Oktoberfest trip advice

[cypher1]

Anyone been to Oktoberfest? I'm going for 7 days to Munich this coming weekend. Actually it's my first time traveling to Europe and just looking for advice/tips for traveling in Germany overall.

From what I've been reading, it sounds like the majority of transactions are cash preferred, besides debit cards, and then credit card usage last (AMX rarely accepted vs Visa/Mastercard).

While I'm only there for a week, I was thinking of purchasing a prepaid SIM card with Internet usage for GPS, since my phone is unlocked. Co-workers said free wifi access isn't as common as you'd expect.

What are your thoughts or advice for international travel? And do any of you use or depend on certain smart phone apps for traveling?

[snafu]

Have a wonderful time. Hope you're adventurous and try out all sorts of different beer and sausage at the many events.

I don't know how much research you've done on Germany generally and Munich specifically. Do you have family, friends, contacts there? I'd start with Lonely Planet, on-line forum. 2nd download electronic travel books from your library on Germany generally, Munich specifically for events and points of interest. 'Moon' likewise does an excellent series of travel books.

1st issue: options to travel from airport to accommodation? Do they have a speed/electric train? direct bus service? know how much taxi costs before handing over luggage.

Do you understand or speak German? There are a few helpful phrases like How Much? Too expensive! Counting and understanding USA/Euro exchange. You can use all the ATMs but you need to know your specific bank's fees/charges for these services.

If you choose to buy a SIM card, will GPS, maps, be in English or German? Never leave you hotel/GH without their business card to help taxi/transport to get back. Ask hotel staff if it's safe to go to your destination at that time of day. Are there areas/problems with all the refugees? How much should tickets cost for the event?

[cypher1]

Thanks for the info Snafu. I'm meeting 3 friends there, one of them grew up in Munich years ago. But I'll beat them there by 1 day ahead. Unfortunately I do not speak the language, but trying to pick up basic phrases.

Transportation is mostly train S/U-Bahn, and bus it sounds like. We're renting an apartment and the host has been emailing me great info on the train/shuttle to take from the airport. Plus I'll be picking up a SIM card with requires registering with the address I'm staying at. I may just do at the airport so I can use GPS for internet data.

One of my remote coworkers who lives 4 hours away from there, was giving me updates on the whole refugee situation, re-iterating basics of avoid anti-immigration protests, carrying mostly cash (keeping a debit or CC in shoe), and tourist attractions.

[snafu]

I expect you'll do a lot of walking so you'll find keeping anything in a shoe uncomfortable at best and likely to cause blisters. I hope you've bought a lightweight, fabric under-the-clothes, security wallet or bandoleer shoulder bag.

In my experience the items sold at airports are always significantly more expensive than what you pay at traditional outlets. I'm not wishing to deter purchases just raise awareness.

https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catalog/rfid-hidden-travel-loop-wallet.html

[cashbasha]

I did it once and after I did it was over I said to myself never again.

[Mjenn]

Unless you plan on getting totally drunk, just carry your wallet as you would normally. I live in Germany and have never put my credit card in my shoe. That said, I would leave my passport at the hotel in a safe spot.

The refugee situation is most noticeable by the train stations, you will not notice it at Octoberfest. If you are staying near the central station you may want to walk away from the station, but otherwise don't worry.


A SIM card would be easy and wise, but you may have trouble securing one here. I've had to help guests register for one, because you need an identification number, even for temporary ones. Free wifi isn't everywhere, but you should have wifi at your hotel and at some of the local coffee shops. Try to get a sim card, but don't plan on HAVING to have it.

Download a GPS app so you don't have to connect to the internet to access your maps. You can find your way without any wifi.

I prefer no cash, but always use a debit card. To be on the safe side, you should probably have some cash on you, but most things can be done with debit. Amex is useless.

Try all of the baked goods. They are amazing. And enjoy the beer and have fun.

[cypher1]

Trip to Munich and Oktoberfest was awesome. Got back on Sun afternoon and didn't have trouble getting back in sync with sleep/time difference.

Unless you plan on getting totally drunk, just carry your wallet as you would normally. I live in Germany and have never put my credit card in my shoe. That said, I would leave my passport at the hotel in a safe spot.

A SIM card would be easy and wise, but you may have trouble securing one here. I've had to help guests register for one, because you need an identification number, even for temporary ones. Free wifi isn't everywhere, but you should have wifi at your hotel and at some of the local coffee shops. Try to get a sim card, but don't plan on HAVING to have it.

On the first night at Oktoberfest I thought I lost or was pickpocketed of my money clip since people kept bumping into us on the benches. Luckily I wasn't buzzed yet and found it underneath the table (must have slipped out when I checked my phone). Even if it only had 50 euro, my passport card (book was in the apartment), and ATM card, while my CC was in my sock. I had other CCs and another ATM card at the apartment.

Free wifi is definitely scarce and I ended up getting a SIM at the airport to communicate with AirBnB host and our friend's cousin who lived there. I don't know about anyone else , but I just don't feel comfortable without my cell phone, especially in a foreign location. While I was going 3 other friends, none of them upgraded their plans or got a sims, which I think I was a huge mistake when we split up at times.

Transportation was all the Ubahn/train, which a 7 day pass was perfect for the price, comfortable for going almost anywhere. Since a lot of people spoke english, language barrier wasn't very difficult.

Otherwise the people, beer, food, scenery was great for various sites. An excellent overall experience for first time in Europe.