Germany

The Autobahn is almost a bit mythical. Many motorists drive incredibly fast and accidents happen a little too often. Avoid the left lane unless you are driving very fast. In many cities, they have introduced environmental zones for cars, which means that you cannot drive into the cities without an environmental sticker.

The tap water is drinkable throughout Germany (unless otherwise stated). However, restaurants usually do not serve tap water unless you explicitly ask for it. But be prepared to pay a penny for the tap water as well.

It can be difficult to find good vegetarian dishes in restaurants outside the big cities. If you order a salad, ask for fresh vegetables, not cooked.

On Sundays you don't go shopping, but hang out with the family. So on Sundays shops and grocery stores are closed. If you want to shop for food, the grocery stores do not have nearly as generous opening hours on weekdays as in Sweden. In Berlin, however, they are open for shopping one weekend a month. Museums are closed on Mondays.

In Germany, "Cash is king" still applies. We were barely able to fill up at a gas station in Bavaria, where it turned out they only took cash. Make sure you always have cash for at least one dinner or a full tank of gas. It's when you least expect it that you need the cash the most. Always ask if the restaurant takes cards before you order.