I have been in Germany for 4 years. Based on my experience during these 4 years, I think Germany is overall a safe country. In terms of security, I would like to give it 8 out of 10. However, there are certainly some issues, which I believe exist in other European countries as well. In this blog, I will try to highlight some security-related aspects of Germany based on my experiences.
Is it safe to travel at night
In short, it is safe to travel on the streets of Germany at night. I also walk on the streets at night sometimes. I haven’t faced any major problems. However, I have heard from some Germans that muggings, thefts, and pickpocketing can happen at night. Many people have apparently experienced these incidents.
So, for those of you who want to travel to Germany, I would advise you not to walk on deserted streets at night. Go to places in Germany where people usually travel. And definitely keep your necessary belongings carefully. Do not carry a lot of cash with you at night.
In case of any need, seek help from the police. The German police are very friendly. They are ready to help you at any time. So if you face any problem, don’t forget to seek help from the police.
How safe is it for women
I have seen many women who travel solo in Germany. However, many of them come from different European countries. They also come from other countries but in smaller numbers. I have not seen them complain about Germany after arriving here.
If you want to travel solo in Germany as a woman, you are definitely welcome. However, you should keep a few things in mind. Always carry your passport and visa with you. If you face any problems, definitely seek help from the police. If necessary, take the help of a travel guide. I hope your journey will be safe.
Aware of German local laws
Every country in the world has its own laws. European countries have them as well. Similarly, Germany has its own set of laws and regulations. While traveling in Germany, you should definitely be aware of the local laws and follow them. Below are some laws mentioned.
In Germany, do not cross the road anywhere you like. Cross at designated places. Never walk on the bicycle lane. When driving on the highway, always maintain your lane. Do not drive in the middle of the lane. Keep these things in mind. For other local laws in Germany, seek help from the police.
Remember, it is important to follow these laws. It is good to know these laws before coming to Germany because breaking the law can result in fines or even imprisonment.
Another thing, never display the Nazi sign or any rebellious symbols in Germany. These are strictly prohibited in Germany. Never argue with the police. Be polite with the police. If you ever face police questioning, answer all questions calmly and politely. This way, it is expected that your journey will be smooth.
Health issues during travel
I am an Asian. Based on my experience, if you come from a predominantly hot country, you might face some physical issues. Since the temperature here is somewhat lower, you will get less sunlight. As a result, you may experience a slight deficiency of vitamin D in your body. This can cause pain in your bones. If you face these issues, definitely seek medical advice.
Additionally, if you travel in the forests of Germany, be cautious of ticks. They can cause encephalitis. Therefore, when traveling in the forest, check your body periodically to see if any ticks are attached and cover your entire body with clothing.
Terrorism in Germany
Yes, there is some amount of terrorism in Germany as well. Since many people have come to Germany seeking asylum from various countries around the world, you might face some problems caused by them. This problem exists in other European countries as well.
If you ever become a victim of terrorism, be sure to inform the police immediately. The police will take action in such cases.
However, there is nothing to be too worried about regarding terrorism. Everything here operates within a security framework. I don’t think it will be a major issue during your travels.
Racism in Germany
Germany is a multicultural country. People from various countries come and live here. Just as there are Germans, non-Germans also live here. It cannot be said that there is no racism at all. Racism exists to some extent in almost every country in the world. Similarly, there is racism in Germany too. Many Germans do not like non-Germans.
You should avoid them. Never get into an argument with them. If you ever become a victim of racism, inform the police. The police will definitely take action regarding them.
Many Germans do not like Blacks, Muslims, and non-Germans. They may not say anything directly but might avoid you. However, their numbers are very few. You should not pay attention to them and make your trip enjoyable. In most cases, Germans will come forward to help you.
What to do to keep yourself safe
In these 4 years, I have traveled to various cities in Germany. I have had a good experience. Based on my experience, I am discussing how you can keep yourself safe while traveling.
1. Always carry your passport and visa with you while traveling.
2. Do not eat anything from strangers.
3. Always keep your belongings secure.
4. Decide where you want to go before traveling and learn about the situation in those places.
5. Keep up with the news updates after arriving in Germany.
6. You can have a travel guide with you during your travels.
7. Keep necessary medicines and water with you.
8. Call the police helpline for any need.
If you follow these, it is expected that your travel will be very safe. Again, Germany is a safe country. It ranks 15th in the safety index. The issues mentioned above occur in rare cases. In most cases, your traveling in Germany does not face significant problems, which I have not faced in my 4 years of travel. So, I hope your travel will also be safe.