Suggestions for a first-time international traveler

[bearlotz]

Good morning everyone, thank you all for coming.

Before we get started, some background: while in college (guess I should get used to calling it "university", as a start) I got assigned a German exchange student as a roommate for a semester. We had some good times and stayed in contact after school, and I've been invited to cross the ocean and help him celebrate his 30th birthday.

Like the title says, I've never traveled internationally before, so I'm nervous as all get-out about screwing something up either logistically or culturally, and I need some help. So then, I ask if you fine folks could enlighten me on how to be a consummate traveler rather than an obnoxious tourist? In particular, if you know anything about German customs in regards to gifts and general party etiquette for this type of situation. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I don't know about gifts but read up on power outlets and wattage, it'll save you some time once you get wherever you're going.

http://www.internationalconfig.com/wwpts/index.asp

 

[kurokotetsu]

If you are making a connection, leave at least an hour between flights, to avoid missing the connection. I remark at least, one and a half two is better even if it might be more boring. That would be for logistics.

You will also come off as a tourist. You always will. I'm saying that as someone that has traveled internationally since he was 13. There will be customs you don't know of. There will always be sights that locals find mundane but are awesome to you. What would be my recomendation? Admit it and enjoy. Don't be afraid to ask.

A few general tips Try the local food (don't be the toursit that wants the McDonalds everywhere). In some Germanic countries if you toast, it has to be with alcohol and you have to see directly into the eyes (that is a cusotm in Austria, where I have some family, don't know if the same in Germany). Be respectful of the ruels and society, since indeed while in public Germans are very careful (in a general sense of course) fo respecting the ruels, but that doens't mena they can't be fun and party, as you will see in the locla drinking spot (try the beers, they are awesome). And again, ask your friedn for more etiquette and cusotoms, he can tell you what is expected.

 

[Albino Boo]

Wear comfortable but reasonably smart clothes. the more scruffy you are the more likely you are to get pulled by customs and immigration. In the big cities most people have reasonable English in the countryside its less common. Alcohol is much more freely available than you are used and the beer can be very strong. So be careful when drinking, especially in Bavaria.

On no account do this

 

[Saelune]

You have a German friend who you are visiting...ask him. He would know anything he expects of you that you might not think of. Germany is not a crappy country, so its not a place you should have to be super worried about. I know not everyone acts this way, but its messed up to expect foreigners to know and follow all your local customs. If more people felt that way, we'd have less culture clashing.

 

[Glongpre]

There isn't much to worry about. Take a shit before you board, wear comfortable clothing, bring a good pair of head phones, and probably bring a little bit of currency with you, just in case.

As has been said, ask your friend about cultural stuff, he will know.

Learn some easy words as well. If you are going to be an obvious tourist, at least try and speak their language.

Danke is thanks.
Hallo is hello.
Gut nicht is goodnight (I believe)
Gutten morgen is good morning (I think)

German isn't too difficult
All this talk makes me want to actually learn the language now.

 

[Jute88]

Be polite, ask local customs, try local food. Learn atleast some basic phrases and words, like yes, no, thank you, hello, good bye etc. And be punctual. in Southern Europe it's kinda normal to be late, in Germany (as well as the Nordic countries) try to be on time. And don't be afraid to ask if something is culturally okay or not.