Germany’s unwritten travel rules: public transport, tipping and why Sundays are so quiet

Stepping into the real Germany: what visitors actually face

Arriving in Germany, most first-timers expect flawless transport and Teutonic efficiency. Yes, trains and trams usually run on time—and there’s something soothing about a Berlin U-Bahn gliding in to the second. But here’s the reality: ticket machines in smaller cities often don’t support non-European cards. Some trams still expect stamped paper tickets. During Carnival or a Bundesliga match, city networks can slow to a crawl. Even the Wi-Fi in many train stations—though free—tends to struggle during rush hour, especially in hubs like Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or Munich’s Ostbahnhof. For those heading to the ski slopes in Bavaria or the Black Forest, 4G coverage can flicker in rural valleys. In January, when snow clouds gather, I’ve seen data speeds dip just as I’m trying to check live avalanche updates (not ideal). Germans are pragmatic: they download maps and tickets ahead of time. I’ve learnt the hard way on more than one occasion. If you’re moving between cities—say, hopping from Dresden to Leipzig, or doing a whirlwind rail tour—having reliable mobile data is more than a luxury. It’s the difference between breezing through connections and being left stranded on a cold platform, as I once was in Nuremberg without a working SIM.

Staying connected: the role of eSIMs in Germany

Let’s be honest—international roaming is a notorious money pit. EU visitors get a break, but anyone arriving from the UK, US, Australia or Asia faces an unpleasant surprise if they burn through their home plan. Public Wi-Fi in German cafés is patchier than you’d hope (and often requires convoluted SMS verification). That’s why I—and most regulars I meet—have switched to digital SIMs, or eSIMs, for travel. With an eSIM, you skip the queue for a physical SIM card at the airport kiosk. Activation is usually under a minute: scan a QR code, confirm settings, done. Graba SIM takes it a step further with Data Pulse—real-time data monitoring that actually appears as a widget on your phone’s home or lock screen. You’d be surprised how quickly you burn through 1GB when uploading snowy Zugspitze photos. Having that live tracker stopped me from blowing through my allowance on a frosty January hike near Garmisch. The other perk? If you hit a snag—say, your connection drops while navigating the Berlin U-Bahn—Graba SIM’s 24/7 live chat has, in my experience, been a lifesaver. I once pinged them at 11pm while on a delayed ICE train, and actually got a (human) reply.

If you’re not sure your phone supports a virtual SIM, it’s worth checking with their compatibility tool before you travel. I’ve used it for both my iPhone 14 and an old Samsung S21 with no trouble.

Setting up an eSIM for your German adventure: step-by-step

Getting around Germany: what actually works on public transport

German public transport is impressively broad, but not always as intuitive as you might think. Here’s the bit that rarely makes the guidebooks:

Ticket machines typically offer English menus, but payment options can be baffling. Many only accept EC (local debit) cards or exact coins—credit cards often won’t cut it, particularly outside major cities.

The BahnCard system confuses even locals. If you’re only here for a short trip, stick to single or day tickets rather than chasing multi-trip savings.

Validate your ticket: On trams and regional trains, you need to stamp your ticket at a blue or yellow box before boarding. Inspectors do spot checks—and yes, fines are enforced, even for tourists.

S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks in cities like Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt are fast and frequent—but watch for engineering works in winter, when schedules can be disrupted at short notice.

Understanding tipping, Sunday quiet—and avoiding awkward moments

Tipping is subtle in Germany. Rounding up to the nearest Euro is normal, or add 5–10% if the service stands out. Say “Stimmt so” (“keep the change”) to save everyone the awkward back-and-forth. Don’t leave coins on the table—hand them to the server directly. It’s a small thing, but it signals you’re not a clueless tourist. Sundays are almost sacred. Shops shutter tight—bakeries and cafés may open briefly, but supermarkets, chemists, and most restaurants take the day off. Plan your grocery run on Saturdays; I’ve seen even seasoned expats caught out by a surprise Sunday craving. If you’re staying in a flat, don’t expect to run the washing machine or vacuum—noise rules are strictly enforced. Winter brings its own quirks: ski resorts bustle, but city centres empty out. If you’re travelling in January or February, check for regional festivals or Fasching (Carnival) closures—transport may run on altered timetables, and roads can be blocked for parades.

eSIMs vs physical SIMs vs roaming: a quick comparison

From experience, eSIMs win hands down for convenience and flexibility. I used to queue in Munich airport’s telecom shop only to be told they’d run out of starter packs. Now, I just activate as I walk off the plane.

Who benefits most from a digital SIM in Germany?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts from the road