Go, but pay attention.

Active notices

• • Global Polio
• • Global Measles

Vaccines

Recommended:

Staying safe

• •Germany is a very safe country.
• •If you're staying in certain parts of Berlin or Hamburg around 1 May (Labour Day) expect demonstrations that frequently degenerate into clashes between the police and a minority of the demonstrators.
• •Emergencies: The nationwide emergency number for the police, fire and rescue services is 112 (same as in all EU countries) or 110 for police only.
• •There are orange emergency telephones interspersed along the main motorways.
• •Racism: The overwhelming majority of foreign visitors will never deal with issues of open racial discrimination or racism in Germany.

Staying healthy

• •Sanitary and medical facilities in Germany are excellent. See the section on emergencies above if you are in an emergency.
• •Health care: If you have a non-urgent medical problem, you may choose from any local doctor.
• •Medication: Pharmacies are called "Apotheke" (compare the older English word, "apothecary") and are marked by a big, red "A" symbol.
• •There can be a significant price difference between the name brands and equivalent generic drugs with the same active ingredients, so it may well pay off to ask for a "Generikum".
• •The staff of an Apotheke is well-trained, and it is mandatory to have at least one person with a university degree in pharmaceutics available in every Apotheke during opening hours.
• •Health insurance: EU citizens who are members of any public health insurance can get a European Health Insurance Card.