Hanover Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Hanover.
Healthcare System
Hanover operates under Germany's world-class healthcare system, offering both public and private medical facilities. The city has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical practices with highly trained staff and modern equipment. Emergency care is available 24/7, and many medical professionals speak English.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH, one of Germany's leading university hospitals), Klinikum Region Hannover, and several specialized clinics. Emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) accept walk-ins. Private hospitals and clinics offer services with shorter wait times. Most hospitals have staff who speak English, especially in emergency departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are widely available throughout Hanover, marked with a red 'A' sign. Regular hours are typically Monday-Saturday, with rotating 24-hour emergency pharmacy service (Notdienst). Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice on minor ailments. Many over-the-counter medications available elsewhere require prescriptions in Germany. The 'Apotheken-Notdienst' app or website shows which pharmacies are open after hours.
Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Germany. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors must have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs can be very high without coverage. Proof of insurance may be required for visa applications.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or insurance documents with you at all times
- Prescriptions from outside Germany may not be valid; bring sufficient medication supplies or get a German prescription
- Save the location of the nearest hospital and 24-hour pharmacy to your accommodation
- Many common medications (pain relievers, antihistamines) require pharmacy consultation even if over-the-counter
- Medical services must often be paid upfront and claimed back through insurance; keep all receipts
- The 116 117 number can help you find English-speaking doctors for non-emergency situations
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and during major events and trade fairs when the city population swells. Thieves typically work in teams and target distracted tourists. Bicycle theft is also common throughout the city.
Hanover is a very bicycle-friendly city with extensive cycling infrastructure, but accidents can occur if visitors are unfamiliar with German cycling rules. Pedestrians stepping into bike lanes and cyclists not following traffic signals are common causes of incidents.
Hanover's nightlife areas can see alcohol-related disturbances, particularly on weekends. While violent crime remains rare, intoxicated individuals may become loud, aggressive, or engage in minor altercations.
German traffic laws are strictly enforced. Jaywalking (crossing against signals) can result in fines of €5-10, and cyclists breaking rules face higher fines. Pedestrians must use crosswalks where available and obey traffic signals.
Hanover experiences typical Northern European weather with cold winters (occasionally below freezing with snow and ice) and warm summers. Occasional summer storms can be intense. Winter ice can make sidewalks hazardous.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards claiming to collect for charities, asking for signatures and donations. Some may use this as a distraction for pickpocketing partners, or pressure victims into 'donations' that never reach any charity.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at the train station or airport may offer rides at inflated prices or take unnecessarily long routes. Some legitimate taxis may claim their meter is broken and quote excessive flat rates.
Though rare in Germany, criminals occasionally attach skimming devices to ATMs to capture card information and PIN codes, later using this data to clone cards.
Scammers posing as ticket inspectors on public transport demand on-the-spot 'fines' for invalid tickets, pocketing the cash. Real inspectors wear official identification and issue formal receipts.
Fake apartment or hotel listings appear on booking sites, especially during major trade fairs when accommodation is scarce. Victims pay deposits for non-existent properties.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation
- Always validate tickets before boarding to avoid €60 fines; inspectors conduct frequent checks
- Keep belongings close and zipped on crowded trams and buses, especially during trade fair periods
- Avoid empty train cars late at night; sit near the driver or in cars with other passengers
- Stay behind the yellow line on U-Bahn platforms
- Purchase tickets from machines or the GVH app; single tickets must be validated in red machines
- Keep your ticket until you've completely exited the system; inspectors can check at exits
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers
- Keep emergency numbers and your hotel's address in German saved on your phone
- During major trade fairs, book accommodation well in advance to avoid scams and price gouging
- Check reviews of vacation rentals carefully; scam listings increase during Messe events
Money and Valuables
- Germany is still largely cash-based; carry some euros but not excessive amounts
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Many smaller establishments don't accept cards; always have cash backup
Communication
- Download offline maps of Hanover before arrival
- Learn basic German phrases; English is widely spoken but appreciated when you try German first
- Save emergency numbers in your phone with 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) prefix
- Free WiFi is available in many cafes, but use VPN for sensitive transactions
- Purchase a local SIM card or EU roaming plan for reliable communication
- Tourist information centers can provide assistance in multiple languages
Cultural Awareness
- Germans value punctuality, quietness in public spaces, and following rules
- Jaywalking is frowned upon and can be fined; locals will wait for signals even with no traffic
- Sunday is a rest day; most shops are closed except restaurants and some tourist attractions
- Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are typically 22:00-06:00 and all day Sunday; avoid loud noise
- Recycling is taken seriously; learn the system (paper, plastic, glass, organic, general waste)
- Tipping is customary (5-10%) but not obligatory; round up or add to bill
During Trade Fairs (Messe)
- Book accommodation and transport well in advance; prices increase significantly
- Expect larger crowds, especially at Hauptbahnhof and on public transport
- Be extra vigilant against pickpockets during major events like CeBIT, Hannover Messe
- Allow extra time for travel as public transport becomes very crowded
- Some restaurants and services may be fully booked; make reservations
- Hotel rates can triple during major fairs; consider staying in nearby towns
Cycling Safety
- Bikes must have working lights (white front, red rear) and reflectors; police enforce this
- Use hand signals when turning; right arm extended for right turns, left for left turns
- Cyclists must use bike lanes where available; riding on sidewalks is prohibited for adults
- Lock bikes securely; theft is common even in short-term parking
- Helmets are not mandatory but strongly recommended
- Cycling under influence of alcohol is illegal and can result in fines or license suspension
Emergency Preparedness
- Know your exact address in German; emergency services need precise locations
- Keep your accommodation address written in German for taxi drivers
- Familiarize yourself with the nearest hospital emergency room location
- Download the German emergency app 'Nora' for text-based emergency contact
- Keep a list of your medications' generic names in case you need replacements
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Hanover is very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Germany has strong gender equality, and women traveling alone are a common sight. Harassment is relatively rare and generally limited to occasional catcalling in nightlife areas. Women can comfortably use public transport, dine alone, and explore the city at all hours with normal urban precautions. The city has good street lighting, reliable public transport, and helpful locals.
- Solo dining and traveling is completely normal; you won't receive unwanted attention in restaurants or cafes
- Public transport is safe at night, but sit in cars with other passengers when traveling late
- Trust your instincts; Germans respect personal space and boundaries
- Dress as you would in any modern European city; there are no specific dress codes
- If harassed, Germans are generally helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance
- Women-only taxi services are available if preferred (Frauennachttaxi programs)
- Jogging alone during daylight in parks is common and generally safe
- Keep phone charged and share location with friends when out late
- Nightlife venues are generally respectful; bouncers will intervene if needed
- Solo accommodation in hostels and hotels is safe; use door locks and safes
- Emergency contraception is available from pharmacies; some may require consultation
- Women's health services are excellent; gynecologists available without referral
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Germany has strong LGBTQ+ protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited, and hate crimes are prosecuted. Hanover specifically has anti-discrimination ordinances and active LGBTQ+ community support.
- LGBTQ+ travelers can be open about their orientation/identity without significant concern
- The Nordstadt and Linden districts have particularly LGBTQ+-friendly atmospheres
- Several LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and community centers operate openly (Schwule Sau, Bronco's, etc.)
- Same-sex couples can book double rooms without issues at all hotels
- Public hand-holding and modest affection is generally accepted throughout the city
- CSD Hanover (usually June) is a major pride celebration worth timing your visit for
- LGBTQ+ health services and support groups are available through local organizations
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe; take normal online dating precautions
- Gender-neutral/accessible bathrooms are increasingly common in modern venues
- Legal protections are strong; report any discrimination to police who take it seriously
- Trans travelers can use bathrooms matching their gender identity
- Queer youth center (SCHLAU Niedersachsen) offers resources and information
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Hanover and Germany. While healthcare quality is excellent, costs are very high for uninsured visitors. A simple emergency room visit can cost hundreds of euros, and hospital stays can reach thousands per day. Additionally, trip cancellations, especially during trade fair periods when accommodation is expensive and non-refundable, can result in significant financial loss. Germany requires proof of health insurance for visa applications and may check at borders.
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