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[rensong]

So, I'm leaving for Germany on Monday, so that whole nervous paranoia is back. Any of you world travelers have any last minute tips for me? I mean, I have my passport, but is that enough? I'm also paranoid about my debit card getting lost or stolen as that'll be my only form of money until I can get to a tyme machine over in Germany, cause my

Comments

[icepixie]

Calm, sweetie. Ommmmmmmmm.

Don't bother taking more American money than you think you'll spend at any American airports you go through (well, a little extra wouldn't hurt, but don't take lots). Exchanging money is more trouble than it's worth, and the exchange rates/commission are generally terrible. Much cheaper and easier to just use your debit card at a German ATM. There WILL be one (likely more than one) in the airport. There will most likely be pictoral signs guiding you straight to it.

I've never been there, but I can tell you with 99% certainty that the signs in the Icelandic airport will include either English or pictures that are detailed enough to inform you of where you need to be. The Basel (Switz.), Salzburg, and Paris airports have English signage for the really important ones (i.e. Gates/Baggage Claim/Check-In/Exit). Also, probably everyone who works there speaks some English and can direct you if you're lost.

Have fun in Germany!

[rensong]

::deep breath:: Ooooooommmmm...

English speaking airport people = VERY GOOD THING
I mean, damn, I'm worried enough about getting around in Germany after having two years of the language in high school (which then got corrupted by 2 years of Spanish and 5 years of general dis-use), which I actually kinda sorta *know*. Also, pictures are good, too.

(People keep telling me I'll be fine, but hey, "it's not paranoia if they really *are* out to get you..." or some other twist on that quote...)

And thanks! Despite the whole paranoia and minor freak-age, I'm really really looking forward to it!

[tarzanic]

Deep breaths, hon

[tarzanic]

Also, have a fantastic time in Germany! It's a beautiful country.

[rensong]

re: travlers checks things

[cogenthoughts]

I'm sorry that I don't have any practical advice to give, aside from "Relax" and "Have an excellent time."

But, they are still very important, so do them :-D

[rensong]

Can't promise anything on the whole "relax" thing, but I shall try! As for the "have an excellent time" thing, well, I hope that's a given. ;)

Thanks for the advice, though! :)

[kurayaminokoe]

Most airports here have ATM's yo, you'd be able to get money the moment you land. One suggestion, what kind of symbols are on your card? I can't use my bank card everywhere in germany *snort* I mean at certain banks. In holland we have GWK's which stands for GrensWisselKantoor (basically, a border money exchange office) that will exchange your money, but it'll cost ya a bit. Dunno if those are in Germany as well. Not possible to exchange some dollars for euros in america? (Maybe even on the airport before you go to europe?)

Hmm order tips. Bag of chips will explode in the airplane (speaking out of experience XD)

When I fly, I usually take motion sickness pills, since I dion't want to see if I get sick or not, and some chewing gum for my ears. And well, some food, but I'm sure you'll get food in thep lane.

[rensong]

Symbols on my debit card? Um... Well, there's the MasterCard logo. Other than that, just the Associated Bank pine-tree kinda sorta with a lot of imagination looking thingy. There's also a few pictures on the back that say Star and Pulse and two other mastercard symbols just with different writing on it... ::shrugs::

Hee! Exploding chips... good to know, that. ;) And oh my god, I will *so* be taking motion sick pills. In fact, they were the very first thing I picked up when this whole Germany was a definate go. I also have Tylonel Allergy and Tylonel PM, which I hope will help me sleep on the plane.

[kurayaminokoe]

Ah yeah, Cirrus and maestro. I forgot which is on my bankpas (my ATM card isn't mastercard or visa O.o just either maestro or cirrus)

When I flew from amsterdam to bordeaux once I fell asleep too.

[rubarabadom]

Have fun and don't worry about it! :D