This and That in Germany

1. No Uber is illegal in Germany. Public transportation is excellent
2. Yes, you can bring your luggage on the train with no problems
3. Once you go on your walking tour in Munich, you will have other suggestions of places to see or things to do. Without knowing what your interests are, we can't suggest things. Which tour company are you using in Munich? Some are better than others

Someone else will have to answer the other questions.

If you are going to Berlin, you might want to go to Sachsenhausen or Ravensbruck Concentration Camps.

No 3. There are luggage bays at the ends of the cars, and also the space between back-to-back seats will fit a couple of larger suitcases. Smaller items in the overhead rack.
Rick says he never checked luggage because there is no checked luggage on German trains. You packed it, you haul it.

Look at "Input" on the back of your fast charger (you may need a magnifying glass). As long as it says "100-240 volts" you can use this with merely a plug adapter from Rick. If it says "110-120" and nothing above 200, you cannot use it without serious trouble (blown fuses, destroyed devices, or even fires).

Taxis in all three of your cities are reliable, if you don't want to take public transit (say, when you arrive in a city with luggage). They use the meters and don't drive you around in circles. Any legitimate extra charges (say, for putting something in the trunk, or picking up at a train station) are posted on a placard in the cab. At train stations and airports, make sure you get a taxi from the official rank (always well signed) and don't accept rides from anyone who approaches you elsewhere. If you need a taxi when you are out and about, you can call for one or ask someone to call one for you (Rick's books have phone numbers).

A 29" piece of luggage is very large; it almost definitely won't fit above your seat. There are storage racks either at the ends of each car or in the middle. You can also try to utilize the "A" between seats, pictured here (with the arrow): http://www.seat61.com/images/luggage-train-between-seats.jpg

That picture is from The Man In Seat 61, rail guru extraordinaire. Here's his luggage on trains page, if you have more questions: http://www.seat61.com/luggage-on-european-trains.htm

"bottom line is to keep the transaction in the currency of whatever country we are in?"

Yes, that is the bottom line for DCC. But it can be phrased in various ways, some of them deliberately disorienting and confusing. The upshot is, when in Germany, always pay in euros - whether cash or credit.

I doubt very much that the A-gap between seat backs on the train will accommodate a 29" suitcase. I've found that they are barely big enough for a 24-25" bag on European trains.

you won't be stopped from taking a 29 inch mega-suitcase onto a train but you won't get any help from staff, you will have to hump it up onto the train and back off at the other end, you may well have two sets of stairs at each end as all platforms are not always served by lifts or escalators, and you will have to manipulate it down the train car aisle. Does it at least have wheels?

I don't think anybody will care what you wear on your legs.

Rereading your number 3, Frankfurt am Main is a dead end station so you just need to find your platform and walk on the level right onto the platform to your car. How are you getting to Frankfurt, or are you taking a train from the airport direct to Berlin? I don't know about the station in Berlin.

Munich Hbf is most definitely not a dead end station. As a very major one though you should be OK with lifts and escalators. How are you leaving Munich?

Thanks to all for your responses. LOL to some! I consider myself scolded...re luggage. 29" luggage due to a cruise out of Venice for 10 days and different weather/cruising clothes/sightseeing, but still trying to consolidate. Luggage has wheels and I have a great, strong helper accompanying me.

We are flying from Denver to Frankfurt; staying in Frankfurt two nights; then train to Berlin for 3 nights; flying to Munich for 2 nights; flying to Venice (luggage included in all flights). Luggage will remain in hotels except for travel... Wondering if we should just use taxis when taking luggage? - except for train to Berlin (already paid for).

Harold, our smart chargers will work - thanks for the great info! Using Radius Tours for the Dachau visit (recommended by RS). Original Berlin Walks and Fat Tire Bike Tour in Berlin (both on RS list).

Any experience with Verizon Travel Pass in Europe? We are trying to jam a lot of travel in 25 days. Thanks again for your responses.

Do yourself a favor and read Mr Steves' packing tips. Leave the big luggage at home.

Munich Hbf is most definitely not a dead end station.

Do you mean for S-Bahn? For long distance trains it is definitely dead end with no underground passage between tracks. There are stairs to get up/down to street level but as you say there are lifts and escalators.

DJ

That's what I meant.

No Uber or airbnb either in Berlin, as pointed out. The Constitutional Court ruled against it. That's the good part.

Taking the ICE train from Frankfurt to Berlin, you just put your luggage on the rack above your seat.

The Verizon Travel Pass is fine if you only plan on using your phone one or two days while in Europe. Other wise it is much cheaper to add the monthly plan for the month you are traveling - either the $25 or $40 plan depending on your needs.

Using Radius Tours for the Dachau visit

What a waste of money! It's so easy to get out to Dachau on your own, and it costs very little, particularly if you are going to use a transit pass in Munich anyway. The Dachau Memorial itself has tours led by their own guides, and no one has ever been able to prove that any third party tour is better than the Memorial's own, 3€, tours.

I agree with Lee about touring Dachau; the on-site guides are trained and excellent.

That 29" suitcase will not fit in the A-shape space, as Chani pointed out. How many other pieces do you have? One (somewhat expensive) option would be to ship home a box of stuff from the cruise portion of your trip that you will not need for the land portion. Your back and your Sherpa will thank you.

So you're hauling the big suitcase all around for the cruise at the END of your trip?? That's a lot of hassle for little payback!

How about packing one long black skirt and one black dressy tank top in your carry-on for formal night(s) on the cruise, buy scarves along the way for variations (great souvenirs), and pick up any additional cruise wear as needed on the cruise stops? Pack a foldable bag (I like the "don't-tell-Rick" tote) to carry home your purchases.

You would be better off with 2 smaller suitcases.

BTW,the mass market cruise lines have all done away with "formal" nights. Pretty much a shirt with a collar for men is suitable.Check out the forums on cruise critic.com for discussions on this.