Originally Posted by
xicanaloa
Hi all. First time visitor to Europe. Heading to Kaiserslautern to stay for two months (yay!). Frankfurt is nearest airport AFIK. Have no idea where to start as far as travel to get there and once I arrive! Never been out of the US. I have been to local towns in MX but that's a whole different experience.
I am sure that will be a great experience. :-)
Trip is approximately Sept 23-Dec13 or so (dates flexible, but I have to be there no later than Sept 28th, return date is open). I have my passport in hand and working on my German! (I speak English and Spanish). And I have a ride from FRA to KS arranged and I have accommodations when I arrive.
If you have a ride from the airport to your destination in KS, that will be the best way to go. Going by trains would be possible, but I think it will be easier for the start, if you have someone to drive you.
But, seriously, I am thinking of flying into another city and take a train or other public transport to KS.
I would not do that. First, I think you should do the exploring later, when you have reached you destination and have some spare time. Within the two months this should be possible, right?
Hopefully this is affordable and allows me to see some landscape on the way, meet people, etc.? Suggested cities for arrival? Or better just to fly to FRA?
Fly to FRA.
Should I plan on using only cash when I get to EUR?
First, in Germany, Kredit Cards are not as widely accepted as in the US. It is better to have some cash. You will find ATM nearly everywhere so the best thing to do is getting some cash after arrival. I don't know if you can get a local debit card. Maybe you should ask your company.
Better to buy my att international mobile plan or buy a local mobile when I arrive?
I would suggest getting a prepaid plan after arrival. It is not expensive and easy to get.
For international calls I also would recommend skype (out).
HTH