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| General Information
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Frankfurt am Main is one of the most important communication junctions in Europe. Located in the Hessian part of West Germany, Frankfurt presents itself with a diversity of facets in the fields of culture and attractions. But also modern business life shapes the city’s image by providing many fairs and market spaces. The contrast between modernity and old-world quality could not be bigger: the skyscrapers of Frankfurt are the highest in Europe and also contribute to the city’s characteristic reputation as a banking city. Not for nothing the smallest metropolis in the world, with its 650.000 inhabitants, is called “Mainhattan”. The old parts of the city create a romantic feeling and built up a sharp contrast to the modern world.
One third of Frankfurt’s locals have a foreign background which makes the city not only appear individual and lively but also presents it as a multicultural melting pot. Many of the common street parties and open air festivals are determined by an international or South-European ambience. Frankfurt spreads the flair of modernity and open-mindedness consisting of a mix of worldly open atmosphere and Hessian cosiness.
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| Weather
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The weather in Frankfurt is characterised by the bordering mountains and the low position of the Main valley. Located in the temperate zone Frankfurt’s climate is formed by mild winters, early spring time and an inconsistent summer as well as a mild autumn time. The average temperature is 10 °C, although the warmest months between June and August have a temperature of 25 °C and the coldest, from December to February, 0 – 1°C. During the winter months the temperature can fall below 0 despite the mildness of the time and even snow fall is not impossible. In summer temperatures can heat up to 30 °C and more. Therefore Frankfurt can be an attractive destination during the whole year.
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| Language
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The official language in Frankfurt am Main is German. Due to the high amount of foreigners living in the city, other languages are very common as well. English is widely spoken and understood.
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| Religion
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Frankfurt is characterised by a huge variety of different cultures and religious groups. Immigration has always been a big issue for the city but since the 90s the allocation has changed drastically, meaning religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and others have reached a number of 25%. The rest of 75% is determined by Christians.
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| Currency
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The currency used in Germany is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1, € 0.50, € 0.20, € 0.10, € 0.05, € 0.02 and € 0.01.
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| Tipping
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Usually, invoices in cafés, bars and restaurants include service costs; nevertheless, it is common to give a 5 – 10 % tip, anyway. Other services such as staff in hotel or taxi drivers also expect a tip of 10%.
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| Taxes
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From January 2007 taxes for purchased products and services rise from 16% to 19%. Not included are staple foods, magazines, books and tickets. Some shops which show the sign “Tax Free” refund taxes to people whose residence lies outside the EU. At the time of purchase a “Tax Free Shopping Cheque” needs to be filled and must be presented to the customs authority. After that you will receive your refund either cash (at the airport) or via bank transfer (to the quoted address).
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| Telephone
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To call Germany you first have to dial +49 and then for Frankfurt (0)69. On most of the inner city places are public telephones which can be used with telephone cards or coins. Telephone cards are available with a value of € 5 or € 10 Euro in post offices, telephone and train station shops as well as kiosks.
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| Internet
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There are numerous internet cafes and lounges in Frankfurt. Most of the time snacks are served as well as in the Shisha Bars (Enter@net) in Treistraße 20.
More internet cafes: CybeRyder: Töngesgasse 31, Saturn Internet Cafe: Bergerstraße 125-129, Deutsche Bibliothek: Adickesallee 1 (kostenfrei), Dow_Street Internet Lounge: Zeil 5, etc. There also many cafes with so called „hotspots“ (W-LAN) where you have to bring your own laptop in order to use the offered service.
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| Emergency numbers
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Police: 110
Fire brigade: 112
Ambulance: 112
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| Opening times
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The opening times in the financial centre are similar to the ones in other bigger German cities. Banks exist in various forms and are usually open from morning to midday. The same applies to post offices.
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| Public holidays
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1. January (New Year’s Day)
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
1. May (Labour Day)
Ascension Day
Whitsun
Wäldchestag (Whitsun Tuesday)
Corpus Christi
3. October (German Unification Day)
6. December (Santa Claus)
25. December (Christmas Day)
26. December (Boxing Day)
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| Safety
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Like many European cities Frankfurt am Main is a relatively secure city. Nevertheless, it is recommendable to watch out for pickpockets, especially at the train stations and on public transportation. In general, there are no insecure places in Frankfurt. After 9 pm security checks all public transportation and during the night it is advisable to ascend train compartments with passengers.
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