Business trip to Munich, Germany.
The German’s economy fits well into the model of a developed and fully industrialized European nation and Munich is it’s leading high-tech location. Munich is preferred location for investors due to its unique mix of industries and broad spectrum of service companies, from the very smallest company to the biggest.
Munich as a economic center of Southern Europe is a booming service sector followed by an industrial sector and a shrinking agricultural sector. This fruitful blend of industries has led national and international corporations alike to make Munich their business base.
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While the service sector of Munich’s economy is based on information technology, publishing, finance and bio-technology, on the other had manufacturing remains a central pillar of Munich’s economic structure as well. Among Munich’s major industries are automobiles, mining of ores, chemical production, machinery and agricultural produce.
Due to numerous special trade exhibitions, Munich is regarded as an international center in this field. The New Munich Trade Fair Center is a renowned venue hosting several trade promoting events including Inhorgenta Europe, Bauma+Mining and Heim+Handwerk.
Munich is home of the headquarters of many famous global companies like Siemens A.G. (world’s largest electronics company), BMW, Allianz and Munich Re (re-insurance) as well as the German or European headquarters of many foreign companies like Precision Plus, McDonald’s and Microsoft.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Hierarchy, following rules and protocols is very important.
Germans are very direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
A perfect planning is very important in German culture.
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving. Keep the hierarchy in mind!
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Some Germans will signal their approval by tapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
The German economy is the world’s fourth largest and, after the expansion of the EU, accounts for nearly one-fifth of European Union GDP. Germany’s "social market" economy largely follows free-market principles, but with a considerable degree of government regulation and generous social welfare programs.
Germany is the largest consumer market in the European Union with a population of over 82 million. However, the importance of the German market goes well beyond its borders. An enormous amount of worldwide trade is conducted in Germany at some of the world’s largest trade events, such as Medica, Hannover Fair, Automechanika, and the ITB Tourism Show. The volume of trade, number of consumers, and Germany’s geographic location at the heart of a 27-member European Union that added ten members in 2004, and two more in 2007 make it a keystone around which many foreign firms seek to build their European and worldwide expansion strategies.
Real German GDP expanded by just over 1% in 2008 despite the increasing financial turmoil, which began to affect industrial exports; forecasters predict that Germany would register annual economic growth of almost 2% in 2008 and that GDP would decline by more than 2% in 2009. Consumer demand, which had a temporary uptick after years of sluggishness, is declining again. Germany suffered the most dramatic drop in exports of any major Western European economy in 2008. Business confidence indices sank steadily in 2008 in the face of great uncertainty in financial markets. The German economy continues to suffer from structural problems, including over-regulation in labor markets, taxation, and business establishment, as well as substantial social insurance costs.
The German government’s plans for reform have taken a back seat to the more urgent concerns of addressing the major downturn. Most observers believe that additional reforms to enhance Germany’s global competitiveness are unlikely to occur before the consequences of the economic crisis are overcome.
Continuing high unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment, has long been among Germany’s most serious political and economic problems. The economic growth Germany experienced between 2006 and 2008 rapidly reduced unemployment to levels not seen since before German unification, but there was a significant rise in unemployment in 2009.
In spite of the deepening crisis, the German labor market displayed remarkably robust growth until year-end 2008 although employment growth flattened during the course of the year. In 2008, the average unemployment rate was 7,8% or 3,268 million, down from 9 percent or 3,776 million in 2007. This was the lowest average annual unemployment since 1992.
In eastern Germany, the average unemployment rate was 13,1%, still more than twice as high as in the western part of the country (6,4%). For the first time since February 2006, unemployment rose (by 18.000 to 7,6%) in December 2008. The number of persons employed rose to a record high of 40,83 million in November 2008 (500.000 more than in November 2007). However, the relative increase of just over 1% was the lowest rate of growth since December 2006.
Although it often takes several months before the labor market reflects macroeconomic shifts, developments now show that the downturn has reached the labor market. The Federal Employment Agency’s Institute for Employment Research (IAB) reversed its more optimistic forecast from October 2008 and projected unemployment figures to rise in 2009, maybe by up to 500,000 or more. The common denominator of most economic forecasts at the beginning of the year 2009 was that non-seasonally adjusted unemployment could exceed 4 million in early 2010 and lift the unemployment rate from slightly under 8 to 9,5%.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 82.329.758 |
| Area | 357.021 km2 |
| Population density | 230/km2 |
| GDP | € 1.774.780.000.000 |
| GDP per capita | € 21.540 |
  | Product tip: Keep an eye on the size of your trolley Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ’carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 114 cm, in the form of a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 140 cm, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers seldom tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches). |
Munich Airport in southern Germany is officially called Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, after the Bavarian politician that passed away in 1988. It is the second most important airport in Germany and processes almost 30 million passengers per year. In 2005 and 2006 it was called “the best airport in Europe” and the third best in the world, after Changi-Singapore and Hong Kong.
Address
Munich Airport GmbH
Nordallee 25
85356 Munich, Germany
Telephone: +49(0)89 97500
Fax: +49(0)89 9755 7906
www.munich-airport.de
Airport codes
IATA airport code: MUC
ICAO airport code: EDDM
Lost property
For information about lost luggage you can contact the service center in the central area:
Service Center Central Area
Level 03
Terminalstraße Mitte
85326 München
Phone +49 89 975-2 13 75
Fax +49 89 975-2 13 76
servicecenter@munich-airport.de
The person picking up lost property must present valid photo ID. If you send another person to pick up your lost property, we need prior authorization by fax, letter or e-mail. When lost property is picked up or mailed, a processing fee of EUR 5 is payable.
Terminal info
Terminal 1 is the older terminal and is in use since the airport was opened on 17 May 1992. It has a total capacity of 25 million passengers per year and is subdivided into five Modules designated with capital letters A, B, C, D and E. Modules A through D provide all facilities for handling departures and arrivals, including landside drive-by lanes and parking, whereas module E is only equipped to handle arrivals.
Terminal 2 is in use since 2003. It is also designed to facilitate 25 million passengers per year. Having been designed as a hub terminal for Lufthansa and Star Alliance members, it is not divided into modules. Instead, all facilities are arranged around a central Plaza. The pier, which is 980 m long, is equipped with 24 jet bridges. There are a total number of 75 waiting positions on the East Apron, which is not always sufficient, Terminal 2 sometimes also uses waiting positions on the West Apron, to which passengers are carried by airside buses.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
The S-Bahn train lines S1 and S8 go to the center of Munich, travel time is 40 minutes and costs approximately €9.00, the trains stop at various stations including Hauptbahnhof, Marienplatz, Laim and Ostbahnhof.
Taxi
Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall (tel: +49(0)89 9758 5050). The cost of a ride to the center of Munich is approximately €50.00 in normal traffic and more expensive when there is heavy traffic.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Munich. Just like in the rest of Germany, taxis in Munich are cream in color. You are allowed to hail taxis on the streets or book them by phone. Taxis can be found outside the hotels, airports, or taxi stands. The initial basic charge for taxis is €2.50 to which €1.45 per km is added for the first five kilometers. For the next five kilometers, it is €1.30 and for each kilometer thereafter it is €1.20. Taxi drivers cannot refuse to transport you and you have to pay only the amount displayed on the meter.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Taxi Oberhauser | 9036700 |
| Taxi Dorn | 3204410 |
| Taxi - Hempel | 80077966 |
| Germeringer Taxiruf | 843943 |
| Anton & Barbara Eppinger GbR | 32208334 |
Le Barestovino
Very chic, as the regular clientèle bring a certain dash of savoir vivre with them. French food and wine to savor!
Thierschstrasse 35
80538 Munich
Tel: 089 23708355
www.barestovino.de (Only in German)
La Bouche
Not a very well known restaurant, but loved by those who do know it. The restaurant section is hidden toward the back of the premises. They serve, amongst other things, frogs’ legs. If you are on a business trip to Munich, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Jahnstr. 30
Munich, Germany
www.restaurant-la-bouche.de
Landersdorfer & Innerhofer
Excellent but expensive restaurant. There is no food menu but they’ll reveal each course beforehand. If I don’t like everything, no need to worry because they’ll ask you upfront for ingredients you would like to avoid and work their way around it.
Hackenstrasse 6-8
80331 Munich
Tel: 089 26018637
Fax: 089 26018650
www.landersdorferundinnerhofer.de
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Munich.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Munich it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Munich.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
The Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel contains 258 air conditioned rooms and many modern amenities. Rooms are spacious and include cable TV, mini bars and Internet connections. All guests will enjoy the landscaped bathing complex as well as spa amenities like a whirlpool, sauna, swimming pool, solarium and steam bath.
Garmischer Strasse 2
Munich, Germany
More information about Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
Best Western Atrium Hotel Munich
This Best Western Atrium Hotel Munich is found in the heart of the Munich area and a perfect base for business travelers. There are 162 rooms at the Best Western Atrium Hotel Munich. They are decorated in a contemporary style. Visitors can enjoy a buffet breakfast or a cold drink at the on site bar.
Landwehrstrasse 59
Munich, Germany
More info about Best Western Atrium Hotel Munich
Holiday Inn Munich Schwabing
The Holiday Inn Munich Schwabing is located at Leopoldstrasse 194 in Munich, Bavaria. The hotel is located about 20 miles from the Munich Airport. Rooms at the Holiday Inn Munich Schwabing feature high-speed Internet, air conditioning, cable television, mini bars, private bathrooms with showers and a trouser press for dressing.
Leopoldstrasse 194
Munich, Germany
More info about Holiday Inn Munich Schwabing
All Roads Lead to Marienplatz
Marienplatz, with the City Hall (Rathaus) and its famous glockenspiel, is the best place to start shopping. Many of Munich’s major retail streets converge here. This is where visitors can purchase not only typical local wares, such as traditional Bavarian costume (Trachten), but also outdoor equipment at sports shops that will prepare them for their next trip to the Alps.
Souvenirs Galore
Extending southeastwards from Marienplatz is Im Tal, a shopping street with a supermarket, second-hand clothing shops and furniture stores. It ends at Isartor —home of the “Musäum,” an eccentric museum dedicated to the Munich comedian Karl Valentin. The curious souvenirs offered in the museum shop complement the selection of wares available around the Hofbräuhaus, where those in search of mementos will delight in a wide range of Bavarian souvenirs in every price category, including beer mugs, arts and crafts and culinary delicacies. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Munich
Looking Good
The Asam Church, famous for its sumptuous Rococo interior, is located on Sendlinger Strasse halfway between Marienplatz and Sendlinger Tor. Browsing along this shopping street on the way to the church will provide those who want to look good with ample opportunities to purchase stylish apparel and accessories. The distinguished shops specializing in exquisite fabrics, designer clothing and stylish furnishings create a charming urban milieu in which a shopping miracle can happen.
A Land of Milk and Honey
Lovers of Bavarian cuisine have a real treat awaiting them just a stone’s throw away from Marienplatz, in the butchers’ shops of the famous Viktualienmarkt (farmers’ market). This is where to go for Weisswürste (traditional “white sausages”) and other fresh meat and meat products. Only a few steps away, delicacies prized the world over beckon from vendors’ stalls. And there is no lack of organic products. The market’s selection of seasonal and regional produce ives it a distinctly local feel. And flower lovers will revel in the stunning bouquets. It’s also worth browsing nearby, on Westenriederstrasse, for example, with its antique stores, or down towards Munich’s City Museum (Stadtmuseum), past inviting shops selling unusual furnishings.
A short walk through the old inner city
If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Munich, this would be the place to visit.
Start at Karlsplatz (Stacchus) and walk down the Neuhauser straße towards Marienplatz. This picture is looking south towards the Marienplatz.
There are plenty of shops to explore and some churches along the way. If you’re after some gifts to take home, there are tourist shops on the left. In the distance is the old town hall, which is now a toy museum.
Then at the Marienplatz you could go up Alter Peter to get a great view of Munich, which is on the left out of view, have a coffee or beer in one the cafes, eat in Ratskeller which is a restaurant under the Rathaus (building in the middle), just to bottom right of the building. The Viktuelienmarkt is well worth a visit, it’s a colorful market with food stalls and a beer garden.Or go shopping, behind the Rathaus is an excellent shopping area. Many boutiques and passages to explore, plus restaurants and cafes.
The BMW Museum is one of the most popular company museums in Germany. And of all the companies sights in Munich, only the Deutsches Museum and the Neue Pinakothek (New Gallery) attract more visitors. Each year some 250.000 people from all over the world come the BMW Museum, a story of success for which there are very good reasons. The BMW Museum does not just present the history of BMW and the engines, motorcycles and automobiles manufactured by the company in the course of its first 75 years. If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Munich, I would recommended you to visit it.
Deustches Muesum
The largest museum of technology and natural sciences in the world, with over 13 acres of exhibitions containing original machines and equipment, models and reconstructions, from mechanics to telecommunications, from a full-size reconstructed coal mine to space travel technology.
If you like anything technical in any way, this is the place to head for. You could spend a week in there easily.
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz is a beautiful square bordered by the Italianesque Feldherrnhalle, Theatinerkirche and Hofgarten, a former court garden. From this square Ludwigstrasse - one of Munich’s most monumental streets - leads to the Siegestor, a large triumphal arch.
In 1816 Ludwig I commissioned Leo von Klenze to design a new square. This led to the demolition of the Schwabinger Tor. Ludwig I’s intentions were to create a great square that would on one hand become the starting point of a large monumental road leading to the districts outside Munchen and on the other hand the square would act as a triumphal gateway to Munchen.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Police | 110 |
| Block Emergency Electronic Authorisation e.g. credit cards | 116116 |
The English language is these days quit common in Germany. When you have a medical emergency you can turn to any emergency hospital to get English speaking help.
Although in business people speak English, some German phrases can always come in hand....
| Good day | Guten Tag |
| Good morning | Guten Morgen |
| Good evening | Guten Abend |
| How are you? | Wie geht es Ihnen? |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | Mir geht es gut, danke, und Ihnen? |
| What’s your name? | Wie heißen Sie? |
| My name is ... | Ich heiße ... |
| Pleased to meet you | Schön, Sie kennen zu lernen Sehr erfreut |
| Goodbye | Auf wiedersehen |
| Good night | Gute Nacht |
| Have a nice day | Schönen Tag noch! |
| Bon appetit | Guten Appetit! |
| Cheers/Good health! | Prost! |
| I don’t understand | Ich verstehe nicht |
| Please write it down | Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? |
| How do you say ... in German? | Wie sagt man ... auf Deutsch? |
| How much is this? | Wieviel kostet das? |
| Sorry | Es tut mir leid! |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigen Sie! |
| Thank you | Danke schön |
| You’re welcome | Bitte schön |
| Where’s the toilet? | Wo ist die Toilette? |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nein |
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