Dortmund Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards are readily available, offering data and call services for your stay.

SIM Card Options

Major providers: Telekom, Vodafone, O2
Passport for registration of prepaid SIM cards
eSIM options available, consider Airalo

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widespread, complementing mobile data for seamless online access.

Staying Online

Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants
Public Wi-Fi networks in city centers
Portable Wi-Fi from providers such as Solis Wi-Fi

Postal Services

Deutsche Post operates offices for sending mail and parcels.

Sending Mail

Deutsche Post offices for all services
Stamps (Briefmarken) sold at post offices and kiosks
Yellow mailboxes found throughout the city

Language & Translation

German is the official language, but English is often spoken in tourist areas.

Translation Aids

English is common with younger generations & tourist staff
Google Translate app for quick help (offline downloads)
Consider language learning with Rosetta Stone

Important German Phrases

Common Greetings

Hallo (HAH-loh): Hello
Guten Tag (GOO-ten TAHG): Good day (formal)
Bitte (BIH-tuh): Please / You're welcome
Danke (DAHN-kuh): Thank you

Useful for Travel

Entschuldigung (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong): Excuse me / Sorry
Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SHPRECH-en zee ENG-lish): Do you speak English?
Ja (YAH): Yes / Nein (NINE): No
Ein Bier, bitte (Ine BEER, BIH-tuh): One beer, please

Stay Connected

Ensure you have reliable communication to make the most of your visit, whether through a local SIM, eSIM, or portable Wi-Fi.

Business Hours & Schedules

Familiarity with local business hours and holiday schedules aids in smooth travel planning.

Shops

Mon-Fri: 9/10 AM - 6/8 PM. Sat: 9/10 AM - 4/6 PM. Sundays mostly closed.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12-2 PM. Dinner: 6-10 PM. Kitchens usually close 9-10 PM. Cafes: 8/9 AM - 6/7 PM.

Museums & Attractions

Normally 10 AM - 6 PM. Many closed on Mondays. Always check individual websites.

Banking & ATMs

Access to financial services is readily available throughout the city.

Financial Access

Banks: Mon-Fri, usually 9 AM - 4 PM
ATMs (Geldautomat): Widely available 24/7
Found at banks, shopping centers, stand-alone units

Public Holidays

Note these North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) holidays, as many businesses close.

Dates

New Year's Day, Labour Day, Day of German Unity
Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, All Saints' Day
December 25th, Boxing Day

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Low Season Adjustments

Some smaller attractions have reduced hours
Less common in a major city like Dortmund
Few businesses close for extended periods

Holiday Schedule Impact

Nearly all shops, banks, and businesses are closed on public holidays
Public transport usually runs on a Sunday schedule
Exceptions: shops at train stations, airports, some bakeries

Plan Ahead

Verify specific operating hours for attractions and restaurants, most notably if traveling in holidays or off-season.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings & Formality

A handshake is common upon meeting and departing. Direct eye contact conveys sincerity.

Interaction Basics

Address strangers formally ("Sie") with surname
Wait for an invitation to use "Du" (informal)
Maintain direct eye contact

Attire & Respect

Dress codes are generally casual, but modest attire is appreciated in certain settings.

Appropriate Dress

Casual and practical to wear every day
Smart casual for most restaurants & evenings
Modest attire (shoulders/knees covered) for visiting churches

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is customary for good service, usually around 5-10%.

Restaurant Practices

5-10% for good service
Polite to wait to be seated
Avoid loud calls or snapping fingers for service

Photography Ethics

Photography in public spaces is generally allowed, but be mindful of privacy.

Camera Conduct

Ask permission for close-up photos of individuals
Observe "no photography" signs in museums
Flash photography is often prohibited in exhibits

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid These

Nazi-era symbols and gestures are illegal
Approach WWII and Holocaust discussions with sensitivity
Do not litter; Germany has strict cleanliness standards

Cultural Expectations

Punctuality is highly valued in appointments
Keep noise levels low in residential areas, especially Sundays
Avoid interrupting conversations

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Social Acceptance

Germany is progressive regarding gender equality
Visible LGBTQ+ community in Dortmund
Public showing affection in public is generally okay

Legal Protections

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal
Diverse and inclusive social atmosphere
Laws protect individuals against discrimination

Accessibility Information

Dortmund strives to be accessible for all travelers, with ongoing improvements to infrastructure and services.

Infrastructure for Mobility

Germany has good accessibility, though older zones offer some challenges.

Navigating the City

Newer public buildings and hotels are often accessible
Older parts of the city may have cobblestones
Historic buildings might have limited access (stairs without ramps)

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Many popular sites and transport options accommodate travelers with disabilities.

Inclusive Experiences

German Football Museum & U-Tower are accessible
The German railway company (trains) & DSW21 (local) use vehicles with accessibility features
Book train assistance in advance for a smooth journey

Support for Sensory Impairments

Efforts are made to assist travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Sensory Aids

Public transport features audio announcements
Visual displays on buses and U-Bahn trains
Large institutions may offer accessible information formats

Resources for Accessibility

Several tools and organizations offer detailed accessibility information.

Where to Find Info

Wheelmap.org for large groups of peopleourced wheelchair accessibility data
Local disability organizations provide specific guidance
Contact attractions directly for detailed accessibility details

Travel Considerations

Route Planning

Map out accessible routes using online resources or local apps.

Find accessible tours

Accommodation

Confirm accessibility features directly with hotels before booking.

Check eco-friendly options

Local Support

Utilize information from Dortmund tourism boards regarding accessibility.

Ensure mobile data

Inclusive Travel

Dortmund welcomes all visitors. Advance planning helps overcome potential accessibility barriers.

Dortmund Travel Tips