Re nervous about going away??

[autienotnaughty]

Hi booked a city break in Germany next week. Been a fair few years since I've flown (pre covid and pre brexit) anything I need to do before I go? (Forms etc) Also flying from Manchester any tips on how early to arrive? What to do if flight is cancelled? Should I take euros or get a payment card? Or can I just use my bank card? (Halifax debit card) thanks!!

Following!

I've been travelling in Europe for the last month. All fine and easy. 99% of places take a uk debit card as payment but do have cash as a backup because some card machines won't accept a uk card.

we flew from manchester on Tuesday evening. We only took hand luggage,easyjet, and went straight through security in about 15 min.
No forms to fill in, no one asked for covid passes. Wearing masks on trains and buses etc when in Germany seems mandatory, some do some don't. Shops, museums, restaurants you don't need to.

Fly back tonight. Feel free to ask any questions.

We arrived 3 hours early and were slightly delayed but no real issue. Debit cards or cash are fine.

Thank you everyone! I seem like I remember someone having to fill in a travel document when they went abroad due to brexit in 2021?? But can't find anything online. Do need proof of vaccination I'm assuming I can do that on covid app?

That's good to hear. We are flying with easy jet so obviously nervous about cancellations. Was planning to get there three hours before just in case. Does that s to m reasonable? We are hand luggage only too.

@wishingchair1 also are taxis easy to get at the airport in Germany? we are flying into Berlin.

Two good experiences with Manchester airport in the past week-
DS flew to Norway last Friday, returned last night. No delays getting through check in or security on the way out (9pm flight may have helped) and no delay at baggage claim or security on the return.
DD's boyfriend flew yesterday evening and again, no delays passed through security and check in with no delays.

Most debit/credit cards charge every time you use it abroad or take out money which really adds up. If you have time, get a card which doesn't (see Martin Lewis money saving expert).
All the country requirements will be available on line - it feels complicated as it's changed so much but you can easily check just before you go.

You need the NHS app as a Covid pass
You need to be boosted if your 2nd jab was more than 279 days ago
FFP2 masks compulsory on planes and public transport
Use the S-Bahn from the airport into Berlin
Berlin City Card (or something like that) covers you for 436/48/72 hrs public transport plus lots of discounts and museum entries
If you use debit card you'll be charged each time so ideally you need something like a prepaid euro card eg Post Office card, Revolut etc
Germany gradually becoming less reliant on cash since Covid

Yes

Sorry that's 270 days (fat fingers here!)
Be prepared to wait in the Brexit Queues at airports 🙄

S-Bahn better and cheaper than taxis.

Download the BVG Fahrinfo app and it has all the timetables and maps and everything.

Taxis were easy but a short one from airport to airport hotel 10 min was 30 euro. We were late at night though with children.

The BVG app is great also google maps did everything for us. We got small group 24hr tickets for upto 5 people for 25 euros which covered everything. The buses were really good and nice views.

If arriving earlyish at the airport I'd get the s bahn.

Where are you staying, we are west.

Food is really well priced here, I was suprised.

Berlin is one of my local airports and cities.

Taxis are easy to get but not cheap. Uber is €40-50 into the city centre, taxi can be more.

Where exactly are you staying? I can recommend the quickest route - regional trains or FEX are often quicker than the S-Bahn.

Buy tickets at the machines one floor down from arrivals, or download the BVG app and buy them there. Remember ALL tickets need to be validated before you travel. Daily tickets only at the beginning of the day.

Bring euros. So many restaurants are cash-only, you never know until you try paying the bill (even after seeing card signs at the door…). ATMs are plentiful though so you can always just get some extra cash out if you need.

No forms that I’m aware of, just your Covid pass, which probably won’t be checked anyway. Remember you need the travel one in NHS app, which sometimes requires extra checks. Start sorting it today.

FFP2 masks compulsory on public transport. You can get these cheaply from any supermarket. I’d say compliance is down to 85-90% after being very strict during the pandemic.

Check with you phone network supplier if they charge for data use in Germany/Europe.

some do, some don’t. The ones that do usually have a data package you can buy for trips to European countries.