Yeah, whatever you do, DO NOT use your US-based sim card if you're going to use any data.
I have booked my tickets to FRA & NRW area. Trip is for 7 nights. This is my first trip to Germany and the FKKs. I plan to hit Oase, Palace, World, Babylon, Aca, GT. I may consider VV, Sharks, and Mainhetten if time permits.
(1) I plan to rent a car since I'm considering driving to NRW. Is it easy to drive in Germany for an experienced US driver?
(2) I am thinking about purchasing the Garmin from Amazon with pre-loaded european maps. Which GPS is good and works reliably in German cars (please provide a link if possible)?
(3) Is it easier/recommended to buy a handy (pre-paid GSM phone) in Germany at the airport *or* is it better to get a quad unlocked phone from Amazon and get a SIM card n Germany?
I appreciate your advise and suggestions.
-- Modified on 9/2/2012 9:59:04 AM
1.) I haven't driven in germany, but I have in both italy and switzerland, and my italian and german aren't that great, had no difficulty with the driving. Though I learned to drive in detroit so driving there is no picnic.
2/3.) I just got back from europe, mutlitple countries including germany, in November. This was my first trip to europe with a smartphone (iphone 4s) and I found it to be a wholly new experience. I requested verizon to unlock it before leaving, basically you just have to tell them you are going to someplace where they don't offer roaming service, like the countryside or a country they don't have roaming agreements with. There was no charge for this. Then when you get overseas you can get a data only sim/microsim, cost varied per country, but still way cheaper than anything else. For microsims you need a cell store, like tmobile, o2, ect. For the iphone it needs wifi for the first card swapped in, so found free wifi, swapped the sim and was off to the races. Used skype for voice calls (worked great never dropped, made an hour long call from poland for about 1.05). You can then also use this for GPS as the maps work just as well.
Yeah, whatever you do, DO NOT use your US-based sim card if you're going to use any data.
Extremely easy to drive. Just google German traffic signs ahead of time. Autobahn have no speed limits unless otherwise posted. Observe these posted limits otherwise you will get caught by cameras hidden on the side of the road. Do not pass on the right on the autobahn and keep the left lane clear unless passing. When refueling, make sure you know whether the rental takes unleaded or diesel. Obviously don't fiddle with the GPS if you are doing 140 mph.
First, it's about 2x expensive to buy fuel in Germany. Second, you'll see much more and have less hassle taking a train. You can get about anywhere on public transportation, and unlike in the US, there's no stigma associated with it, because 90% do it every day. German trains are about as good as they get.
All your reasons make very good sense. I just wanted to have the flexibility to go clubs per my schedule. I felt it was a bit safer too, especially with a wallet full of cash. But, to each their own...
Thanks - it was easy, just like you said.
I'll be in Frankfurt 28 Sep - 07 Oct. Plan to have a car part time to visit World & Sharks, maybe couple other external ventures. Will use public transport for remainder of trip. Let me know if we'll be there same time..
lil_ol_me,
sorry I missed on getting together. I had a great time at the FKKs too. I read about your report too. Planning a trip next year in March/April, hopefully we can meet. When do plan to go there next?