Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: I shall spend some time now to describe what I would pack along with me on a typical trip to Germany in SPRING time:- 3 pairs of black legstockings (woolen), 1 woolen cardigan/ sweater, 2 long-sleeved pull-over sweater (to combine with the cardigan) to give that preppy look, 1 pair of denim jeans (in black or navy blue), 1 pair of leather boots OR a sturdy pair of Doc Marten's shoes (I love Doc Martens!), 1 pair of dressy high heel shoes (for those special evenings), 3 wool-knit/ jersey dresses (for BOTH day and evenings), 3 or 4 cotton-knit tees (to wear inside your cardigan), 1 pair of heavy warm flannel pajamas/nightdress, 1 trenchcoat (which you can carry on your arm) OR a warm coat - make sure it's rain-proofed and preferably with detachable lining ... as it ALWAYS rains/ drizzles in Germany in Spring time.
This list is by no means comprehensive. It's just a rough guide. Feel free to add on more or shorten it. It all depends really on how long you'd be staying in Germany.
Toiletries & Medical Supplies: DON'T forget to transfer all your toner, cleanser, night cream et al into small plastic containers - to save luggage space.
Photo Equipment: O.K., don't go laughing at me now when I admit that I bring along THREE types of camera with me these days and load them with different types of films i.e. ASA200 film (for day) and the high speed Kodak 800 film for museums or places that do not allow flash photography.
Miscellaneous: DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into Deutsche Marks before your trip.
Just ensure that you adhere to the following steps and you should be safe:
(a) Flip to the back of your local ATM card now, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Maestro' etc on it?
(b) If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
(c) Why? Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in Germany, no matter how obscure the town or village you're at is.
(d) If you use this method, you'd also save alot on the interbank exchange rates. Trust me. Would this sweet face (me!) lie to you?? Money changers will charge you much, much more compared to a bank.
(e) Also, DO NOT use your Visa/ Mastercard to withdraw cash. It is considered as a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a very hefty fee for this. Not worth it!
I've used this method many, many times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... Yes, even at the remotest village in Africa and China! :-))
'You can always tell a true friend: When you make a fool of yourself, he doesn't think you've done a permanent job!' - Lawrence J. Peter
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on Aug 24, 2002
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