Berlin is one of the most exciting and interesting major cities in the world. With a population of over 3.5 million, it is the capital of Germany and a centre for culture, science, media and politics hosting almost 150 foreign embassies. With its airport and a major train station, Berlin is easy to get to by air or rail. Its extensive and safe public transportation system makes moving around the city effortless. 

For more information visit the following website: visitBerlin.de

Banks and ATM

Most banks in Berlin are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 13.00 pm and from 14.00 pm to 18.00 pm in the afternoon. There is an ATMs (Automatic Teller Machine) in the City Cube (congress venue) and all over the city of Berlin. At the airport and main station and along the main streets you find currency exchange offices as well.

Churches, Synagogues, Mosques

The main religion in Berlin is Protestant, all religions are welcome and practiced by many citizens. Please contact your hotel concierge for current times of services.

Climate

Berlin has a mild continental climate. The average temperature in February is 5°C and it can get very chilly. We advise you check the weather forecast before starting your journey.

Credit Cards and Cheques

All major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Diners and American Express are accepted in most of the establishments as restaurants, hotels and shopping-centres and stores.
Travel checks can be cashed in most of the banks and exchange offices.
When paying by credit card for your shopping, you might be asked to show identification.

Currency and Exchange Bureaus

The official currency in Germany is Euro (EUR). You can exchange your currency without any limits for total amount at most city centre banks as well as many exchange offices in Berlin. When you are exchanging your currency, you need your passport or official ID card.

Electricity

The voltage for household and hotels in Berlin is 230 volts (alternating current). Most electric outlets adhere to the continental standard (Schuko). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adaptor for the two-pin sockets in use in Berlin.

Insurance

The conference fee does not include insurance. All participants should arrange for their own insurance. Health and accident insurance is recommended and has to be purchased in your country of origin.

Museums

Berlin has an unbelievable selection of museums throughout the whole city. You should definitely try and visit the Museums Island with five museums, that you can visit with one ticket.
Museums in Berlin are closed on Mondays. All other days they are usually open from 10.00 am to 18.00 pm.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Most restaurants in the city centre are open daily. Hot food is generally offered until 23.00 pm. Some restaurants, often outside the city centre, are closed on one day each week, sometimes on Sundays as well. Make sure you try the typical Berlin Currywurst at one of the famous stands throughout the city.

Shopping

Shops are usually open Mon - Sat from 10.00 am - 20.00 pm in the city centre. Smaller shops outside the city centre close at 18.00 pm or 14.00 pm on Saturdays. On Sundays and holidays shops are closed, except for the at the large railway stations, at the airport and in the museum shops.

Telephones

The telephone prefix for calling Berlin from other countries is: + 49 30

Time Zone 

Berlin is in the Central European time zone (CET = GMT / UCT + 1). Daylight saving time applies from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October (CEST).

Visas

If you are a citizen of another EU member state, you do not require a visa to travel to Germany. You merely need to carry documentation that identifies you, either a valid passport or an ID card.

Non-EU citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany. Those who want to stay longer than 90 days need a visa from a German Consulate. These are usually only issued for business travellers and students with a foreign scholarship.

If you need a VISA for a short-stay in Germany or not depends on your nationality/citizenship, according to the common visa policies established by the Schengen states. There is a list of more than 60 countries whose citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen area and Germany.

If you wish to visit Berlin as a tourist and combine your journey with visits to other European countries, we recommend that you apply for the visas required for the desired countries before departing on your journey.

All congress participants with a pre-paid registration fee can obtain a visa invitation letter for the congress. Visa invitation letters which have to be signed and stamped by ECCO must be requested from the congress registration office no later than January 3, 2025!

WE DO RECOMMEND OUR DELEGATES TO CHECK THE CURRENT VISA REQUIREMENTS WITH THE NEAREST GERMAN CONSULATE/EMBASSY IN YOUR COUNTRY BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE TO BERLIN