Safety issues in Germany?

What information in Rick Steves' book is causing you to freak out exactly? If it's about the possibility of pickpockets in crowded public places, take a deep breath. It's possible but unlikely for any given tourist. It is perfectly safe to wear a backpack in any situation, but recognize that if 1) it is easy to open, 2) it's on your back, 3) you have something worth stealing in there, and 4) there is a crush of people behind you, then yes, it is possible but still unlikely in the wealthy countries of Western Europe.

It is certainly a good idea to get cash from an ATM at your arrival airport. Get as much cash as you want; you're not going to be mugged.

Stop. You've been to London and Paris and had no trouble, you should be fine. It may be that a more conventional nylon pack would be easier to secure, but only you can answer that. I use cable ring (threaded) ties to somewhat secure (slow down) zipper access, and I don't keep valuables in it. I keep a rain jacket, water, maybe map and a small guidebook or pages from it. Use a money belt, and clothing with inside secure pockets.

May be questions for Italy (although I don't worry much about it there either) but I find Germany quite safe. And I walk around wearing my Civita backpack.
Unless your bank charges for each ATM withdrawal, you might be better off getting smaller amounts more frequently -- I get €250-€300 as needed so I'm not carrying large amounts.

If it's a large backpack it might be a bit unwieldy on a train, most people recommend you carry in on your front instead of your back while on the train, as much to avoid hitting people with it when you turn around as to avoid pickpockets from getting into it without your knowledge. I wouldn't carry any money or important documents in it while traveling, keep them in a money belt or some other protected place. Locks on the zippers also deter pickpockets from trying to lift things from it. In my estimation Germany is one of the safer places in Europe.

Thank you. The Theft and Scams chapter, plus little safety hints are dropped throughout the book. Thanks again!

Not sure about the ATMs at the airport in Frankfurt, but in some airports the ATMs are not affiliated with banks or banking systems, but are private contractors such as Travelex. You'll get money, but it will come at a very bad exchange rate. Always use bank affiliated ATMs. Personally we like to have some Euros on us before we ever land. It does cost a bit more to get Euros from a bank here before you go, but it is well worth it to us to not have to chase around and find an ATM immediately upon arrival.

All the times I've been travelling around in Germany, I've never had an occasion to fear for myself or my belongings. Just the normal precautions in busy environments like railway stations will do: keep your belongings always in sight, and have your valuables somewhere safe inside a bag or pocket.

I remember reading the scams section on this web site and wondering if I really wanted to go to Italy (I have since been 3 times). While I am strong advocate of reading up on this site about things to watch out for, don't let it stop you from going. Being aware is being armed. I just got back from a trip that included Germany and Oktoberfest (wall to wall people) We took the usual precautions and had no trouble. We also visited the Czech Republic on this trip. We read up on all the "scams" and warnings...and encountered none of them. In my 32 weeks of traveling in Europe, I have had someone try the "slow count" (short changing me and seeing if I noticed) once in Italy. My husband had someone try the "gold ring" scam on him in Paris. He responded with "hey, it's the gold ring scam" and that was the end of that. Having said that, I have a friend who got pick pocketed twice on their first trip to Europe. From her description, it did not appear they were aware of the precautions one should take. (Being suspicious of people offering help, not carrying a big fat wallet in your back pocket, etc). Consider all your reading a pro-active move against problems and you will probably be fine. As for ATM's, I always go to a bank ATM (preferably one that is attached to that bank, not free standing). This last trip I experienced something new. Every time I took out money, it offered to "convert my money to American Dollars...etc) I believe this is known as the DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion). Thanks to all my reading on this site, I pushed the button for keeping the transaction in the currency of whatever country I was in. You may want to search this site for more information on that as it was my first trip that I experienced it at ATM's. (I have had merchants offer to do it, and I always refused). It happened in all 6 countries I traveled in (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia). The only other thing I do is change my debit card password when I return home. That way if anyone was able to get the number and password (skimming, etc), they will not be able to access my account.

There are 8 Deutsche Bank Terminals in the Frankfurt airport and many others as well. Hope the link works.

http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/flights---more/transfer.detail.suffix.html/article/shopping/mall_modul_inhalte/dienstleistungen/geld---mehr.html

I lived in Germany for 6 years and traveled a lot. The only time that was robbed was by another American that broke into my car. No place is perfectly safe. Just use common sense.

Strongly recommend to avoid Travelex at all cost.

Use Deutsche Bank!

Rick Steves is simply providing important information, just as any good teacher would. It would be irresponsible not to discuss these issues, but gives he practical solutions to avoiding 95% of them. Just as reading that little safety card in the airline seat pocket should not lead you to believe plane crashes are a common occurrence, but safety instructions are the responsible thing to provide.

"Get as much cash as you want; you're not going to be mugged."

Strongly disagree with this advice. It's more likely that you will misplace your cash than get mugged. Get whatever pocket cash you might need for 2-3 days. Use credit card (Capital One = no transaction fees) to the extent that is possible.

Also, it's not impossible you'll be victimized. The German Federal Police have been reporting steady upticks in street crime rates in recent years. Pickpockets and similar minor street crimes are not at all uncommon in big cities like Berlin and Frankfurt, especially around train stations. If you were a pickpocket, wouldn't you vicitimize someone who looks like a disoriented tourist, with big bags, (and probably with a full wallet if he just left the ATM??) I saw this post just now about one guy's experience in Cologne:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187371-i534-k9908537-Be_AWARE_of_pickpockets_in_Koln_Messe_Deutz_station-Cologne_North_Rhine_Westphalia.html

I suggest you avoid transit in/near train stations in major cities late at night. Also, use money-belts or neck-pouches for your passport, cash, credit cards and small valuables, as Rick Steves advocates.

Use the Deutsche Bank ATM's at the Frankfurt airport. If you need more cash during your visit, go inside of the banks and use their ATM. There aren't any decent ATM's in the main train station, only the Reisebank ones. Don't use them.

Yes, the pickpockets are getting worse in Germany, especially at the train station. If you see the girls with long skirts, avoid them. Don't talk to them. Just stride with purpose. Never carry valuables in a back pack. Ever. It is why I wear a messenger bag. It is easier for me to get my items out when I want them, but not easy for anyone else.

Which hotel are you staying in?

The problem with "a leather backpack actually on one's back", or any backpack actually on one's back, is that a backpack doesn't typically present much of a challenge to a pickpocket (just a couple of zippers - did I leave it unzipped?) and it is on your back where it is difficult to keep an eye on what's happening to it.

I've had backpacks opened twice on public transport - once in Rome in Pyramid station and once on a tram in Amsterdam. We always take the usual precautions and neither time did the pickpocket get anything because nothing of value was in the backpack. We just use it as a daypack so it has rain gear, guidebook, map, hats, water, etc.

We just returned from Germany and I never felt at risk, but of course I am always aware of my surroundings. We walked all around Berlin, even at night, and had no problems at all. We did find, even in Berlin, that some restaurants will not accept credit cards, so it is a good idea to have more cash on hand that we had with us in Paris.

I agree with tomfromleiden, never felt any threat or fear for my safety in Germany in 45 years of traveling. What safety issues? On carrying a backpack I don't use any of that of thing, no day pack, cross over bag, whatever.

True, the situation at Frankfurt Hbf is worse...potentially. You'll hear the announcements given in English too that the pickpockets are circulating in the Hbf, ie, be alert! That's new in Germany, seeing them. That's what I saw in June. It's an occurrence you saw in Paris all the time but not Germany.

Take Nigel's advice with regard to what you put in the backpack, if you decide to use it. Don't put anything of value in there: no cash, electronics, medication, jewelry, etc. If nothing of value is in there, you won't worry about pickpockets.

I was in Belgium in 2008 for a study-abroad program and one of the women in charge of the program had a backpack purse. She had been going to Belgium with the program for 7 or 8 years at that time and was very casual about the way she did things. One day she put €150 in the backpack purse to use for buying groceries. She walked to the store and when she got there, she pulled the purse off her shoulder, found the zipper open and her wallet - with her driver's license, credit cards, and cash - gone. She didn't notice anything.

I'm telling this story not to scare you but to remind you to use common sense. There's a difference between paranoia and common sense. I travel with a rolling suitcase and an L.L. Bean school-type backpack as my luggage. In the backpack I keep things like one or two books, my neck pillow, etc. Pickpockets are free to go through it. They won't find anything worth taking.

Do not use a credit card for getting cash at an ATM - you will be charged high "cash advance" fees that begin accruing immediately,

If Russ was referring to a Capital One debit card tied to a Capital One bank account, that is a different story. Or perhaps he meant using a Capital One credit card for purchases (good idea).

trudyalma, would you kindly put your home state and country (and if you dare, the county or city) into your profile? It would be much easier to give you advice about safety if we had some idea whether you are from an isolated, rural area or something. Frankfurt is rather like London, but with less culture. (Wait, wait, I was there at the Alte Oper with a dance company, don't blast me ... ... )

It's utterly bewildering why you might be afraid to go to Germany. I don't find Europe anywhere dangerous, but Germany is particularly safe, for a variety of reasons. All parts of Germany are safer than several American big cities right now.

Do you understand that when Rick gives advice, it's for a complex variety of reasons? Because you've been to Europe before, you must know that there is a fixed charge for many withdrawals at an ATM. That means you can save FEES by taking out larger amounts. Rick also tells you that credit card acceptance is lower in Germany than in many other countries. That means you might need more cash. If you read the book, or the other parts of this website, you can learn about ATM fees and Foreign Transaction Fees to get your own money out of the bank.

In 1986, I had a beggar child zip open my belt pouch in Rome. (A merchant cuffed the child, and my wallet fell to the ground.) I have never experienced any other personal crime in 40 trips to Europe. Please, go and have a good time.

The security aspect of wearing valuables on your back has been addressed, but the etiquette of wearing a backpack should also be addressed. A backpack should never be worn on public transportation or elevators. It is extremely rude. With every movement one can hit people, particularly in the face. No one else should have a backpack in his or her face while riding a train, bus, etc...maybe that is why things get stolen---revenge...just a thought. So, take the backpack off and hold it in front, down low before you board or between your legs while on the public transit.

There are tons of international tourists in Germany, in big cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Düsseldorf in the summer. You see them at train stations, the tourist frequented sights, and so on. . One wonders if the concern about safety issues is as worrying them as they are to Americans when in Germany.

Arrived Frankfurt today! I think Rick's message worked for us and we had no problems - but we took simple precautions and will continue with those. Got great and friendly help along the way from some Germans re various questions. Never felt threatened Prior to the trip, secured a debit card that charges no ATM fees, credit cards that have no intl charges. Used a Deutsche Bank ATM near our hotel.

Came with smallish backpack which stays in hotel now, small carryon, and a regular carryon, plus one large check bag, and money belts. Had and used small TSA approved locks for all 4 bags for our travels through train stations, which did/will occur during morning or mid day. (The cruise requiring different attire, etc is in the very middle of this trip - so felt kinda stuck with bringing more than Rick suggests).

I truly appreciate feedback and suggestions, Radius Tours is recommended by Rick for Dachau. It's all good. We enjoy going on tours and meeting people and mixing things up. Downloaded a number of Rick's tours/talks too.

Today we saw a young woman going up an escalator with a backpack and various items hanging off the backpack and a rolling carryon. The top of her backpack was open and we informed her - she looked at us like we opened it...and then she struggled to rezip it and hang onto to everything else; hope she was okay. We actually saw a lot of opportunities for pickpockets... I guess they didn't read Rick's books or this forum.

Day Rhine River cruise tomorrow! And then on to Berlin (with our big bag😬).

Thanks again!

Glad you had a good time in Frankfurt today. Sadly, the weather wasn't very cheerful, but people were still enjoying the Federweisser Fest at the Liebfrauenberg and the Farmers Market by the Stock Exchange. Hope you were able to get some sightseeing in. Frankfurt has so many historic sites.

No problem in having lots of cash (how much is that? 300 Euro?) on your person, as long it is not all in one place. I disperse it.

Sure if it's a Deutsche Bank cash machine.

The ATM's of the Sparkassen (marked by an red "S") and Genossenschaftsbanken (marked by a blue "V") offer the same conditions but there exist much more of them nationwide: Sparkasse group: 24600, Genossenschaftsbanken group 19200, Deutsche Bank group ("Cash Group", includes Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank and Postbank) 9000.

FYI - if you are a Bank of America customer they partner with Deutsch Bank so you avoid one of the fees (I can't remember which one at the moment) you typically pay with your ATM card.