Dress:
Berlin is very relaxed as far as dress codes are concerned. More upmarket clubs will expect suitable clobber, but you are more likely to be turned away if your face doesn’t fit.Emergency numbers:
Police: 110
Fire Brigade and Ambulance: 112
German Red Cross: +49(30)85 00 55
Ambulance: +49(30)31 00 31
Emergency Poison Help-Line: +49(30)192 40
Confidential Help-Line: 0800 111 02 22
Crime:
Berlin tends to be safe city but it will pay to be careful with pickpockets looking to cash in on the influx of tourists during the summer period.
Tipping:
The “10% and round-it-up” rule is too much as Berliners aren’t heavy tippers. Try a 10pc maximum and you are nearer the mark.
Changing money:
The easiest places to change money are banks, which charge a minimum commission, the foreign exchange counters at airports and the larger stations, and some Post Offices will also oblige. All accept travellers’ cheques. You can also withdraw money using your own cash or credit card from one of the many cash point machines around the city.
Phones & Internet:
Phone cards to make calling home cheaper are available from Internet cafes and call shops, which are dotted all over the city. Free Internet access is available at the British Council in Hackescher Markt, but there are only a handful of machines so there may be a queue.
Smoking:
Smoking is a popular habit in Berlin , but banned on public transport including U-Bahn platforms and will lead to on-the-spot fines if discovered.
Drugs:
Germany is becoming increasingly softer on drugs. Possession for personal use of less than 10 grams of hash or grass is likely to be confiscated but attract no further penalty. Small amounts of harder drugs are likely to incur fines, but not the heavier hand of the German legal system.
Nudity:
Like homosexuality, nudity is tolerated and enjoyed in Berlin , so don’t be surprised to stumble across naked flesh in parks, or if the naked bodies happen to be all male.