Difference between revisions of "Germany"

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==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
* safety triangle<sup>1</sup>
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
* first aid kid<sup>1</sup>
- safety triangle
+
* 1 warning vest<sup>1</sup>
- first aid kit
+
* vehicle registration  
- 1 warning vest  
+
 
- car registration
+
<sup>1</sup>not apply for motorcycles
  
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==

Revision as of 07:32, 21 November 2019


Currency to display:

Visiting Germany

Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.

Entering Germany with a Car or Motorbike

Correct as of: (date last confirmed correct)

Required Paperwork

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Germany, application instructions and fees see: Germany Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies

Process at border

Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle

Cost of entry

State the cost for a vehicle to enter

Permitted length of stay

A foreign registered vehicle can stay up to 6 months in any country within EU.

EU includes: Austria, Italy, Belgium, Latvia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, Luxembourg, Cyprus Malta, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Portugal, Finland, Romania, France, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Hungary, Sweden & Ireland

However, you must pay extra attention and study carefully your stay in the Schengen Zone which allows only 3 months every 6 months per year.

The Schengen Member States include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Liechtenstein. More info about Schengen Zone Visa at: [[1]]

For example Switzerland, Norway or Liechtenstein belong to the Schengen Zone (which literally means free movement) but in the EU. Also countries like Serbia, Albania, FYROM, Bosnia or Belarus do not belong to any group (EU or Schengen Zone)

Extension of stay

Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle

Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

Driving in Germany

Recommended books for Overlanding in Germany

Lonely Planet Germany (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Germany (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Andrea Schulte-Peevers, Kerry Chris...
From $13.95 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
South American Handbook 2017 (footprint South American...
South American Handbook 2017 (footprint South American...
by Ben Box
From $20.10 on Amazon
TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide

TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide
by The Pin Project

at 10$ on thepinproject.eu

Travel insurance for Germany

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements

Vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. Any 3rd party insurance is acceptable according to the law. You can buy online through the web or from an agent.

The famous Green Card goes automatically (and free of charge) with the national/regional insurance but the vehicle must be registered in EU and the driver needs to have an EU driving license. Just ask it from your agent.

EU insurance companies will only handle clients that are residents/ citizens of EU and have an EU license to drive/ ride within the EU territory.

For foreign registered vehicles you will need what in Europe is called Temporary Frontier Insurance. More info & costs: [2] [3] [4]

Cost of vehicle insurance

State the price of insurance and a time period.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance

Describe where insurance can be purchased.

Driving license

Commonly

Driving licenses which are not issued in German and those which do not comply with Annex 6 to the Übereinkommen über den Straßenverkehr vom 8. November 1968, must be translated - exceptions: Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, Senegal.

If you have an International Driving Permit, you do not need a translation.

Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

May drive with their valid national driver license. A translation or International Driving Permit is not necessary.

Speed limits

Vehicle City outside Cities Autobahn
Car <3500kg 50km/h (31mph) 100km/h (62mph) - 1
Car with trailer <3500kg 50km/h (31mph) 80km/h (50mph) 80km/h (50mph)2
Caravan <3500kg 50km/h (31mph) 100km/h (62mph) - 1
Caravan with trailer <3500kg 50km/h (31mph) 80km/h (50mph) 80km/h (50mph)2
Vehicles 3500kg-7500kg 50km/h (31mph) 80km/h (50mph) 80km/h (50mph)
Truck (Lorry) and Vehicle >7500kg 50km/h (31mph) 60km/h (37mph) 80km/h (50mph)

1advisory speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit): 130km/h (80mph)
2under certain conditions, 100km/h (62mph) is possible

Driving side of road

In Germany, the precept is to drive on the right. On the Highway (Autobahn) you have also drive on the right, even if there are 2 or more lanes. Usually the Germans like to drive in the middle lane. The overtaking is only permitted on the left.

Vehicles over 3500 kg (approx. 7700 lbs) and Vehicles with trailer may not use the left lane, unless you want to turn left.

RHD vehicles can be driven in Germany without a problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle

  • safety triangle1
  • first aid kid1
  • 1 warning vest1
  • vehicle registration

1not apply for motorcycles

Roads

General Road quality

Road quality in Germany is excellent for the vast majority of roads. Although racing sure won't be the main topic for overlanders, a few clear words about the Autobahn seem to be important. Over the years, most of the Autobahn stretches got various speed limits and there a rather few parts left without one. Traffic on the Autobahn often is quite dense, so you simply cannot speed, anyway. One-way roads are common in cities, but the majority is normal two-way traffic. There are very few unpaved roads and most of these are forbidden for general traffic. In most parts, unauthorized use of unpaved forest roads is prohibited.

Road signs

Roads generally are well-marked and the signs maintained frequently.

Toll roads

List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.

Bribery in Germany

Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it. No bribery in Germany. Don´t try it, you will get in big trouble. Police here is very correct, also all government offices.

Checkpoints

During high season, there can be weight/load checks for rigs over 3.5 tons on the Autobahn. Sometimes, police does general traffic checks, but there is nothing you have to fear about these.

Traveling with pets

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas and Diesel price in Germany

Last updated: November 2019

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded 95 (Super E5, max. 5% Ethanol) €1.38 EUR per Liter
Unleaded 95 (Super E10, max. 10% Ethanol) €1.35 EUR per Liter
Unleaded 98 (Super Plus) €1.48 EUR per Liter
Diesel (B7, max. 7% RME (FAME)) €1.26 EUR per Liter
LPG (Autogas) €0.59 EUR per Liter
AUS 32/ARLA 32/DEF (AdBlue) €0.59 EUR per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency

No shortages. You will be able to get all sorts around the clock. In cities you will find plenty of gas stations. On the Autobahn they may be 40 km apart, but on the Autobahn stops you will pay around 30 cents per liter more than usual. Avoid it if possible. There are so called "Autohof" which are just at an exit, they sell for normal prices.

Gas and Diesel Quality

Generally high quality at all gas stations. Diesel is available nationwide with <10 ppm sulfur content. All gas stations sell diesel which suits for EUR6 norm.

Safety and Security Considerations

Driving at night

Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.

Vehicle parking

Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night. If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.

Special driving considerations

A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information

Camping in Germany

Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.
List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.
Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.

Camping guide books

List and link to books specifically for camping.

https://www.adac.de/produkte/apps/campingfuehrer/

Drinking water

In Germany, tap water is usually safe to drink.

Navigation

Paper maps

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Germany

Botswana = Botsuana = Botsvana
Botswana = Botsuana = Botsvana
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $8.95 on Amazon
Germany (national Geographic Adventure Map)
Germany (national Geographic Adventure Map)
by National Geographic Maps - Adventure
From $10.03 on Amazon
Michelin Germany Map 718 (maps/country (michelin))
Michelin Germany Map 718 (maps/country (michelin))
by Michelin
From $7.70 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Germany, Austria & Switzerland's Best Tr...
Lonely Planet Germany, Austria & Switzerland's Best Tr...
by Lonely Planet, Nicola Williams, Kerry Christiani, ...
From $12.92 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Germany

Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Germany

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests

There are a number of very recommendable overlanding events in Germany each year:

Vehicle Maintenance

Dealers

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Germany

Buy
Please find info and advice here: http://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-individuals/Travel/Entering-Germany/Duties-and-taxes/Purchase-of-motor-vehicles/purchase-of-motor-vehicles_node.html;jsessionid=33F1DF435A998AF7DF400EF8893248A1.live4671 The ultimate internet resource to look for used vehicles of all types is http://www.mobile.de

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links

Add any helpful external links here.