is a picture of the plug adapter towards the bottom of this page: http://goeurope.about.com/cs/electri...lectricity.htm I also found it to be interesting being in a city that has been there hundreds of years longer than The USA has been in existence... :eek: Hope this helps! Have a safe trip! Sno |
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Re: berlin trip for the americans
Yeah, learn some German bitte! :D
Germans usually speak English (especially in Berlin), but if you speak some words German you show you try and care. Signs etcetera are always in German. Standard European plugs, you can get a American -> Europe converter for a few EUR. I ordered mine at eBay, 2 for 5 EUR incl S&H (cause I bought some American electronic devices while in America). Be sure to grab some Club-Mate at C-Base. Its the German hacker drink. C-Base is pretty cool anyway. American beer is pretty bad, so some German beer is also recommended, but I don't know much about brands, I'm more into Belgian and Dutch beer. Mind you, any beer you drink in US with EU brand is import quality. The Heineken in US tastes different than the Heineken in NL. I find food in Germany always decent with good service, for a sane price, in contrast to my own country. I know some good restaurants, but not really 'German' style, and IMO if you are in a country you should experience their culture. Night life in Berlin is 24/7 alive! |
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesti...gs_and_sockets It's 220v most electronic equipment nowadays uses switching power supplies that can handle 100 to 240v. So you should be prety much set already... all that you would need would be a plug adapter or better a european power cable. -- Denis |
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Re: berlin trip for the americans
I always have on hand an American>Euro and American/UK plug adapter, but while living in Europe until recently I found it easier to travel with a European Nokia charger for my N800. Unless you're traveling with other electrical items it might make more sense. I will be easy to find in any electronics or mobile phone store and should not cost more than $20 US.
Berlin is a fabulous city, and one of the great bargains in Europe. With the recent decline of the Euro I think you'll find lodging and dining prices similar to the US, depending on your tastes. As discussed by others, the beer, especially pilsners, are excellent. Of particular note is the traditional Berliner Weisse. It's tart/sour and tough on the uninitiated palate. Even many Berliners add syrup or raspberry juice to tame it. Enjoy it with a Thüringer Rostbratwurst. |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
Hi.
The flat type C plug (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:C_plug.jpg) is the most common one, it fits the same socket as type F. Just so you are not confused when your adapter looks smaller than the bulky type F. :) Beeing german but not from Berlin I can add little inside tips to those above. But I can tell you that the city of Berlin is very diverse due to its history and so are its people. Make sure to visit not only the tourist guide locations in "Mitte" but also some up and coming areas especially in the east. The former GDR-parts where ugly and someplace still are but now harbour a young and creative new generation. I like "Prenzlauer Berg" and the area around "Simon-Dach-Straße" (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...8&ie=UTF8&z=16) Do not think there really is such a thing as german food anymore, most people prefer pizza, pasta and other "foreign" dishes. If you have a lot of meat, potatoes and some vegetables and you are dining in a place with dark furniture and a deers head at the wall, THAT might be what you could call traditional german. ;-) There is one fast-food dish that was invented by turkish people living in Berlin, it's called "Döner" and consists of bread with meat, salad and tzaziki that you can buy everywhere. You probably know it as "kebab" (full name is "Döner Kebab"). Have fun! |
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Actually, American beer is really good for drinking while playing sports. As for Germany... I have not been, but have many friends who have. I've heard that it is among the easiest places in Europe to travel. Go to an ATM when you get there and get some Euros. Having one of the listed power outlets listed is helpful. Of course, all of the other advice is very helpful as well. Ich sehe sie dort! Tim |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
A few hints:
Transportation - If you borrow a car and want to visit the inner city, you need something called "Umweltplakette". It is a sticker for your car and costs 5 or 6 euro - It is better to use public transportation with 3-day-tickets Beer: - I recommend you Bitburger and Becks. Language: - There's no problem with English. All German students learn it at school (so talk to young people ;) ) and the berlins are used to tourists. Food: Man, there's really no problem, even if you want to stay with American food Are you talking about the Maemo Summit? |
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Thank you. That is extremely helpful. I will try to pick up some germany words and see how it goes, :)
bun |
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And thanks for the tips. You guys are marvellous! bun |
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And be careful at the customs. Don't bring new expensive electronics with you if you want to avoid customs duty
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if you plan on traveling by rail, book the EuRail pass in the states. When i went over in 2002 we hit 5 cities in 17 days. We had booked our rail passes in advance, and little did we know that since we booked in the states, we automatically got the highest class of accommodations available. just make sure you book all the countries that you would be passing through, cause you will have to pay "retail" prices in cash immediately if you dont have that "zone" on your rail pass.
see this site for tourist info and travel assistance... http://www.euraide.com/ they really helped us, and the services were low or no cost. another thing, do not convert currency into amex travelers cheques. best to use a credit card back by an international bank. in the states they can be used as a substitute for cash, but in europe they are a horse of another color. in the states you can go out for dinner, and if your meal comes to $80, you can give a $100 traveler cheque and get a $20 bill (currency) back. in europe, you would have to change the cheque to currency before being able to spend any of it. |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
I'd have to agree with all the Beer related posts, such variety that you just have to start tasting as much as you can. Berliner Pilsner was one of my favorite local beers.
If you don't have a huge amount of time to explore the city, I'd highly recommend New Berlin Tours. They offer free walking/cycling tours of Berlin, covering a lot of the historical sites in a few hours. Language isn't a problem, most of the guides are usually American, British or Australian and the fact they work for tips means they try to make it enjoyable for all. (Not an advertisement, I've just enjoyed their tours all over Europe :P) |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
If you're going to Berlin city please consider to wear or buy a moneybelt for your money and cards. They cost about 10-15 EUR, and some will even allow you to put your NIT (+ accessoires or another device) in it. Look carefully at the lock; some are crappy going damaged fast, providing little security, or cannot handle much weight.
If New Berlin Tours are those busses which go around the city then I suggest that indeed. They will drive around the city allowing you some sight seeing. You'll see the German Parlement, Alex(ander Platz), and much more. You can get out on any bus stop you want. They drive a bit slow though. If I remember correct the language is German only although I had company consisting of 2 nice Germans who explained me everything. :) A metro card is cheapest if you buy it for longer. Don't buy one way tickets, just buy for the duration of your stay then you're done with it (but keep the ticket secure). You won't have to show your ticket often, they almost never check for it. The ticket machines might be a bit difficult to get working, you can ask a fellow German to help. Berlin HBF is open 24/7, and have all kind of fast food for OK price for if you're really in need of your shot. For artistic people Tacheles is a known place to hang out. Besides that, Berlin is an artistic city if you know your ways... |
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I definitely agree on the ptv-ticket, buy a 1 day pass ("Tageskarte") or 3 day pass ("3-Tageskarte"). Most machines should have an english interface as well.
You should buy an A+B-Ticket, meaning ticket-zone A (probably everywhere you will be going) + B (some greater area coverage). The B makes it just about 10% more expensive but than you don't have to worry about leaving zone A. Zone C should only be needed if you have time and want to visit the nearby city of Potsdam with "Schloss Sanssouci" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanssouci). More on public transport can be found here (in english): http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Start I disagree with allnameswereout concerning the moneybelt. This seems very 80s to me and you will immediately be recognized as a tourist. :) Have fun! |
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Man, you guys are really really fabulous! I should have asked this 3 months ago, but hey, I am prepared....Thank you you all. I am digesting this now and if I get wifi on the flight........nay, there is no such thing. Train has free wifi though.
bun |
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every time i attempted to interact with someone in europe, they knew i was american before i opened my yap. the way you walk, talk, dress and carry yourself gives you away from a block away. its funny how you dont see it until you experience it. having the money belt offers a slight security advantage, as you are less susceptible to pickpockets. this time of year, the pickpockets and gypsies have gone home since the tourist season is over. you most likely wont run into many of them. it could not hurt to get into the habit of using one when traveling. |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
top give-aways that you are american tourist, in no particular order (at least what i have found)...
overweight teva sandals camera around the neck baseball cap full frame backpack rolling a "j" without tobacco in it talking over the din/noise/music in a bar or club leaving money on the bar, while drinking tipping walking tall |
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I was taking the train here right over the border in Germany and had only 5 minutes to buy a ticket. A couple was being intimate and couldn't decide. When it was finally my turn, but I had only 1 minute. Then the train arrived already. Alas, I failed to buy a ticket, and the machine required some kind of German pass in order to pay. I just boarded without paying, and then paid at the next big station to continue travel from Aachen to Berlin HBF (not smart to board w/o ticket BTW). On big train stations you can always buy a ticket with cash though, or use ATM to get cash. Using ATM with American bank card might be expensive. Quote:
Speaking of 80s, hitchhiking is easy in Germany. |
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Well, I have to chime in here on the beer. :)
I live in Berlin (and am an American). Berliner Pilsner all the way! Brewed by Berliners in Berlin, and it tastes great. Berliner Buergerbraeu is also from Berlin but pretty hard to find. Then I'd go with Radeberger (they are the same company as Berliner Pilsner). Don't buy Beck's. They are owned by a Belgium Company, InBev, the same clowns that just bought Budweiser in the US. If you want to get an "Oktoberfest feeling" since it starts on Saturday, try Augustiner or Paulaner, but you know, that's a Munich thing and not a Berlin thing. |
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Ohhh I almost forgot, a friend of mine did this with his colleagues: Trabi Safari, drive in a Trabant (THE car of former DDR / former East Germany) through Berlin and wave "ich bin ein Berliner!" :)
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Re: berlin trip for the americans
Brontides links are really good. I can confirm most of whats written there.
Some remarks though: - Credit card You often can pay with one, but don't expect to. You can get cash with it at any atm I'm aware of, if you got a PIN. This applies to VISA and Mastercard and mostly American Express. Btw. I disagree on the statement that credit cards are technically advanced. The debit cards used all over Europe (EC/Maestro) fulfill the same purpose and are much less vulnerable to fraud. :) - Table Fee I never ever came across those. Only in the mediterranean regions of europe. Water/Bred/Anything isn't free though. - Smoking Since 2008 smoking is prohibited in Germany everywhere they serve food and most pubs as well. There is still much debate about it, so you might find some rebels, but generally you are not allowed to smoke in restaurants/bars One addition: Don't expect to easily find a free hotspot over here. We had court rules saying that whoever has an open AP is responsible for everything done with it. So they are mostly all protected. Guess this threat is quite a good nerds guide to Germany/Europe now ;-) Have fun! |
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Speaking of debit/credit cards keep a few EUR coins with you for minor errands, then you don't have to pull your card for such. Are toilets free? Just an example. In Europe sometimes you have to pay something between 25 cent to a EUR, but if you have to, its usually a clean one. Toilets should be pretty clean though compared to e.g. France or the Mediteranian area...
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There is one thing you should not miss here in Berlin: the "Fernsehturm" (television tower), which has a rotating, affordable restaurant in 300 meters (1000 ft) height. I highly recommend to survey Berlin from there. To get a (satellite) preview of this prominent building, just search for "berlin, fernsehturm" at maps.google.com.
Public transport information (also in English) is here: http://www.bvg.de, and the official internet portal of Berlin (with english version as well) is http://www.berlin.de. |
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Oh and finally, to get detailed advice of type "how do I get from A to B" for the whole public transport system, also in English, visit http://www.fahrinfo-berlin.de.
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Don't be stupid. It isn't worth it. The Fernsehturm is at Alexanderplatz, you can't miss it. Metro and busses stop there. Lots of stores, restaurants, nice park. Don't know about WiFi though. |
Re: berlin trip for the americans
First order of business. Find good WiFi spots, since that is my only means of keeping in touch while there. I don't care if they also happen to be good eateries as well ;-)
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In Germany according to latest court decision it is even prohibited to connect to OPEN private WLAN networks without affirmation of the owner. Fortunately there are more and more open, free public WLANs in small coffee bars and restaurants.
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If they want to, they could probably at least harass anyone who has some linux distribution on his computer. Oh and don't let anyone tell you that Beck's is bad, just try it. And if you want a fun beer try to get Flensburgers in the bottle, opening it is almost as much fun as drinking it. I would really recommend trying to sample different beers, there is actually quite a varity in the type (Pils, Bock, Weizen, Alt) as well as in the way it is served (Kölsch, Pils, Weizen). When i was in Berlin the Kulturbrauerei was an interessting place to spend the evening - to they still serve roasted grasshopers there? As far as typical german food goes: You probably won't find much on the street, besides "Döner", the famous Berlin "Currywurst" (hotdog sausages cut into pieces with spicy ketchup and bread) and various kind of meat in a bun. But the german cuisine is actually very diverse, i think potatos are pretty much universal, but you have everything ranging from fish and Suckling pig to Maultasche, Leberkäse and Dibbelabbes. However there aren't that many famous vegetarian dishes. As far as money goes, some of the smaller shops, especially food or newspaper stalls might not accept plastic, so it can be usefull to have some coins around. (And you can also enjoy our colorfull and diverese european currency - not every single note has to be green!) For toilets i usually just look for the nearest McDonalds, you have at least one in every reasonably sized city in every country, and they are usually pretty clean and for free. Have fun in Berlin and just make sure to post as soon as the N900 (or whatever it is that will change the following talks) is announced. Bye, NsN |
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Look into getting Boingo Mobile to address your Wifi needs, for only $8 a month unlimited use world wide. In Europe you will find most hotels charge for wifi by the minute. Boingo Mobile have contracts with many of the wifi providers for a low flat rate of $8 a month. If you don't like it you get your money back!
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Can I buy it today for a month? no long term contract? bun |
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Apparently there's 30 day free trial...? :) Maybe there's a catch though.
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Believe it or not there are some companies that are honest, I know that sounds strange but it is true. |
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It's not allowed to smoke in bars anymore but you can still find some where it's allowed if you sign something so that they can cover their ***, or in private clubs.
Last time I was in berlin, I was smoking in the bar, but okay it wasn't only tobacco ;) Also in this bar, the cocktails were at 3.5 euros during happy hour (I can't remember the name of the bar, strangely) If you want to get the taste of Munich beer, order this, after 5 of these glasses, you'll speak fluently german :) You could try weissbier (white beer, I hate it) and schwarzbier (black beer, my prefered). They also make strange mixes, like beer+cocacola, schpessi (orange juice+coca), colaweiss (white wine+ cola, awfull). I do not like Becks, it's really low on alcohol, and the most commercial bier. Germany have so many traditionnal beers, it would be a pity to only drink becks, IMO. For wireless, hum.. I sometimes connect to open AP, have a lot of "pen testing" tools installed. Unless you do something really bad on an open AP and stay long enough next to the AP, you are really safe. Stop the paranoia! But anyway, there are very few nowadays. Professional pentesters have an official authorization from the government. I'm living in Germany for 4 years now and still do not speak really good german (a shame) but nevertheless have made a lot of german friends. And I think in Berlin, the people are more easy to get in touch with than where I live in Munich. I use this online dictionnary: http://dict.leo.org As for security and this moneybelt, well, it's Berlin, not Johanesburg :) Just keep your bag closed, keep your wallet in your front pocket or put it in the bag but not in the front pocket. Common sense in fact.. I find germany really safe. The night life is huge. If some of the people I know plan to go to the Oktoberfest, make a sign, I'll pay you a beer. Unfortunatly I can't go to berlin.. |
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