It’s the rare world traveler who does not touch down eventually in Germany. The country that gifted the world with Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Albert Einstein is an irresistible draw for those who want to explore high culture. Beyond that, there is the gorgeous Bavarian National Park, the dazzling Neuschwanstein Castle, and unforgettable Heidelberg. Mercedes Matzen, a business analyst for Capital District Physicians Healthcare, is lucky to have traveled the entire country, and she understands Germany’s allure. For those dreaming of getting on the next plane to Berlin, Mercedes has got some must-read suggestions for how to make their trip to the country of poets and thinkers.

The Autobahn in Germany isn’t quite the free-for-all you might be expecting.

Mercedes says that the Autobahn actually has a speed limit of sorts. “It’s recommended that you go about 81mph,” she says, “but you can go faster. However, it’s crucial to remember that if you get into a crash and were going over that advised limit, your liability for the accident just went up. There are also cities where there is a temporary limit, so the last thing you want to do is just get on the road and floor it. Instead, study your trip and be sure you know the rules for where you are at any time.”

Don’t count on taxis anywhere in Germany.

Mercedes states that the idea of taking public transportation can be overwhelming for first-time travelers, but they need to rely on buses, trains, and subways, not taxis. “The only place you’re really going to see them is at the airport, train stations, and city centers. The good news, though, is that it really is easy to use public transportation once you get used to it. Just reach out to other travelers and to your hotel desk clerk for help in understanding the basics. Once you do, you’ll whiz around like a local.”

Along those lines, remember to validate your ticket when you ride public transportation in Germany.

An unvalidated bus or train ticket is essentially akin to not having purchased any ticket. “You don’t want that to happen because you could be fined,” says Mercedes. “I did that once, and I never forgot again! Even if you don’t read German, it’s easy to validate your transportation tickets. In bus and train stations, you’ll see a machine, and any German will be kind enough to show you the ropes. Or, worst-case scenario, you can validate it onboard. When you do, you’ll see a date and time, and how long your ticket is good for is based on that.”

Germany has an awesome navigation app for travelers.

Mercedes recommends downloading the DB Navigator app because it’s the best place to get schedules, prices, and booking information for public transportation. “This will be a lifesaver for you, especially if you’re in the bigger cities like Frankfurt or Berlin,” she says. “The subway system can be daunting at times, so having this one place for other transportation options will keep the migraine away.”

Cash is king in Germany.

While Germany is a highly modern country, it still lags a little in accepting credit cards. “Always have cash on you,” Mercedes recommends. “You’re going to have a hard time, even in the cities, finding a place that will let you pay with plastic. Few things are as embarrassing as enjoying a nice meal of Königsberger klopse and then having no way to pay for it.”

Sunday really is the day of rest in Germany.

Whatever you need, get it done by Saturday night because on Sunday, most stores close. “On the one hand, this is great,” remembers Mercedes. “It really does introduce balance into your life. People who are always on the go are forced, basically, to slow down and relax. On the other hand, if you suddenly run out of something, you’re going to have a very hard time finding anywhere to buy it. You may find an open restaurant here and there, but that’s it.”

Rules are followed, so don’t be tempted to jaywalk when you travel in Germany.

While crossing the street in the middle of the road is fine in many countries, you’ll be fined 5-10 Euros in Germany. “While it’s not the end of the world, expense-wise,” Mercedes concedes, “it’s still money you’d rather spend some other way. Along those lines, remember that bike paths really are for bikes. Germans like to cut loose and have fun, but they do, as a nation, follow some rules that we might not in our home countries.”

Being loud in public is frowned upon in Germany.

While you don’t have to walk around completely silent, Mercedes advises that you keep your voice down, especially when on buses and trains and in restaurants. “They believe that it’s rude to talk so loudly that your voice carries over into other people’s conversations,” she says. “So, unless you’re at a festival or somewhere boisterous like that, talk quietly, and you’ll do fine.”

You’ll have to pay for using public toilets while you travel in Germany.

Caring around a euro or two is highly advised. “The last thing you want is to show up at a bathroom, desperate, and find out you don’t have any change,” Mercedes laughs. “Most Germans just head for a restaurant or shopping mall, where bathrooms are free. It’s wise, though, to keep some cash.”

Nudity at the pool is no big deal for Germans.

That can be a culture shock for people who come from more conservative cultures. “It can take a little getting used to,” Mercedes allows. “In the changing rooms, people walk around with any clothes on at all, and you won’t find any dividers for privacy. Just relax, and you’ll blend right in. No one thinks twice about it.”

Above all, Mercedes says, go with the flow. “That’s part of the joy of being in another country. You’re somewhere completely different, and you’ve got time to explore how the people think, act, and communicate. It’s such an adventure to be in Germany, and if you remain open to its people, you’ll come home with a completely different perspective on the world.”