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Getting around Germany is easy. Domestic air travel is extensive but unless you're in an awful hurry, you might as well save your money. You are about to encounter the wonderful German train network! The eastern and western train systems have now been fully merged, although fares in the east are still cheaper. Numerous fares and ticket passes are available. There is usually a surcharge for the InterCity Express (ICE) trains but it's worth it to travel 250km/h through the German countryside. Forget about buses until you're in train-unfriendly terrain. German roads are excellent, and motorised transport can be a great way to tour the country, although most towns have problems with car-parking. The autobahns can be wonderful and can be a nightmare: speed-of-light Porsches and BMWs looming monster-size and impatient in your rear-view mirror are one factor, soul-destroying traffic jams are another.

Currency: Deutschmark (DM), euro

Meals


• Budget: US$5-10

• Mid-range: US$10-20

• Top-end: US$20 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  

• Budget: US$20-40

• Mid-range: US$50-100

• Top-end: US$100 and upwards

With the monetary restructuring caused by reunification now easing, inflation has fallen and the Deutschmark is relatively stable against most other European currencies.

It's easy to spend lots of money in Germany. If you've got some sort of rail pass and restrict yourself to cheap takeaways and preparation of your own food, it's possible to get by on less than US$50 a day. Those with more capacious wallets, wishing to eat at restaurants most days, to travel freely by public transport and to stay in hotels with fluffy duvets should count on dropping at least US$100 a day.

All the major international brands of plastic - MasterCard, Visa and American Express - are recognized but not yet widely accepted, except at major hotels, gas stations and department stores. Don't assume that you'll be able to use your card to pay for meals. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout Germany and you should have no problem accessing your credit or debit account back home. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and special exchange shops in large towns.

Tips are not normally given or expected, but a customer can tip for excellent service.