Munich has a continental climate, strongly modified by the proximity of the Alps. The city's altitude and proximity to the northern edge of the Alps mean that precipitation is high. Rainstorms can come violently and unexpectedly.
Winters last from December to March. Munich experiences cold winters, but heavy rainfall is rarely seen in the winter. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of −2°C (28 °F). Snow cover is seen for at least a couple of weeks during winter. Summers in Munich city are warm and pleasant with an average maximum of 23°C (73°F) in the hottest months. The summers last from May until September.
An oddity of Munich is the Föhn, a warm downwind from the Alps can raise temperatures sharply within a few hours, even in winter. These winds are sometimes associated with illnesses ranging from migraines to psychosis. The Austrian physician, Anton Czermak in the 19th century, published the first clinical review of these effects. Residents of Munich sometimes use the Föhn as an excuse for having a bad mood, which should not be taken too seriously.
The Munich area uses the area code 89 with the international calling code of Germany is +49.
Free wireless internet hotspots are availabe in many cafés, restaurants, public institutions and the universities. Just ask the proprietor for the current access code and you are good to go. Munich administration has deployed official "M-WLAN" free wireless (Wifi) service. It is available on places in the inner city (interesting for tourists). See this listing: www.muenchen.de
The German currency is the Euro, so ventures for participants from within the Eurozone will not face any complications with exchange rates. Coins are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. Notes are issued in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, and €5.
It is not always simple to exchange cash in foreign currency for euros in every bank. It may be necessary to wait. Find out about this in a meeting. In Reisebanken, which is the bank especially tailored for travellers, foreign money can be changed immediately into euros. There are no long waiting periods at Reisebanken.
The value-added tax rate generally enforced in Germany is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% applies to certain goods, such as certain foods, books, magazines, flowers, and transports.
The following are completely exempted from VAT:
Export deliveries;
Intra-Community supply of goods;
Services provided by certain professional groups (e.g. doctors);
Financial services (e.g. granting loans);
Letting real estate in the long-term;
Cultural services provided to the public (e.g. by public theatres, museums, zoos, etc.);
Value-added by certain institutions providing general education or vocational training;
Services provided in an honorary or voluntary capacity.
Tipping is expected in hotels in Germany. If you feel you have received good service, you could give your porter between €1-3 per bag, your housekeeper €3-5 (leaving it on the bed or nightstand), and your concierge up to €10-20.
When tipping at restaurants, simply rounding up to the next euro is an accepted practice. If you feel inclined, add a few Euros (5%-10% for good service). There is no need to overdo it. The tip must be given directly to the waiter, or when paying, never simply leaving it on the table. Receiving a bill is uncommon; the waiter will usually tell you what is owed. Tell the waiter how much you wish to pay if you wish to leave a tip. Keep in mind that many restaurants and stores in Germany only accept cash, so make sure you have some available.
It is quite common to leave a gratitude for tour guides, whether they are with groups or single. Some may ask for a positive review on websites such as Trip Advisor; they receive a bonus for each review they receive.
Munich falls under Central European Time (CET), and is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1). Daylight savings time is observed in Munich, where time is shifted forward 1 hour in Summer (GMT +2), and then moved back to GMT +1 during non-summer months.
Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
Click socket type links to view adapter for that type
110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Germany are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.
Germany officially recognizes the metric system.
There are many national holidays, but the following are celebrated in the Bavarian state where Munich is the capital:
New Year's Day: 1 January
Epiphany: 6 January
Good Friday: Easter Sunday - ½ day
Easter Monday: Easter Sunday + ½ day
Labor Day: 1 May
Ascension Day: Easter Sunday + 39 days
Whit Monday: Easter Sunday + 50 days
Corpus Christi: Easter Sunday + 60 days
German Unity Day: 3 October
All Saints: Wed. before 23 November
Christmas Day: 25 December
St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day: 26 December
The official language in Munich is, of course, German. With many Munich residents coming from other German regions or from abroad, "Standard German" dominates as spoken language in Munich. Nevertheless, some residents will speak with a more or less strong Bavarian dialect, which can deviate substantially from the standard German. Munich attracts many international tourists and has a large community of non-German speaking professionals working in international companies, universities, and research institutions or at the European Patent office. Hence, it is not surprising that English is widely spoken and understood throughout the city in restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shops as well as by ordinary citizens. The exception are some of Munich's city administration offices where non-English speaking Germans seem to have found a last refuge from globalization.
The emergency telephone number in Munich is 112 (like everywhere in the EU), which will connect you to emergency medical services, police, or fire brigade. The emergency telephone number 110 (Germany only) will connect you directly to the police.
There are several large hospitals with worldwide respect in Munich, inluding
The German laws regulating alcohol use and sale are some of the least restrictive in the world. The foremost function of restraints, as far as they exist, is youth protection. In contrast to many other countries (e.g. the United States), the legislation is not designed to keep young people away from alcohol completely, but rather to teach them an appropriate approach to alcohol consumption.
Casinos in Germany are abounding. Almost all the casinos are particular about maintaining strict dress code. Men are not allowed inside in blue jeans, sneakers, or sandals. All the casinos require you to show ID proof or passport. Most of the casinos have a specified age limit and do not allow people below the age of 18. Some of the casinos in Germany also charge their visitors a small entrance fee. You also need to sign a debt guarantee note in for any dues or debts you may have during the course of your gambling endeavours.
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