Hannover Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Connectivity & Language

Local SIM cards from Telekom, Vodafone, O2 are available.
Free public Wi-Fi is common; reliable 4G/5G mobile data access.
German is spoken, English in tourist areas. Translation apps are useful.

ESIMs & Portable WiFi

Digital SIMs offer easy setup before arrival. Portable Wi-Fi devices offer internet for several devices.

Modern Connectivity Options

eSIMs from Airalo for quick digital activation.
Portable WiFi devices from Solis Wi-Fi for on-the-go internet.
Language learning from Rosetta Stone for deeper interaction.

Business Hours & Banking

ATMs are widely available.

Schedules & Services

Shops Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays, except special events).
Banks open weekdays, ATMs 24/7.
Public holidays mean the majority of businesses close.

Etiquette & Norms

Familiarity with local customs enriches your travel interactions. Punctuality and direct communication are common.

Social Customs

Firm handshakes are standard greetings; use "Sie" formally.
Punctuality is highly valued for appointments.
Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Language Essentials

Common Phrases

Hallo (Hah-loh): Hello
Bitte (Bit-tuh): Please / You're welcome
Danke (Dank-uh): Thank you
Ja / Nein (Yah / Nine): Yes / No

Navigating Interactions

Entschuldigung (Ent-shool-di-goong): Excuse me / Sorry
Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Shprek-en Zee Eng-lish?): Do you speak English?
Ich verstehe nicht (Ish fair-shtay-uh nisht): I don't understand
Wo ist...? (Voh ist...?): Where can i find...?

Postal Services

Deutsche Post / DHL is the main postal service. Post offices (Postfilialen) are citywide. Stamps (Briefmarken) are sold in post offices and kiosks.

Airport Services

Optimize your airport experience and address potential travel disruptions.

Airport Lounges

Access to independent airport lounges worldwide is available with Priority Pass.

Flight Compensation

Receive compensation for flight delays or cancellations through Compensair.

Ground Transport

Hannover The airport provides easy connections to the city center via S-Bahn and buses.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Be aware of cultural sensitivities. Certain historical events and symbols carry weight.

Points of Note

Nazism/WWII: A sensitive topic. Discussions must be respectful.
Displaying Nazi symbols is illegal in Germany.
Jaywalking: Frowned upon; use designated crossings.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Germany has progressive attitudes toward gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Hannover has an active LGBTQ+ community.

Societal Norms

Same-sex marriage is legal.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.
Public displays of affection are generally accepted.

Important Phrases: Continued

General Needs

Guten Tag (Goo-ten Tahg): Good day
Auf Wiedersehen (Owf Vee-der-zane): Goodbye
Hilfe! (Hil-fuh): Help!

Shopping & Cost

Wie viel kostet das? (Vee feel kos-tet das?): How much does that cost?
Ich möchte... (Ish mursh-tuh...): I would like...
Zahlen bitte (Tsah-len bit-tuh): Check please

Communication Tips

For immediate translations, consider using apps like Google Translate or DeepL. They offer on-the-spot language assistance.

Accessibility in Hannover

Hannover welcomes all travelers and works towards being an approachable city.

Mobility Infrastructure

Germany continuously upgrades accessibility. Modern train stations and public transport vehicles often feature low-floor designs.

Features

Many public buildings are accessible.
Low-floor trams and buses available in public transport.
Older buildings or cobbled streets may present challenges.

Accessible Attractions

Major cultural sites and transport systems are generally designed for ease of access.

Visit-Friendly Locations

Sprengel Museum, Landesmuseum are generally accessible.
New Town Hall and parts of Herrenhausen Gardens.
GVH public transport, S-Bahn trains, and major stations.

Sensory Impairment Services

Public transit and some cultural institutions feature aids for sensory needs.

Assistance Features

Public transport may feature audio announcements.
Visual displays for information on transport.
Some museums offer audio guides or tactile exhibits.

Accessibility Resources

Local organizations and visitor centers are sources for specific accessibility details.

Where to Find Information

Hannover Tourist Information: Specific routes and attractions.
GVH (Großraum-Verkehr Hannover): Details on accessible routes and vehicles.
Local Disability Organizations: Specialized advice and support.

Important Travel Advisory

Safety Reminder

Always confirm opening hours for specific attractions.
Exercise caution on uneven surfaces, especially in older areas.
Avoid sensitive topics like Nazism/WWII with strangers.

Cultural Awareness

Be mindful of German laws, like prohibitions on Nazi symbols.
Cross streets at designated crossings and with a green light.
Littering is not tolerated; use waste bins.

Additional Practical Tips

Dining and Tipping

Tipping is customary for good service (5-10%).
Round up the bill or add a small amount.
Pay the server directly as they bring the bill.

Attire & Respect

Dress is casual but neat.
Modest attire for churches (shoulders/knees covered).
Keep noise levels respectful, particularly in neighborhoods.

Deutsche Post / DHL

This is Germany's main postal service. Find Postfilialen across the city. Buy stamps at post offices or many kiosks/tobacconists.

Important Phrases

A short guide to common German phrases to assist during your visit.

Greetings & Courtesy

Basic phrases for mannerly dealings.

German Phrases

Hallo (Hah-loh) - Hello
Guten Tag (Goo-ten Tahg) - Good day
Auf Wiedersehen (Owf Vee-der-zane) - Goodbye

Essentials & Questions

Phrases for needs and basic inquiries.

Helpful Expressions

Bitte (Bit-tuh) - Please / You're welcome
Danke (schön) (Dank-uh shurn) - Thank you (very much)
Ja / Nein (Yah / Nine) - Yes / No

Phrases for when communication needs clarifying.

Clarification Phrases

Entschuldigung (Ent-shool-di-goong) - Excuse me / Sorry
Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Shprek-en Zee Eng-lish?) - Do you speak English?
Ich verstehe nicht (Ish fair-shtay-uh nisht) - I don't understand

Direction & Cost

Inquiring about directions or prices is simple with these phrases.

Seeking Information

Hilfe! (Hil-fuh) - Help!
Wo ist...? (Voh ist...?) - Where is...?
Wie viel kostet das? (Vee feel kos-tet das?) - How much does that cost?

Digital Translation

Google Translate

A widely used app for instant text and voice translation.

Download App

DeepL Translator

Known for its refined and contextually relevant translations.

Try DeepL

Phrasebook Apps

Specific apps provide curated travel phrases and audio pronunciation.

Speaking German

Making an effort with simple German phrases is generally appreciated by locals and can enrich your interactions.

Hannover Travel Tips