Country information
What is important for my bus trip to Germany and Poland such as travel documents?
But also some fun facts about the country, the German, food & drink, flora & fauna and fun facts.
Germany
General
Germany is centrally located in the European continent and borders no fewer than nine countries: Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. A country full of variety with its rich history, impressive culture, dense forests, rolling hills, proud rivers and, above all, quality and hospitality.
Land area: 349223 km²
Water surface: 7798 km²
Number of km of coast: 2389 km
Highest point: Zugspitze (2963 m)
Lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster (0 m)
Number of inhabitants: approx. 84 million
Capital: Berlin
Form of government: The Federal Republic of Germany is a parliamentary democracy where the Federal President is the head of state. The parliament is formed by the Bundestag, in which 663 deputies have seats. The Chancellor is the head of the government. Germany is a federated state that is divided into 16 federal states ('Bundesländer'). Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the city-states of Bremen and Hamburg in the north; Westphalia, Hesse, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland in the west. Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria to the south; Thuringia, Saxony, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin in the east.
Religion: Roman Catholic 34%; Protestant 34%; Muslim 4%; Other 28%
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Reisdocumenten
In Germany you must have a valid passport or a valid identity card (ID card).
The documents must be valid up to and including your return to the Netherlands.
If you do not have Dutch nationality, please consult the relevant consulate of the country of origin.
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Language
The official language is German. You can go anywhere with English.
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Currencies
The German currency is the Euro (€). You can use a card with a Maestro logo at almost any ATM.
Credit cards from Mastercard, VISA, Diner and American Express are accepted almost everywhere.
Look for stickers in relevant shops and restaurants. But also bring some cash; there are still plenty
small shops and restaurants that like cash, especially when it comes to small amounts.
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Electricity
The voltage is 230 Volt. You do not need a travel plug because the sockets in Germany correspond to the Dutch sockets.
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Tap water
Drinking tap water is safe.
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Price level
The prices for drinks and meals are considerably cheaper in Germany.
Poland
General
Poland borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine.
Land area: 304255 km²
Water surface: 8430 km²
Number of km of coast: 440 km
Highest point: 2499 m (Rysy)
Lowest point: -2 m (Raczki Elblaskie)
Inhabitants: approx. 35 million
Capital: Warsaw
Form of government: Poland is a parliamentary republic, the official name is Polska Rzeczpospolita.
Religion: 97% of the Polish population is Roman Catholic. In addition, Poland also has the Russian Orthodox and the Protestant faith.
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Reisdocumenten
In Poland you must have a valid passport or a valid identity card (ID card).
The documents must be valid up to and including your return to the Netherlands.
If you do not have Dutch nationality, please consult the relevant consulate of the country of origin.
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Language
The official language is Polish. Some German is also spoken in Silesia.
You can go anywhere with the English language.
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Currencies
In Poland, the currency is the Polish zloty. PLN 1 is €0.22. You can use a debit card with a Maestro logo at almost any ATM; there are enough ATMs available. Credit cards are generally accepted as well. You can exchange money at banks, post offices and exchange offices. The exchange rate in the hotels will be less favorable. Also bring some cash; in the smaller shops and restaurants people still want cash, especially if it concerns a small amount. Euros are also accepted in many shops.
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Tap water
The tap water in Poland is slightly chlorinated and is safe to drink. It's not always nice to drink. Therefore, it is advisable to buy bottled drinking water.
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Price level
The prices in Poland are a lot lower than we are used to in the Netherlands, in all kinds of areas
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Electricity
The voltage (230) and the frequency (50) are the same as in the Netherlands. Electrical outlets have two round holes and may have a protruding ground pin. You do not need an adapter for grounded plugs with a hole for this grounding pin or flat plugs without grounding. For grounding plugs without a hole for a grounding pin, you may need an adapter Europe or a universal world plug.