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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US
Ambassador: Klaus SCHARIOTH
Embassy: 4645 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: 202-298-4000
FAX: 202-298-4249

Consulates General are in:
Los Angeles
6222 Wilshire Bl., Suite 500,
Los Angeles, CA 90048.
(213) 930-2703

San Francisco
1960 Jackson St.,
San Francisco, CA 94109.
(415) 775-1061

Miami
100 N. Biscayne Bl., Suite 2200,
Miami, FL 33132.
(305) 358-0290

Atlanta
Marquis Two Tower, 285 Peachtree Center Av., N.W., Suite 901,
Atlanta, GA 30303.
(404) 659-4760

Chicago
676 N. Michigan Av., Suite 3200,
Chicago, IL 60611.
(312) 580-1199

Boston
3 Copley Pl., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-4414

Detroit
Edison Plaza, 660 Plaza Dr., Suite 2100,
Detroit, MI 48226.
(313) 962-6526

New York
871 UN Plaza, 12th Floor,
New York, NY 10017
(212) 610-9700

Houston
1330 Post Oak Bl., Suite 1850,
Houston, TX 77056.
(713) 627-7770

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Germany
U.S.Embassy Site in Germany
German Embassy Web Site in Washington DC
Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Following U.S. independence from Great Britain, the United States established diplomatic relations with first the Kingdom of Prussia in 1797, then the German Empire in 1871. U.S.-German relations were terminated in 1917 during World War I, and the United States declared war on Germany. Relations were reestablished in 1921, but were severed again in 1941 during World War II when Nazi Germany declared war on the United States. After the war, Germany was divided into four zones occupied by Allied powers; Berlin also was divided. In 1955, the United States established diplomatic relations with West Germany, which had been created out of the U.S., British, and French zones. The United States established diplomatic relations in 1974 with East Germany, which had been created from the Soviet Union's zone. West Germany and East Germany were unified in 1990.

The United States is committed to preserving peace and security in Europe, and U.S.-German relations have been a focal point of U.S. involvement in Europe since the end of World War II. Germany stands at the center of European affairs and is a key partner in U.S. relations with Europeans in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union. U.S. policy toward Germany is to preserve and consolidate a close and vital relationship with Germany, not only as friends and trading partners, but also as allies sharing common institutions. The United States recognizes that the security and prosperity of the United States and Germany significantly depend on each other. The bilateral political, economic, and security relationships are based on close consultation and coordination at the most senior levels, and the United States and Germany cooperate actively in international forums.

As allies in NATO, the United States and Germany work side by side to maintain peace and freedom. U.S. and German troops work together effectively in NATO and UN operations worldwide due in part to the joint training and capacity-building performed at U.S. military installations in Germany. The two countries have extended their diplomatic cooperation into military cooperation by maintaining peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans and working together to encourage the evolution of open and democratic states throughout central and eastern Europe. Germany has been an integral part of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. German and U.S. maritime forces also are deployed to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, Germany has been a reliable U.S. ally in efforts against terrorism.

U.S. Assistance to Germany

The United States provides no development assistance to Germany.

Bilateral Economic Relations

As two of the world's leading trading nations, the United States and Germany share a commitment to an open and expanding world economy. Germany is a member of the European Union, and in 2007 was the main driver behind the creation of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), a political body that seeks to deepen cooperation between the United States and the European Union by promoting economic growth through increased trade and job creation. Germany and the United States hold regular Informal Commercial Exchange (ICE) Talks to informally address economic issues on a bilateral basis.

The United States is Germany’s leading export market outside the EU (in 2011). Counting EU-countries, the United States still ranks second, topped only by France. In 2011, Germany exported goods worth $97 billion to the United States. Germany is the 5th largest U.S. trading partner globally and the top importer of U.S. goods in the EU (in 2011). In 2011, U.S. exports totaled slightly over $49 billion to Germany.

The U.S. and German trade relationship is driven by massive mutual investment. In 2010, German direct investment in the United States was worth $213 billion, while U.S. direct investment in Germany was worth $106 billion. German investments include key industries such as chemicals and transportation equipment, as well as services sectors such as financial industries. Altogether, German firms employ approximately half-a-million American workers.

The U.S.-German Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation affords U.S. investors national treatment and provides for the free movement of capital between the United States and Germany. Taxation of U.S. firms within Germany is governed by a protocol on the avoidance of double taxation.

Germany's Membership in International Organizations

Germany and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, G-20, G-8, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Germany also is an observer to the Organization of American States.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Germany is Philip D. Murphy; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Germany maintains an embassy in the United States at 2300 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 (tel. 202-298-4000).

More information about Germany is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Germany Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Germany Page
U.S. Embassy: Germany
History of U.S. Relations With Germany
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Germany check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (EUR) Euro
Electrical 230 Volts
Telephones Country Code 49, City Code Berlin 30+8D, Hamburg 40+8D, Bonn 228+7D, Frankfurt 69+8D



Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use. Lamp fittings are screw type.

Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 49. Outgoing international code: 00. National and international calls can be made from coin- or card-operated telephone booths. Calls can be made from post offices. Cheap rate applies Mon-Fri 1800-0800 and all day Saturday and Sunday. Discount phonecards from private companies can be bought from shops and kiosks.

Climate: Temperate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters, but prolonged periods of frost or snow are rare. Rain falls throughout the year.

Required clothing: European clothes with light- to mediumweights in summer, medium- to heavyweights in winter. Waterproofs are needed throughout the year.

Food & Drink: The main meal of the day in Germany tends to be lunch with a light snack eaten at about 1900 in the evening. Breakfast served in homes and hotels usually consists of a boiled egg, bread rolls with jam, honey, cold cuts and cheese slices. Available from snack bars, butcher shops, bakers and cafes are grilled, fried or boiled sausages (Wurst) with a crusty bread roll or potato salad. There are also bread rolls filled with all kinds of sausage slices, hot meat filling (such as Leberkäse), pickled herring, gherkins and onion rings or cheese. In bakeries, Strudel with the traditional apple filling, a variety of fruits and fromage frais is available. There is also an astonishingly wide variety of breads. A set menu meal in a simple Gasthof or cafe usually includes three courses: soup is the most popular starter. The main meal consists of vegetables or a salad, potatoes, meat and gravy. For pudding, there is often a sweet such as a blancmange, fruit or ice cream. Restaurants often serve either beer or wine. Cakes and pastries are normally reserved for the afternoon with Kaffee und Kuchen (‘coffee and cakes’) taken at home or in a cafe. Cafes serving Kaffee und Kuchen are not only to be found in cities, towns and villages but also at or near popular excursion and tourist spots. International speciality restaurants, such as Chinese, Greek, Turkish and others, can be found everywhere in the western part of the country. Waiter or waitress service is normal although self-service restaurants are available. Bakeries and dairy shops specialise in lighter meals if preferred. Local regional specialities cover an enormous range.

Shopping: Special purchases include precision optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steelware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth. Special purchases in eastern Germany include musical instruments, wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains, and Meissen china (the workshops in Meissen are open to the public). Shopping hours: Shops can regulate their own opening hours within these times Mon-Fri 0600-2000, Sat 0600-1600. Smaller shops may close 1300-1500 for lunch. All shops, except a few bakeries, are closed on Sunday.

Tipping: It is customary to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, cloakroom attendants and in bars, and a 10 per cent tip in restaurants.

Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Germany). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002 and completely replaced the Deutschmark on 28 February 2002. Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, post offices, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.

Credit & debit cards: These are accepted in approximately 60 per cent of all shops, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels. Nationals of other Western European countries, Canada and the USA will find less credit card availability than they are used to in their own countries and it is advisable to carry cash or a Eurocheque card as well. All major credit cards are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Note: As from the end of 2001, Eurocheques will cease to be guaranteed and can no longer be accepted for encashments. However, they may still be used for payments without the guarantee in certain places.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Currency.......................................No restrictions

Cameras.......................................Should be declared on arrival

Film..............................................Reasonable for personal use

Agriculture items..........................Refer psgr to consulate

Gifts..............................................Duty free allowance up to DMK100

Visitors residing in an eu country with goods purchased tax free, or visitors from EUcountries with goods bought tax free:

Tobacco......................................200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Liquor..........................................1 litres of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22% by volume or 2 litres of sparkling wine or liquer wine; 2 litres of any other wine

Perfume......................................50 grams of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette

Misc............................................500 grams of coffee or 200 grams of coffee extracts

Goods.........................................Up to a value of dm350

Visitors entering from an EU country (except denmark) with tax paid goods

Tobacco....................................800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1000 grams of tobacco

Liquor.......................................10 litres of spirits or liquer with an alcohol content exceeding 22% by volume; 90 litres of wine (including 60 litres of sparkling wine); 20 litres of intermediate products (such as fortified wine); 110 litres of beer.

Note: The tobacco and alcohol allowances are granted only to those 17 years of age. Wine in excess of the abbove allowances imported for personal consumption and valued at less than DM250 will be taxed at an overall rate of 15%

Although there are no legal limits imposed on importing duty-paid tobacco and alcoholic products from one eu country to the another, travellers may be questioned at customs if they exceed the above amounts and may be asked to prove that the goods are for personal use only.



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