Location:
Frankfurt, Germany

Capital:
Berlin

Official Language:
German

Population:
80+ million

The cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt is often referred to as the “City of Contrasts” due to the harmonious blend of the traditional and modern.  The city’s imposing skyline has become synonymous with the bustling location of the country’s financial and transportation center, as well as the home of the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.  However, among the skyscrapers, you will find many German historical sites.  Part of Frankfurt’s appeal is the ability to easily find traditional tranquil sanctuaries among the big city hustle and bustle. 

Passport/Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens in possession of a valid U.S. passport, and Canadian citizens with a valid Canadian passport do not need a visa when visiting Germany (for stays up to 90 days). For more information on passport/visa information, visit:  http://www.cibt.com.  Please note:  your passport should be valid throughout your stay in Germany.  

Cash machines accept a variety of German and international debit and credit cards. The airports and major railway stations have electronic currency changing machines which can be used to exchange foreign currency for euros. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
Frankfurt is on Central European Time (GMT+1), which makes it six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings time begins on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 2:00 a.m. local standard time.

Electricity
The electrical standard in Germany is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs have two round prongs, not flat; therefore, an adapter plug is needed. If you are planning on bringing electrical appliances, you should have a transformer, or plan on purchasing one when you arrive. 

Water
There is plenty of water of excellent drinking standard.

Climate
Frankfurt has a temperate continental climate, characterized by warm summers with occasional wet days, and cold winters. Temperatures are not extreme and never severe.

Communication
The region is very well developed in terms of IT networks and telephone communications. The international access code is 49 and the city code is 69. Hotels offer Internet access and there are also Internet cafe’s.

Transportation
Traveling in Germany is both easy and fun. Each mode of transportation makes German travel exciting in its own way, whether it be by car, train, coach, public transport, or taxi. If you are traveling by car, you can take one of Germany's 150 scenic routes to your destination. 

Traveling by train: Germany has an extensive rail network that covers almost every part of the country. The trains are reliable, safe and comfortable. Long-distance trains are meticulously coordinated with local services, offering excellent connections. A nationwide rail network enables visitors to reach even the smaller historical towns and the holiday regions with ease. InterCity (IC) and InterCity Express (ICE) trains run every hour, connecting more than 50 German towns. The high-speed ICE trains reach speeds of up to 300km/h. Regional trains connect the smaller towns. Many of these trains are also used by commuters, so it's best to avoid travelling in the early morning or late afternoon if possible. It is generally advisable to reserve seats on all trains, particularly at peak periods and at holiday times. Reservations can be made for a small charge until shortly before departure. All information, including timetables, is available online on Deutsche Bahn's website at www.bahn.de

In Frankfurt, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main airport to the main railway station.  The hotels recommended in the travel package are located two to three blocks from the station. 

Restaurants/Local Fare
In Germany, every region has its own local cuisine with typical specialities. Eating out in Germany covers a whole gamut of possibilities, from traditional German fare to Michelin-starred, award-winning gourmet restaurants. International cuisine is also very popular. Every major town has a wide range of Italian, Asian, Indian or Greek restaurants. Snack bars stay open late at night serving inexpensive food (pizza, doner kebabs, wok dishes, sausage and french fries) to eat in or take away.

Breakfast is generally eaten between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Many restaurants offer breakfast menus, often until as late as 2 p.m. The typical German breakfast consists of bread or rolls with sausage, cheese, jam or honey and muesli, served with coffee or tea.

Lunch is the main meal of the day and is usually a hot, cooked meal, usually of generous proportions.

At around 4 p.m. , especially at the weekend, Germans drink coffee and eat cake ("Kaffee und Kuchen"). Cafés and cake shops offer a huge range of delicious tarts and gateaux, to eat in or take away.

Dinner is usually eaten between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and consists of bread and rolls with sausage or cheese. Anyone who has only eaten a light lunch will generally eat a hot meal at this time.

If you wish to go out for dinner, you should aim to do so between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. At popular restaurants it is advisable to reserve a table.  Restaurants close by 1a.m. at the latest, but the kitchen often shuts earlier. Pubs and bars serve light meals and snacks later than this.

Tipping
There is generally no need to tip in Germany, as service is included in the bill, although it is widely considered appropriate. In restaurants a tip of between 5 and 10 percent of the bill is recommended. When you pay, you round up the bill to include a tip. Tips are never left on the table in Germany.

Other tipping suggestions include:
Ten percent of fare is recommended for taxi drivers
Bell hops – typically one euro per bag
Hotel maid – typically one to two euros per day

Miscellaneous
Shops open between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., although some bakeries and newsstands open at 6 a.m. Pharmacies open at 8 a.m. Most shops in the town and city centers do not close for lunch. From Monday to Saturday, shops normally close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Banks and post offices close by 6 p.m. at the latest.

Shops are closed on Sunday, with the exception of bakeries which generally open on Sunday mornings. Cafés and cake shops are open on Sunday afternoons. Many filling stations have very long opening hours, sometimes around the clock. It is possible to shop there outside normal opening hours, as they often sell food, newspapers and other everyday basics as well as fuel.  Museums are generally closed on Mondays.

Related Links:
Official Ironman Germany Event Site
Germany Tourism