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Courtesy of the U.S. Consulate General Munich
More than 6 million people attend Oktoberfest in Munich annually, and many leave with memorable stories to tell. Unfortunately, not all stories are positive. So, how do you guard against misfortune? And, if misfortune should strike, how do you reverse it? Below is a sort of road map to having fun in a safe, secure way. It’s highly recommended that you print this out and keep it on your person, as it contains important directions, phone numbers and websites.
Please keep in mind:
- Keep your passport in a safe place. Make a good, clear copy of your passport to bring with you to the festival. This makes it less likely that your actual passport will be lost or stolen.
- While at Oktoberfest, keep your passport copy, cellphone, money and hotel address on your person, and preferably in a secure pouch or pocket.
- Taking beer mugs from the Oktoberfest tents is considered a criminal offense. You can purchase official mugs that are approved to leave the grounds from vendors.
- Oktoberfest beer is about 40 percent stronger than American beer! A “Maß” (one liter of beer) has the alcohol content of four 12-ounce U.S. mass-produced domestic beers.
- Please note: The Bavarian authorities have a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs.
What to do if …
… you lose your passport: Apply for a replacement at the Consulate (see below map and description for directions). You will need to bring at least $135 (or Euro equivalent), a passport photo, and whatever picture ID you have.
… you lose your money: Contact your family/friends and ask them to send you money via Western Union. Transfers can be made 24/7 online at www.westernunion.com. You can pick up the money either at a Reisebank (located at major train stations or airports) or at the German post office.
… you lose your credit card: Call your credit card company to report it lost or stolen:
Visa: 0800-811-8440
MasterCard: 0800-819-1040
AMEX: +1-336-393-1111 (USA)
At Oktoberfest (Theresienwiese):
- Police and Red Cross are both located at the Servicezentrum (behind the Schottenhamel tent).
- The Lost and Found is located at the Service Center basement, and the entrance is in the “Festleitung.” It is open daily from Sept. 17 through Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. They CANNOT be contacted by telephone; only in person or by email, at Fundbuero.kvr@muenchen.de.
- Sichere Wiesn: Security Point for Women and Girls: If you feel threatened or harassed, or if you simply need information, help or advice, visit the Sichere Wiesn Security Point located below the Bavaria statue in the Service Center (see corresponding graphic below). It is open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Phone: 89-502-22366. Website: www.sicherewiesn.de.
In case of an emergency:
- Police: 110
- Fire Services: 112
- Emergency Medical Services: 112
- Police Station Oktoberfest: +49 89-500-3220
- Red Cross (emergency call, first aid): +49 89-502-22424
The U.S. Consulate General is a short walk from the Odeonsplatz subway station. At the Odeonsplatz Station, take exit C and walk straight on Ludwigstrasse to von-der-Tann Strasse. There, cross the street and turn right on von-der-Tann Strasse. Walk down the left side of the street toward the Englischer Garten. The Consulate is located at the corner of von-der-Tann-Strasse and Königinstrasse.
Click on image for a larger version.
Click on image for a larger version.
Be sure to check out our list of 15 tips for a fun, safe Oktoberfest 2016, also courtesy of the U.S. Consulate General in Munich.
