Regensburg Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local Mobile Services

Germany’s main mobile providers are Telekom, Vodafone, and O2.

Prepaid & eSIMs

Purchase Prepaid SIM cards upon arrival; passport needed for registration.
For newer smartphones, consider Airalo or Nomad Travel eSIMs for immediate internet.
Solis Wi-Fi (portable hotspot) is an option.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

Public Wi-Fi

Look for "Telekom HotSpot" or "Freifunk" in public areas.
"Regensburg free Wi-Fi" exists in parts of the Old Town.
Deutsche Post handles Germany’s national postal service.

Language & Translation

German is the official language. English is common in tourist areas.

Translation Tools

Google Translate app (download offline German pack).
A small German phrasebook presents a useful companion.
For deeper learning: Rosetta Stone.

Essential German Phrases

A few basic phrases for common interactions.

Greetings & Basics

Hello: Hallo (HAH-loh).
Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen (OWF VEE-der-zay-en).
Please: Bitte (BIH-tuh).

Common Interactions

Courtesy

Thank you: Danke (DAHN-kuh).
Thank you very much: Danke schön (DAHN-kuh SHURN).
Excuse me/Sorry: Entschuldigung (Ent-SHOOL-di-gung).
You're welcome/Here you go: Bitte schön (BIH-tuh SHURN).

Questions

Yes: Ja (YAH).
No: Nein (NINE).
Do you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SHPREH-khuhn zee ENG-lish?).
How much is this?: Wie viel kostet das? (VEE feel KOS-tet das?).

Language Tip

Locals value the effort when visitors learn a few basic German phrases, even if switching back to English.

Business Hours & Schedules

German business hours differ, especially regarding Sunday closures.

Retail Outlets

Most shops operate Monday to Saturday, typically 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 6:00 PM/8:00 PM. Most shops close on Sundays.

Dining Venues

Lunch service 11:30 AM/12:00 PM to 2:00 PM/3:00 PM. Dinner service 5:30 PM/6:00 PM to 10:00 PM/11:00 PM.

Attractions & Culture

Typically open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM. Many museums close on Mondays.

Financial Services

Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.

ATMs

ATMs ("Geldautomat") are widely available 24/7.
ATM withdrawals usually present favorable exchange rates.
Locations at bank branches, supermarkets, and shopping centers.

Public Holidays

Germany observes national and Bavarian regional public holidays.

Impact

Most shops close on public holidays.
Public transport might operate on a reduced schedule.
Attractions and restaurants may stay open (check in advance).

Seasonal Operating Times

Outdoor Activities

Certain boat tours on the Danube operate seasonally.
Typically from April/May to October.
Always verify specific operating seasons for attractions.

Planning Considerations

Some attractions may have limited hours.
Summer months often see extended hours.
Winter months may have closures or reduced schedules.

Plan Ahead

Check specific opening times for attractions, especially on holidays or for seasonal activities.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Practices

A firm handshake is common for introductions, both in social and professional settings.

Common Phrases

"Guten Tag" (Good day) is a standard greeting.
In Bavaria, "Grüß Gott" (Greet God) is also common.
Address people by their last name with "Herr" or "Frau" until invited to use first names.

Clothing Guidelines

Germans tend to dress neatly and practically.

Dress Codes

Casual wear is fine for sightseeing.
Avoid overly revealing clothing in churches or formal settings.
Smart casual is appropriate for nicer restaurants or evening events.

Culinary Practices

Round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service.

Table Manners

Keep elbows off the table but hands visible.
Eating utensils are typically used, even for pizza.
Enjoy local flavors with courtesy.

Photography

Generally permitted for personal use in public spaces.

Permissions

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Respect "no photography" signs in museums or churches.
Some establishments may restrict flash photography.

Sensitive Topics

Historical Discussions

Avoid discussing Nazism or World War II in a trivial manner.
Never use Nazi symbols.
Punctuality is valued in Germany.

Social Values

Germany is generally liberal and accepting.
Same-sex marriage is legal, LGBTQ+ rights are protected.
Regensburg, an university city, welcomes diversity.

Further Norms

General Conduct

Be mindful of noise levels in quiet establishments.
Respect designated quiet hours ("Ruhezeiten").
Germans generally prefer more personal space.

Public Spaces

Public spaces generally provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Observe and adapt to local customs for a richer journey.
Local appreciation for language efforts.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural respect deepens your travel and interaction with local communities.

Accessibility Information

For travelers with mobility challenges, understanding Regensburg's accessibility platforms supports planning.

City Infrastructure

Regensburg’s Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and medieval layout, has navigation challenges.

Modern Features

Newer infrastructure, like the train station, offers accessibility.
Modern hotels generally follow accessibility standards.
Shopping centers are built with accessibility in mind.

Accessible Locations

Many major attractions offer some accessible routes or facilities.

Specifics

Regensburg Cathedral has some accessible routes.
Newer public buses often feature low-floor access.
Contact individual venues directly for specific accessibility details.

Support Services

While not as extensive as in major capital cities, public services generally aim for inclusion.

Assistance

Guide dogs are permitted in most public places.
Information for hearing impairments may exist.
Visual support varies depending on the venue.

Information Sources

Find accessibility details for planning a smooth journey.

Tourist Office

The Regensburg Tourist Information office offers specific details.
They can connect you to relevant local organizations.
Check official city websites for up-to-date information.

Footwear Advice

When visiting the Old Town, comfortable shoes with good support are useful, as the cobblestones can be uneven.

Regensburg Travel Tips