Tips & Info

Forget all the clichés you've heard about Germany. Berlin is perhaps the least "German" city in all of Germany.

It is characterized by many young people, artists, and hipsters who discovered the city's charm and made it their home. I always say that there are undoubtedly more beautiful cities than Berlin - but I don't know a city more interesting than it. The city's unique history, openness, and liberal atmosphere, combined with one of the world's best international cultural offerings, have made the city a global center for culture and creation.

We have compiled a number of tips and recommendations for you regarding restaurants, clubs, shopping, shows, museums, as well as general knowledge about public transport in Berlin, such as which ticket to buy and what to do with it after purchasing, as well as links to coordinate a visit to the Reichstag, the zoo, and more useful information:

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• Language: German, but many speak English, at least the younger crowd 

• Time: German time is UTC+2 Central European Time (CEST) Next change 26.October 2025 UTC+1.

• Electricity: Sockets are suitable for two-round-pin plugs and the voltage is 230 volts.

 

Getting to Berlin

 

Berlin's airspace changed in 2020, with the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and the closure of Tegel and Schönefeld airports.

Express trains (RB14, RE7, RE9) are supposed to leave every 15 minutes from the airport to the city center.

Plenty of taxis are waiting at the exit of the passenger hall, but we of course recommend booking and securing a shuttle service for yourselves. Fixed price in advance. Fast. Safe.

 

Which side of the city should you stay on? The East side - Alexanderplatz or the West side - Ku'damm?

 

The answer is not unequivocal. Both sides are good for the Israeli tourist. I personally prefer the West side because there is a large selection of excellent hotels at affordable prices, a variety of restaurants, shopping, cafes, and clubs. Add to that the personal safety (in the Alexanderplatz area, the level of pickpocketing is high) and you have a winning choice. For a list of recommended hotels at attractive prices - click here.

 

Internet and Local SIM Card for the Phone

 

In the not-so-distant past, I could buy a local SIM card for you with a few gigabytes for browsing and simply activate it, and that was the end of the story.

However, due to security considerations, the concept has changed, and a local SIM card can only be purchased with an identification document/passport.

But who buys a physical SIM card today when there is the easy and simple eSIM. Click here, choose the package that suits you, fill in your details, click on "Apply Discount Code" on the payment page, enter the word amirinberlin and you will receive a 15% discount on the existing price. Spoil, spoil, spoil!

And if you still insist on buying a local SIM card, do it through the phone stores scattered throughout the city, such as Telekom, O2, or Vodafone, and let them worry about it. Important - Do not leave the store without verifying that the activation has been done correctly and that the internet is indeed working. Do not be tempted to buy a SIM card in various supermarkets such as Lidl, Penny, Aldi, or in pharmacies like DM and Rossman. The SIM card might be cheap, but the downside is that you have to do the activation yourself, and honestly, it's complicated and cumbersome and not recommended. Someone said eSIM ☝🏻

 

Money

 

In Berlin, they use Euros and not Dollars!

Berliners are very fond of cash, so it is advisable to bring some with you from home, as exchanging money here in Berlin is not recommended – the commission is very high compared to home. Furthermore, a large portion of restaurants and cafes do not accept/work with credit cards. For those who do not feel safe carrying a lot of cash, another method is simply to withdraw money from the ATMs scattered throughout the city every time you need it.

 

Daily Budget

 

• Low Price Range: Up to €50 per day. A bed in a shared hostel room €20-€30. Eating at fast-food restaurants or buying groceries from the supermarket.

• Mid-Range Price Range: €50-€150 per day. A room for a couple in a hotel €80-€120. Dinner for a couple including wine €30-€50.

• High Price Range: €150 and up per day. A room for a couple in a 4-star hotel €150-€200. Dinner at a luxury restaurant €200. A pair of tickets to the opera €120.