Frankfurt's weather is generally pleasant between May and October, with temperatures ranging between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and occasional rain. July and August experience the highest temperatures. During winter months, Frankfurt experiences frequent rain and temperatures between 15 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry

American Chamber of Commerce

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)

American Consulate

Australian Consulate

Brazilian Consulado General

British Consulate

French Consulate

Japanese Consulate

Netherlands Consulate

Most large hotels also have business centers that offer many of the same services that independent centers provide.

Buro-Center an der Messe

Alte Oper Frankfurt

Congress Center Messe Frankfurt

Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel

Business Lingua GmbH

Kern GmbH

Kurier Turbo GmbH

DHL

All upper-range and most medium-priced hotels are equipped with dataports that allow guests to use laptop computers. Many hotels also offer business centers equipped with computers and Internet access. Outside hotels, cyber cafes are available including:

Citizens of the EU, Brazil, Czech Republic, the Republic of Korea, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. do not need a visa for a stay up to 3 months. Citizens of the People's Republic of China must apply for a visa.

Duty-free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22% by volume or 2 liter of spirits or liquors with an alcohol content not exceeding 22% by volume or 2 liter of sparkling liquor; 2 liter of any other wine; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract, and; personal goods up to the value of EUR178.95. However, there are now no limits imposed on tobaccos and alcohol from one EU country to another.

The country code for Germany is 49. The city code for Frankfurt is 069.

• Ambulance
112
• Fire
112
• Rape/Battered Women's Hotline
70-94-94

All German city codes begin with 0 when dialing from inside the country. For calls within Frankfurt, drop the city code. Some local telephone numbers may have more digits than others. Dial 03 to get the operator and dial 11 8 33 for directory inquiries. Dial 11 8 34 for international directory assistance.

Germany's primary cellular standard is GSM, and the main mobile phone operators are T-Mobile, E-Plus, Vodafone, and 02. If you choose to bring your cellular phone into Germany, be sure to check with your home cellular service provider to establish compatibility of your phone with systems abroad. Rent a locally compatible cellular phone before you arrive to obtain reasonable rates and reliable service.

As of January 1, 2002, euro became the official currency. Euro notes are available in denominations of EUR5, EUR10, EUR20, EUR50, EUR100, EUR200, and EUR500, while coins are in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and EUR1 and EUR2. The euro is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, post offices, hotels, train stations, airports, or at the offices of American Express and Thomas Cook. ATMs are available throughout the country. Most businesses accept Visa and MasterCard, and some accept American Express, Diners Club, and JCB cards.

• Bars
Round up the bill to the nearest euro or two
• Airport Skycap/Porter
EUR1 per bag
• Taxis
Round up to the nearest euro or two at most
• Hotel Bell Desk
Except in instances of extremely good service, a tip is not necessary
• Hotel Housekeeping
EUR1 or EUR2 per day
• Parking Attendant/Valet
EUR1 or EUR2
• Haircare/Personal Services
EUR2 or so

Frankfurt is in the Central European Time Zone (GMT/UTC plus one hour). Daylight-savings time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October (GMT + two Hours).

Most prices already have Germany's 16% VAT included. Some goods, like books, carry a 6.5% VAT.

Electrical voltage and current are 220V-240V AC / 50Hz. Electrical Plugs Plugs have two round prongs. Heavy-duty plugs have a third round prong.

Frankfurt's excellent public transportation system may eliminate the need for having your own car. Taxis are efficient and convenient. You can hail taxis in the street or call them, but there's an extra charge if you phone to be picked up. You can count on paying about EUR7 for a short city ride.

Frankfurt's public transit is a combined system of subways, trams, city trains, and buses, run by the Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt-am-Main (VGF). Most of the system operates from 4am to 2am, but there are a few night buses that run from 1am to 5am. The system is divided into zones, and the price varies accordingly. Day passes, weekly passes, and monthly passes are available.

There are no particular health problems to worry travelers in Germany. The standards for food handling are among the highest in the world. The water throughout the country is safe to drink right from the tap, though its high calcium content makes it taste almost universally lousy.

Bruckenkeller is one of Frankfurt's best German restaurants with its seasonal menu and refined service. Stars presents the ideal opportunity to enter the Messeturm and enjoy a nice meal with the delightful old-fashioned live piano. Weihaus Brusckenkeller, in the heart of the town, offers medieval ambience strolling musicians and excellent german food and wines. Frankfurt's celebrities and business elite dine on German and French cuisine at Erno's Bistro. Isoletta is a popular upscale Italian establishment. Founded in 1880 Zum Gemalten Haus has been an institution for centuries. Decorated in a genuine country-house style, Edelweiss serves traditional Wiener Schnitze and other typical Austrian dishes with a twist, few like spinach dumplings with tomato-parmesan cheese.

A variety of finely finished wooden items, like wooden games and dolls, can be purchased in Frankfurt. Handcrafted jewelry makes a unique gift. Bembel, the Ebbelwei wine carafe with matching glasses is a distinctive choice.

The geographical and historical heart of Frankfurt, the Romerberg, consists of several half-timbered structures. If you only have time to visit one museum in Frankfurt, make sure it's the Stadelsches Kunstinstitut und Stadtische Galerie. Classical music and opera performances take place in the Alte Opera (Old Opera House) on Opemplatz. For serenity and green space, stroll along one of the Stadtwalk's numerous trails. Exotic varieties of plants can be seen in the Tropical Garden and Botanical Gardens. If your visit coincides with soccer season, you may want to catch an Eintracht Frankfurt match.