Bavaria, Germany
Germany has major mobile providers like Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. Prepaid SIM cards are available at kiosks, supermarkets, and phone shops.
Learning a few basic German phrases is appreciated by locals.
Shops generally open Monday-Friday until 6 or 7 PM, Saturdays until 2 or 4 PM. Most shops close on Sundays.
Germany observes several public holidays. Bavaria has additional regional holidays. On public holidays, most shops, banks, and post offices are closed.
Passau's Old Town with cobblestone streets presents challenges for mobility devices. Newer areas are more accessible. Public buses and the train station have accessibility features. Some museums in modern buildings offer better access. Older buildings, like St. Stephen's Cathedral, have limited accessibility. Check specific attraction websites or contact the Passau Tourist Information Office for details. For independent airport lounge access, Priority Pass can be helpful.
Handling currency, banking, and payment methods during your visit to Passau.
The currency in Germany is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard.
ATMs (Geldautomat) are widely available 24/7. Banks generally open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (5-10% rounding up), taxis, and hotels. See Section 2.3 for more.
Cash is still preferred in some smaller establishments, especially bakeries or local markets. Always carry some Euros.
Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues. Check for foreign transaction fees.
Always have multiple payment methods. Keep some cash for small vendors. For flight compensation, Compensair is available. Consider Priority Pass for airport lounges.
A handshake is common for formal greetings. "Hallo" is standard for informal interactions. In Bavaria, "Grüss Gott" is a regional greeting.
Dress is generally casual but neat. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is appreciated in churches.
Photography is generally permitted in public spaces. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Germany is progressive and accepting regarding gender and sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ rights are well-established.
Enjoy your travels!
Discover Passau's culinary landscape, from traditional Bavarian dishes to modern eateries.
Savor hearty Bavarian dishes, often meat-centric with sides like dumplings or potato salad.
Bavaria is world-renowned for its beer. Enjoy a local brew in a traditional "Gasthaus" or beer garden.
Passau's dining scene ranges from casual pubs to more refined restaurants.
Indulge in Bavarian desserts and pastries, often found in bakeries and cafes.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but choices can be limited in very traditional Bavarian establishments.
Find local dining experiencesVegan options are growing, especially in larger cities. Passau has some cafes and health food stores catering to this.
Explore vegan-friendly spotsMost restaurants are accustomed to allergy requests. Inform staff about any dietary restrictions.
Book a food tour with dietary notesIt is common to wait to be seated in restaurants. Bread and tap water may not be complimentary. Meals often take longer, so plan for a relaxed experience. For local language skills, Rosetta Stone is available.
