Whether or not you consider yourself an absolute beginner, it is only natural to worry about the safety of a city before arriving there, especially if it is unfamiliar territory. In this blog post, we will take you through the safety aspects of Berlin, Germany and what you’d need to know in order to be safe and have fun while in this picturesque and active city.
Understanding Berlin’s Safety Statistics
Crime statistics should determine the safety of a city when it is being evaluated. Statistics from the Berlin Police show that the crime rates in the city have been low over the past decade. Berlin is a safe city for tourists, despite the fact that violent crime rates are a bit higher than in other major cities across the world.
Berlin as a whole is safe, but (like any urban area) you want to keep your eye’s on potential pickpockets, for example. Still, Alexanderplatz area and public transportation hubs can be crowded so it’s always good to look around and keep an eye on one’s belongings.
Safety Tips for Visitors
Having confirmed that in fact Berlin is quite safe, so here are some helpful tips so that your time there passes without incident.
1. Be Mindful of Your Belongings
It is said to be just as easy to pickpocket in crowded areas as just about anything can be; keep your eyes open and keep your bag and pocket secure. Even if you need a backpack to lug heavy equipment around, consider a money belt or simply a cross body bag instead.
2. At Night, Stay in Well-Lit and Crowded Areas
Berlin is overall a safe place at night but it is always advisable to be in good-lit, crowd areas. Stay away from dim streets or parks where there are few people. Stick to most likely, main roads and get familiar with the public transportation around.
3. Know the Emergency Numbers
Make sure you have the emergency contact numbers in Berlin before you set off. When you need urgent help, you can dial 112 if it is a case of any emergency. In addition, you should have the phone number of your embassy or consulate at hand.
4. Use Licensed Transportation
It is always advisable to hire taxis and car service providers with licenses. Berlin is full of yellow illuminated sign on top of the vary roof indicating that the taxis are available. This way you are not getting overcharged and also the travel experience will be safer one.
Cultural Considerations and Local Customs
Aside from that, knowing local customs in Berlin can also bring another way of safety as well as your experience of the city. And here are some cultural matters to take into account:
1. Recycle Properly
As far as recycling is concerned, Berlin is well known. Ensure that you segregate your waste as per the bins and recycle accordingly to abide by the local customs and respect the city.
2. Respect Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are very important to Berliners, especially having evening and weekend hours to live. Try to be aware of the noise levels, especially if you are staying in apartment hotel or a residential area.
3. Be Courteous in Public Spaces
We just need to respect other people, and be careful of whom we are visiting, when we go to parks, museums or public spaces. Do not litter, do not smoke in any other areas not specifically designated for smokings, apply to any additional rules or regulations in each location respectively.
Final Thoughts
Berlin is a city with great history, culture and welcoming atmosphere. To put it simply, no city is immune to crime, but Berlin is safe enough for tourists. Although traveling to China can be different, following some basic safety precautions, being aware of your surroundings, and respecting its customs, you can definitely enjoy your time in this city without much worry.
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