Travel tips · Munich · Germany
Munich travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Bavarians are proud of their traditions and of being distinct from the rest of Germany. Gemütlichkeit — an easy, convivial cosiness — defines beer gardens and taverns, while public life is orderly and punctual. Traditional dress (Tracht) is worn at festivals and increasingly on everyday weekends.
Key facts
- Language
- German
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe and of excellent quality.
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Greet with 'Grüß Gott' when entering a shop, café or tavern.
- Wait for the green light before crossing; jaywalking is frowned upon.
- Don't walk in cycle lanes, which are often marked in red next to pavements.
- Toast by looking people in the eye and saying 'Prost!'
- Shops close on Sundays and public holidays, except at main stations and the airport.
- Book Allianz Arena ahead: Tours and match tickets sell out; book through the official club site well in advance.
- Bring your own picnic to a self-service beer garden and buy only the drinks.
Tipping
Round up or add about 5–10% in restaurants, telling the server the total you want to pay when they take payment rather than leaving money on the table.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grüß Gott | Hello (Bavarian greeting) |
| Servus | Hi / Bye (informal) |
| Danke schön | Thank you very much |
| Eine Mass, bitte | A litre of beer, please |
| Prost! | Cheers! |
| Zahlen, bitte | The bill, please |
What to wear
Smart-casual for everyday; locals wear Dirndl and Lederhosen at Oktoberfest and festivals. Pack warm layers for winter and a rain jacket in summer, when thunderstorms are common.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe and of excellent quality.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Good mobile coverage, including in U-Bahn stations; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces and cafés.
- Time zone
- Europe/Berlin
Munich is generally safe and orderly. Pickpockets operate in crowds at Marienplatz, the Hauptbahnhof and Oktoberfest, and festival crowds can become very dense late in the day. In winter, watch for icy pavements.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Germany's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Munich?
Round up or add about 5–10% in restaurants, telling the server the total you want to pay when they take payment rather than leaving money on the table.
+Can you drink the tap water in Munich?
Tap water is safe and of excellent quality.
+What plugs are used in Munich?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Munich?
German.