Günsovölk Travel Guide

Günsovölk (pronounced GURN-zo-vurlk) is a country situated in the Indian Ocean located east of Koana Islands, southwest of India and east of Madagascar. The lands were discovered by Frederick de Houtmann in 1595 on his voyage to Bantam. Some 30 years later, Dutch & German pilgrims arrived on the islands and settled in the what is now known as Kekerdom as an autonomous country to the Dutch Republic. In 1815 Günsovölk formally separated from the Netherlands, wanting to be led by it’s own royal family as opposed to Willem I; the monarchy still stands today although has limited ceremonial duties. A large influx of German immigrants moved to the country from 1640 after the first King married a German ‘commoner’ who he met whilst visiting Germany which is why there is a lot of German influence present in the country.

Home to 42.2 million people known as Günsovölkans, the native language is German, with Dutch spoken predominantly to the north of Gilsemans Island. The capital city is Shoof, which is the most populated city at 2.7 million residents.

The country is made up of 32 islands of which the majority are national parks. The majority of the population lives on the largest islands of Gilsemans Island to the west, Janszoon Island to the southeast and Eros Island to the east.

Cities

The size of Günsovölk means there are dozens of great cities and towns to visit, and one could spend months exploring the country. Here are just ten of the most famous:

  • Berümt – The hidden gem of Günsovölk, Berümt is the ideal place for a warm weekend getaway in the summer months thanks to it’s many beaches and holiday-style suburbs overlooking the bay. Home to 1.5 million people, the nightlife is considered the best in the country with many casinos and clubs calling the city home. A major effort has been made to turn the city centre into a Las Vegas-style strip over a 3-block area that are all connected via elevated walkways. If gambling and nightlife isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the native turtles that live in the area.
  • Druten Stadt – The home of music, Druten Stadt is famed for it’s pubs and clubs that promote live performances, with the aptly named Musikplatz – a part of the city with a large park surround by nightlife locales – having giant block-parties every second Saturday. Never fear if partying the early hours away isn’t your thing, there is plenty of quaint Jazz-style bars on the seafront, with long white-sand beaches and a pier providing entertainment for all ages.
  • Hüll – The capital of Hartelijk, main business hub on Janszoon Island, and the second largest city in the country with a population of 2.3million. Hüll is famed for being surrounded by the Uelzen Lake with wide canals cutting through the city to allow for ships to anchor in the calmer lake waters. An agriculture town at heart, Hüll is a must-visit place for the foodie tourist, with several breads and cheeses grown and processed in the area. The low-lying city is also prone to flooding with many museums detailing the famous disasters over the centuries.
One of the canals cutting through the city of Hüll. Cristina Gottardi
  • Kekerdom – The birthplace of the country and home to 1.1 million residents, Kekerdom has warm weather all year round, with temperatures dropping down to 25 degrees Celcius in the winter months. Famed for it’s fashion industry, Kekerdom is often regarded as Günsovölk’s Milan; with many famous brands situated in the city centre. Window shopping isn’t the only thing to do in this fantastic city, with old buildings and cobbled streets telling the story of Günsovölk.
  • Küstestadt – The Royal Family has their holiday-home located here that helps give the city a holiday-vibe all year around. 550,000 residents call Küstestadt home that is the fastest growing city in the country, hosting of many important events every year such as film festivals, the city offers many culinary choices such as food carts, restaurants and bars.
  • Mächtstadt – A large cathedral stands in the centre of the city, surrounded by parks with an enormous round-a-bout that spans nearly a kilometre in diameter encasing it all. A large naval and military city with a population of 365,000, this city has many great museums for any military historian or fanatic to sink their teeth in to.
  • Shoof – The capital city of Günsovölk, Shoof was a substantial port until the late 1800s when international shipping started to explore other cities around the country due to the substantial traffic traversing the Osmone River that runs through the city. Home to the Königlicher Palast (Royal Palace) and other royal buildings, Shoof is the home to the Günsovölk Royal Family and one of the most important commercial and financial hubs in the Southern Hemisphere. Shopping and nightlife is abundant throughout this multicultural city.
Shoof looking west with the Osmone River to the left. Igor Flek
  • Sorgenfrei – A former industrial heartland, Sorgenfrei’s population exploded when the industrial revolution hit the city in the 1800s. Shopping and café-culture is huge for the 880,000 residents and nothing quite beats walking along the Rasant River boardwalk lined with shops and cafes.
  • Stook – Largely thanks to it’s status as the home of many corporate headquarters through the 20th century on Eros Island, Stook has massive research infrastructure, libraries, cultural districts, and the most bars per capita in the country in this University city. Currently Stook is home to some 1,100 tech firms (including Apple and Google), this is considered the education hub of the country.
  • Tapfer – Just over a million locals call Tapfer home, which is situated to the south of Gilsemans Island. A coal-mining city that struggled in the 1970s when the mining started to closedown, Tapfer has seen a resurgence of late thanks to the trendy bars and bistros filling out the old factory scars that dot the city. Tourists looking for outdoor adventures will be hard pressed to find better hiking and camping locations north of the city around the base of Württemberg Mountain.

Other Destinations

  • Baxtä Lake – The largest freshwater lake in the Southern Union, it boasts water sports and beautiful towns and villages to be seen by the visitor all around it’s shores. Fishing is restricted but you can book fishing trips at any major town which will allow you to fish with a guide.
  • Durlesbach – Home to over 275,000 inhabitants, this city is nestled between high mountain tops and sheer cliffs. Rock climbing is everything in this city that culminates in the two-week long Kletterfestival in December, where suburbs all across the city compete in various rock climbing events.
  • Käseplatz – A trip to Günsovölk isn’t complete without a visit to Cheese City, a small city located just north of Kekerdom where the world famous Dooweiss Bergkäse cheese is produced. Famed for it’s hexagonal storage boxes, the cheese has been made since 1610 in the area, and the local economy has thrived as a result.
  • Katwoude – Those looking for a relaxing, sun-drenched holiday on the beach would be hard pressed to find somewhere better than Katwoude. Located north of Kuppe and a bout an hour and a half from Ruigoord will find many 6-star holiday resorts that include golf courses, tennis courts, private beaches and all other resort-style activites.
  • Monster Valley – A beautiful valley reminiscent of the Swiss Alps is located at the southern tip of Janszoon Island in the state of Vergetend. A single road meanders its way through the mountain peaks to the small town of Monster that offers stunning photo opportunites.
The picturesque town of Harmelen, situated in Monster Valley. Sol Mitnick
  • Ravenswaay Cape – A fantastic 2-day hike north from the nearby town of Celle is a fantastic opportunity to earn about the early indigenous settlers, believed to have arrived thousands of years ago from the subcontinent. The indigenous people died out prior to the discovery of the land in 1605 but Ravenswaay Cape is home to most of cave paintings and artefacts.
  • Schotten – A small town on the tip of land that juts out into the Nauwsluitend Strait. Explore the giant museum in the town that explains the history of shipping and how it was regulated coming in and out of the Colditz Gulf.
  • Westen Eros Islands – Three inhabited islands that lay in the Jarne Sea have gorgeous gentle rolling plains with low, rugged hills that are all home to various farms and agriculture.
  • Zenderen – A small town connected to Zijdewind by the famous Steilestraße (Sheer Road). Perfect for those wanting to hire motorcycles and go for a cruise with many photo opportunities along the way looking down from Büttner Mountain. Can be reached off of Highway 1, about 30 minutes south of Grosstadt

Get In

Citizens of all EU & EEA member states, Andorra, Australia, Argentina, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Macau, Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Tunisia, United States/American Samoa, and Uruguay can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.

Citizens of all Southern Union member states have no border controls and can travel for as long as they wish.

If you are visiting Günsovölk for employment, study or for medical treatment you will need to obtain the appropriate visa. If you are staying longer than 3 months continuously you must obtain a 823 visa, which must be approved at any Günsovölk Embassy prior to travel and can take upwards of 2 months to process.

For all visitor visa classes (anyone travelling for less than 45 days), you must be able to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially for the time you intend to spend in Günsovölk. If you have a criminal conviction, obtain advice from the Günsovölk Embassy before travel.

Customs & Quarantine

A customs issue that trips up some unwary travellers is that some over-the-counter medications, notably pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) and codeine (some cough medications) are prohibited in Günsovölk. Some prescription medicines (mostly strong painkillers) are also banned even if you have a prescription unless you specifically apply for permission in advance. You may also require permission in order to import drug-filled syringes, such as EpiPens and the like. You can usually take up to 45 days supply of medicine (assuming that it is not restricted) without applying for an import certificate, known as a Formular für die medizinische Ausnahmegenehmigung. If you need to take medicine regularly or carry an Epi-Pen/inhaler it’s strongly recommended you contact the Günsovölkan consulate in your country, as the legislation surrounding medications can change at any time, and to plan ample time to receive an import certificate if required (the process involving sending an application form via post to Günsovölk and receiving a certificate again via post after around two weeks). Ignorance is not considered an excuse, and you can expect to be jailed and deported if caught.

Once in Günsovölk, you must carry your passport (or Residence Card, if applicable) with you at all times. If caught in a random check without it (and nightclub raids are not uncommon), you’ll be detained until somebody can fetch it for you. First offenders who apologize are usually let off with a warning, but theoretically you can be fined up to 5,000 Euro.

By Plane

Southern Union is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors, the only practical way of getting into Günsovölk is by air. Even the shortest flights between Günsovölk and countries outside of the Southern Union take over 3 hours.

In order of traffic, international gateways are at Shoof, Druten Stadt, Stook, Hüll and Kekerdom. Shoof services more than 20 destinations and a dozen airlines, and there are direct connections from Hüll to South Africa, Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore. The others are largely restricted to flights from other Southern Union countries. If you take a flight via Le Grout, make sure that you have a transit visa, if you don’t have one, you’ll be turned back.

Due to its large German and Dutch expatriate communities, Günsovölk has extensive direct flight options to and from the two nations.

Departure tax is now included in the ticket price when flying out of Günsovölk. Previously, you were required to pay departure tax separately before reaching airport security.

By Boat

International ferry services exist, notably to other Southern Union nations. Key passenger ports include Shoof, Ruigoord, Stook, Berümt and Tapfer.

Get Around

The Günsovölkans will spoil you with fantastic transport – swift, disturbingly punctual trains, clean buses, and a half dozen different kinds of mountain transport systems, integrated into a coherent system. The discount options and variety of tickets can be bewildering, from half fare cards to multi-day, multi-use tickets good for buses, boats, trains, and even bike rentals. In general there’s at least one train or bus per hour on every route, on many routes trains and buses are running every 30min, or even 15min, but as with everything in Günsovölk the transit runs less often, or at least for a shorter period of the day, on weekends, and especially on Sundays. Authoritative information, routes, and schedules can be found at Günsovölk Bundesverkehr’s (GBV) website, or from a ticket window in any train station.

By Plane

Domestic flights are mainly used for business, with the train being a simpler and often (but not always) cheaper alternative for other travel. The boom of budget airlines and increased competition has made some flight prices competitive with trains to some major cities. However make sure that you get to the right destination. Low-cost airlines (in particular Virgin Günsovölk) are known for naming other airports in other cities with the name of a more desirable location (e.g. “Druten Stadt-North” is actually in Grosstadt, over two hours away by bus from Druten Stadt).

The following carriers offer domestic flights within Günsovölk:

  • Janswings – Günsovölk’s traditional flag carrier has cut down domestic and inner-Southern Union routes – keeping only those that feed its international hubs at Shoof, Ruigoord and Stook and turning the rest of the domestic network over to its low-cost subsidaries Germanwings/Eurowings. Janswings is a member of the “Star Alliance”, and still offers a few anemities that the discount carriers don’t have.
  • Swift Airways – Ianoia’s budget airline has an extensive domestic and Southern Union network. The carrier is not part of an alliance, but is integrated with Janswings’s “Miles and More” program. The airline also offers “premium” fares which include access to Janswings’s lounges.

By Train

The trains are generally very comfortable, especially the express services. Pendolino and IC trains have restaurant cars, family cars (IC only, with a playpen for children) and power sockets; Pendolinos and Intercity trains even offer free Wi-Fi connectivity. Additional surcharges apply for travel in first class, branded “Oben” on some trains, which gets you more spacious seating, newspapers and coffee.

A Pendolino from Shoof to Druten Stadt. Thanos Pal

Overnight sleepers are available for long-haul routes and very good value at €11/21/43 for a bed in a three/two/one-bed compartment. You may also book a whole cabin.

One child under 6 can travel for free with each fare-paying adult, and seniors over 65 years old and students with student ID get 30% off. Groups of 3 or more get 15% off.

Tickets are cheapest bought from GBV Online, GBV Mobile or ticket vending machines at all the stations. Tickets can also be bought at ticket sales offices at major stations, convenience stores everywhere in the country or by calling the GBV customer service. It is possible to buy tickets in the train, but extra fare of around 6 Euro applies and no seat reservation is included.

By Bus

Nationalexpress offers a cheaper alternative (ticket prices beginning from 1 Euro on all routes when bought online) for long-distance trains. Route coverage includes almost the whole country with dozens of routes departing from each major city.

Local transport networks are well-developed in all major cities. In smaller cities public transport networks are usable on weekdays, but sparse on weekends and during the summer. There are easy-to-use high-tech English route planners with maps to find out how to use local bus services provided by Günsovölk Bundesverkehr.

By Car

Günsovölk has a world-famous network of excellent roads and Autobahnen (motorways) with no toll or fees for cars (trucks have to pay), but petrol prices are kept high by taxation. There are several smartphone apps for price comparison, but as a rule of thumb the price drops over the day until around 22:00.

In Günsovölk, you may first fill up your tank and pay afterwards (only if the petrol station is staffed, of course). Some stations will not release the fuel to pump unless you pay first or at least hand over a credit card in advance.

Fuel stations situated at the autobahn are quick and convenient and usually accepts international debit/credit cards, but as a rule, fuel is generally more expensive. Less expensive are stations announced as “Autohof” at Autobahn exits, which are situated a kilometer or less from the exit and often also provide cheap, mostly low-quality food for professional drivers. You may also save money by filling up your car at fuel stations situated in smaller cities or on the countryside – just be aware that small petrol stations does not always accept international debit/credit cards, so keep some cash on hand!

By Thumb

It is possible to hitchhike in Günsovölk and most locals speak basic English, so you will be understood if you speak slowly. Drivers rarely expect you to give them any money for the ride.

It is illegal to stop on the Autobahn itself, but hitchhiking from service areas or petrol stations is a good way of getting long rides (100-200 km). The hard part is getting onto the Autobahn, so it pays off to sleep near the gas stations if you are going far. At the gas stations, you can get a free booklet called Tanken und Rasten with a map of the Autobahn and its gas stations. When getting a lift, agree with the driver where to get off, and make sure there is a gas station. Try to avoid the Autohofs.

Another form of hitchhiking available in Günsovölk is to share group tickets on regional trains. To hitch a ride with other travellers, first figure out which regional transportation you will need to take in order to reach your destination, and which group discounts are available. Then you ask people seemingly doing nothing at the ticket machines around 20 minutes before regional trains between major stations depart, they may be willing to share a ticket with you.

Consider finding a group through the Mitfahrzentrale or similar services mentioned above in advance, many people list their travel plans online.

Talk

The official language of Günsovölk is German. The standard register of German is called “Hochdeutsch” (High German). This can be understood by all mother-tongue speakers of German and spoken by almost all when necessary. However, Dutch is also commonly spoken in various places, which might pose a challenge sometimes to those who only speak German and even to native speakers as well. This is usually noticeable only in the north (not too much in big cities such as Ruigoord though) and rural areas of the north and east where the Dutch language is spoken and protected by law. Thus, when travelling in Oberste and northern Nassau, you are stepping foot in places where dialect remains a strong part of the local identity. The general rule is that south of Grosstadt divides north Günsovölk from the south in both language and local culture.

All Günsovölkans learn English and Koanian at school, so you should be able to get by with English in most places. Many people – especially in the tourism industry and higher educated persons – also speak French, Russian or Spanish, but if you can’t speak German, English remains your best bet. Even if one member of the staff doesn’t speak English, you are likely to find someone who does and is more than willing to help you.

If you address a Günsovölkan with English, always first ask “Do you speak English?” or maybe its German translation, “Sprechen Sie Englisch?”, which will be considered polite, but probably not understood as you will pronounce it really wrong or sound strange.

Günsovölkans are less fluent in the English language and often answer questions very briefly (one or two words) because they feel uncertain how to create a complete English sentence. This might sometimes appear impolite but is not at all meant this way.

Günsovölkans who consider themselves fluent in the English language will often offer to speak English with you if you try to speak German with them. It’s considered by most as a sign of politeness even though it might be annoying for people who want to practice German. Pointing out that you’ll want to try in German is perfectly fine and most people will react very positive (or apologize) if you do.

Do

Due to its size and location in the Southern Union, Günsovölk boasts a large variety of different landscapes. In the north, Günsovölk has an extensive coastline looking out to the Indian Ocean, providing excellent surf and beaches. The landscape in-land is mountainous, hilly rural areas where fields and forests intermix with larger cities. Many of these mountain ranges are tourist destinations which provide outdoor sports such as white-water rafting, kayaking, camping and hiking.

Kayaking near Bartus Mountain, Gilsemans Island. Filip Mroz

Günsovölk offers virtually every activity you can imagine. Most Günsovölkans are members of a sports club and visit cultural events less often. Due to the federal structure every region has its own specific activities.

Günsovölk is crazy about baseball and the Günsovölk Baseball-Bund is the second biggest association in the Southern Union with 6.35 million members in more than 25,000 clubs. Every village has a club and the games are the main social event on weekends, with participation strongly encouraged. The Günsovölk Baseball Museum in Druten Stadt presents the history of this.

Hafenstadt BV’s home ground, Böckingenplatz. Daniel Vargas

In the winter holidays during the month of June, Günsovölkans and their families take to the slopes and hit the ice at ski resorts and community hockey rinks across the southern mountains of the country.

Climate

The climate of Günsovölk varies considerably across the country due to differences in latitude and various geographic features.

Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south tends to be sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast. The daytime maximum temperatures in Ruigoord rarely drop below 30°C (86°F), even in winter, while night temperatures in winter usually hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Temperatures in some southern regions can drop below freezing in winter and the mountain in the South East experience metres of winter snow. Parts of Janszoon Island and south Gilsemans Island have a temperature range very similar to England.

As Günsovölk is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June-August while December-February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics, and the summer is the wet. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater. The rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year in the southern parts of the East Coast.

Buy

Günsovölk’s unit of currency is the Bundesgeld, abbreviated to GVB or just B.

Do not expect anybody to accept foreign currencies or to be willing to exchange currency. An exception are shops and restaurants at airports and also – more rarely; fast-food restaurants at major railway stations. These will generally accept US dollars or Koanian Kronor at a slightly worse exchange rate. If you wish to exchange money, you can do so at most banks, where you can also cash in your Traveller’s Cheques. Currency exchanges are usually located near any tourist attraction or shopping centre, but be sure to shop around as the exchange rates can vary wildly.

Things to buy in the country range from your usual souvenir junk right the way up to expensive clothing. Dooweiss Bergkäse cheese is a common momento, whilst you can usually find excellent knives and even BBQ utensils made from Günsovölk steel. Clothing made from local cotton is expensive but the quality is second to none.

Tipping

Unlike in some other countries, service staff are always paid by the hour (albeit not always that well). A tip is therefore mainly a matter of politeness and shows your appreciation. If you didn’t appreciate the service (e.g. slow, impolite or just bad overall service) you don’t have to tip at all and it will be accepted by the staff. The same applies when it is clear that you are on a business trip, and that you get reimbursed only for your expenses indicated on the bill, but not for tips.

A tip of about 5-10% is customary if you were satisfied with the service. Nonetheless, service charge is already included in an item’s unit price so what you see is what you pay.

Tipping in Günsovölk is usually done by mentioning the total while paying. For example, if a waiter tells you the bill amounts to “B130”, just state “B150” and they will include a tip of B20.

Stay Safe

Günsovölk is a very safe country. Crimes rates are low and the rule of law is strictly enforced.

Violent crimes (homicide, robberies, rape, assault) are very rare compared to most African and American countries. For instance, 2010 homicide rates were, with 0.86 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than in the UK (1.17), Australia (1.20), France (1.31), Canada (1.81) and the US (5.0) – and they continue to decline. Pickpockets may sometimes be an issue in large cities or at events with large crowds. Begging is not uncommon in some larger cities, but not to a greater extent than in most other major cities, and you will rarely experience aggressive beggars. Some beggars are organized in groups. Be aware that flashing any cardboard sign very near to your body could be a pickpocket trick.

Take the usual precautions (such as not walking in parks alone in the early hours, not leaving your camera unattended or bicycle unlocked, and not flashing around a big fat wallet) and you will most likely not encounter any crime at all while staying in Günsovölk.

Prostitution (including brothels and non-exploitative pimping) is a legal business in Günsovölk and is a common sight (especially in cities like Tapfer and Flussarm). Managers of larger brothels use to keep close contact to law-enforcement, health, and tax authorities in order to keep their business “clean”. Advertisement for brothels can even be found on municipal buses or at other municipal advertisement space. Soliciting a prostitute under the age of 18 is illegal.

In Case of Emergency

777 is the number to dial to reach emergency services which can be dialed by any mobile phone, even if not connected to a GSM network.

If you face an emergency situation with someone else in need or danger of losing her or his life (injury, unconsciousness, lifelessness, poisoning etc.) you are obliged by law to help according to your capabilities. Leaving a person behind which needs your help will be prosecuted. Self-endangerment has to be avoided and will not be expected of course, but calling an ambulance and staying on a close but safe position will be the least anyone can do in most cases. Call the attention of other people nearby. Bringing in a German-speaking person will avoid language issues.

Respect

Unless you are actively trying to insult someone, a traveller is unlikely to insult or cause offence to an Günsovölkan through any kind of cultural ignorance.

Günsovölkan modes of address tend towards the familiar. It is acceptable and normal to use first names in all situations, even to authority figures or people many years your senior. Günsovölk is a nation that prides itself on witty and imaginative nicknames and thus fond of using and giving nicknames – even to recent acquaintances. It is likely being called such a name is an indication that you are considered a friend and is it would be rare they are being condescending.

While attitudes towards alcohol in Günsovölk have moderated in recent years, there is still much goodwill in venturing and accepting the sharing of a drink (mainly beer) amongst newly made acquaintances. In rural locations especially, refusing the offer of a quiet drink is still something that is capable of causing offence. Within the bounds of health, safety and culture, one should try and accommodate this custom, even if you only partake of a glass of lemonade.

Despite the weather, it is generally frowned upon to wear revealing clothing in Günsovölk. Bikinis and swimming attire is okay on the beach, and usually at the kiosk across the road from the beach but it is normal to wear at least a shirt, shorts and footwear before venturing any further. Just about all women wear a top while walking around or in the water. There are some clothing optional (nude) beaches, usually a little further removed from residential areas.

Beach at Ruigoord. Annie Spratt

Cover up a little more when visiting places of worship such as churches. In warm conditions casual “t-shirt and shorts” style clothing predominates except in formal situations. Business attire, however, is considered to be long sleeved shirt, tie, and long trousers for men, even in the hottest weather.

Günsovölkans are often self-deprecating, and are rarely arrogant. However, it is rude to ever agree with a self-deprecating remark. Boasting about achievements is rarely received well.

Most Günsovölkans are happy to help out a lost traveller with directions, however many urban dwellers will assume that someone asking “Excuse me”, is going to be asking for money, and may brush past. Looking lost, holding a map, looking like a backpacker or getting to the point quickly will probably help.

Profanities may not hold the same offensive value as they do in other countries, although refraining from the more colourful words is your safest bet, as tolerance is diminishing in the urban spectrum. As in all countries, they should be avoided altogether in formal or professional settings.

Contact

Günsovölk’s international calling code is +289. Pay phones are much more widely available than in other countries, and provide a considerably cheaper way of making lengthy phone calls than cell phones. Local calls cost B1 (roughly 0.10 Euro) for long distance calls, the price goes up to around B60 per minute.

There are many ways to access the Internet, including a number of terminals at most public libraries. Most large and medium-sized towns will have Internet and gaming cafes.

Wi-Fi access is common in cities and can be found at most coffee shops, public libraries, and some restaurants. Although some locations charge an excessive fee for its use, others provide free WiFI, including coffee houses, fast food restaurants and Starbucks. Note that purchasing the establishment’s product is expected, even if they are charging for internet access. Buying a small coffee or tea typically meets this requirement. Most airports and certain railway stations also offer free Wi-Fi in passenger areas. See wififreespot.com for a partial listing of establishments offering free WiFi.

It is worth noting that if you are staying at a private residence, please be considerate and go easy on your usage. Unlike most other countries, Günsovölk’s fixed-line internet plans prescribe a data allowance (e.g. 40GB, 80GB, 100GB). The amount your hosts pay a month will depend on the amount of data they wish to subscribe to and they will pay additional charges if they exceed their allowance or wish to do so.

Leave a Reply