Trier Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Connectivity

German mobile networks offer good coverage. Prepaid SIM cards are available with passport registration.

Mobile & Wi-Fi

Prepaid SIMs available from Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, O2, etc. Airalo eSIM Germany Prepaid is a digital option.
Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi might be limited.
Deutsche Post offices sell stamps and handle international mail. Stamps also at newsstands.

Language & Assistance

German is the official language. English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Communication Aids

Google Translate or similar apps assist with real-time translation. Offline language packs are useful.
Learning basic German phrases is appreciated by locals. For deeper learning, consider Rosetta Stone.
"Sprechen Sie Englisch?" (Do you speak English?) is a helpful phrase.

Essential Phrases

Greetings & Politeness

Hallo (HAH-loh): Hello
Guten Tag (GOO-ten TAHG): Good day
Auf Wiedersehen (OWF VEE-der-zay-en): Goodbye (formal)
Tschüss (CHYOOS): Goodbye (informal)

Common Needs

Bitte (BIT-tuh): Please
Danke (DAHNK-uh): Thank you
Was kostet das? (VAHS KOS-tet DAHS?): How much is it?
Wein (VYN): Wine

Note on eSIMs

ESIMs like those from Airalo offer a seamless way to get mobile data without needing a physical SIM card, activating digitally upon arrival.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shop Hours

Typically Monday-Saturday, 9/10 AM to 6/8 PM. Smaller shops often close earlier on Saturdays, around 4 PM. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

Dining Times

Lunch service 12 PM - 2 PM; Dinner 6 PM - 9/10 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Cafes/bakeries open earlier for breakfast (6/7 AM).

Attraction Hours

Hours vary seasonally, generally 10 AM - 5/6 PM. Many museums close on Mondays. Always check individual websites for exact times.

Banking & Public Holidays

Bank operations and public holidays affect daily services.

Financial Access

Banks open Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. Some may close for lunch.
ATMs ("Geldautomat") are widely available 24/7 at bank branches, shopping centers, and train stations.
National holidays, like German Unity Day (Oct 3), mean most shops are closed and public transport may have reduced schedules.

Seasonal Variations

Some services and attractions have limited or no operation during certain times of the year.

Off-Season Adjustments

Moselle river cruises may have limited hours or close entirely in winter.
Vineyards might have limited opening hours for tastings outside the main harvest season.
Always plan accordingly if traveling in the off-season.

Public Holidays

National Holidays

New Year's Day (Jan 1)
Good Friday & Easter Monday
Ascension Day & Whit Monday

Regional & Christmas

German Unity Day (October 3)
All Saints' Day (November 1, Rhineland-Palatinate)
Christmas (December 25-26)

Checking Schedules

For any specific restaurant or attraction, always verify their operating hours in advance, especially around public holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with local customs will enrich your interactions in Trier.

Social Interactions

Greeting & Dress

A firm handshake is common when meeting people. "Hallo" is a casual greeting.
Dress is generally casual but neat. Churches prefer respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered).
Use cutlery for most meals; eating with hands is typically limited to street food. Keep elbows off the table.

Photography & Sensitivity

Respect privacy and local sensibilities during your visit.

Visual & Verbal Norms

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Look for signs about flash photography.
Avoid discussing WWII or Nazism lightly. Punctuality is valued, so arrive on time for appointments.
Germany is progressive and inclusive. Trier generally welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals.

Important Considerations

Cultural Respect

Do not engage in lighthearted conversations about sensitive historical topics.
Being late for reservations may be seen as rude.
Maintain a quiet demeanor in places of worship and certain public areas.

Photography Reminders

Observe "no photography" or "no flash" signs in museums and private venues.
Respect individual privacy by refraining from taking candid photos without permission.
Be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors when taking pictures.

Dining & Tipping

Table Manners

Use cutlery for most meals; eating with hands is generally limited to street food.
Keep your elbows off the table when dining.
When toasting, make eye contact and say "Prost!" (Cheers!).

Tipping Guidelines

For good service, round up the bill or add 5-10%.
It's customary to state the total amount you wish to pay, including tip, when paying by card.
Tipping is a gesture of appreciation for service, not a substitute for low wages.

Showing Courtesy

A few words of German, a prompt arrival for appointments, and respectful conduct greatly contribute to positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Trier continues its efforts to make the city accessible for all visitors.

Mobility Access

Germany maintains good accessibility standards, specifically for modern structures and public transport.

Infrastructure & Transport

Newer buildings and renovated historical sites often include accessibility features.
Modern buses in Trier are typically accessible, with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces.
Cobblestone streets in the historic center may present mobility challenges.

Attraction Accessibility

Many of Trier's remarkable sites have made accommodations for visitors with varying needs.

Site Specifics

Porta Nigra: Features a ramp and elevator for upper levels.
Museums: Modern facilities like the Rheinisches Landesmuseum are wheelchair accessible.
Roman Ruins: Paths at Roman sites have improved for better access, though some surfaces remain uneven.

Special Needs & Resources

Visual Impairment Services:Audio guides or tactile exhibits may be available at major institutions.

Hearing Impairment Services:Contact attractions for specific offerings.

Tourism Office Support:Trier-Info offers details on accessible routes and services.

Advance Contact:Contact specific attractions for tailored accessibility information.

Planning Assistance:The local tourism office aids in itinerary planning to meet accessibility needs.

General German Standards:Good accessibility practices are common across Germany.

Important Advice

It is always advisable to contact specific attractions directly to confirm accessibility details tailored to your particular needs before your visit.

Trier Travel Tips