Hanovre Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Hanovre.
Healthcare System
Germany has one of the world's best healthcare systems, and Hannover offers excellent medical facilities with highly trained professionals. The system is primarily insurance-based, combining statutory and private insurance. EU citizens can access care using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU visitors will need to pay upfront or use travel insurance.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) - one of Germany's leading university hospitals, Klinikum Region Hannover, and Friederikenstift. Private clinics and 24-hour emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) are available. Most hospitals have staff who speak English, especially in emergency departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are marked with a red 'A' sign and are widely available throughout the city. Regular hours are typically Monday-Saturday, with rotating 24-hour emergency pharmacies (Notdienst-Apotheke). Many common medications require prescriptions in Germany that might be over-the-counter elsewhere. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide medical advice for minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors and mandatory for visa applications. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card. Without insurance or EHIC, you must pay upfront for treatment, which can be expensive.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter, as German regulations may differ
- The emergency pharmacy rotation schedule (Apothekennotdienst) is posted at all pharmacies and available at www.hannover.de
- Medical costs must often be paid upfront; keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement
- Dental care is expensive and often not fully covered by travel insurance; consider dental coverage
- Download the German emergency app 'Nora' for easier emergency service contact, including location sharing
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and during major trade fairs when the city is busiest. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Bicycle theft is relatively common in Hannover, as cycling is a popular mode of transportation. Both rental and private bikes are targeted, especially when poorly secured.
Hannover has extensive cycling infrastructure and pedestrian zones, but accidents can occur due to unfamiliarity with German traffic rules. Cyclists, trams, and cars share many roads.
Winter can bring icy conditions and occasional heavy snowfall; summer may have severe thunderstorms with heavy rain and strong winds.
While Germany has a responsible drinking culture, alcohol-related incidents can occur in nightlife areas, particularly on weekends. Intoxicated individuals may be targets for theft or scams.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions for charities or causes. While the victim is distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket them, or they're pressured to donate money after signing.
Some unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or quote inflated flat rates, especially from the airport or train station.
Fake apartment listings on rental sites during major trade fairs when accommodation is scarce. Scammers collect deposits for non-existent properties or properties they don't own.
Criminals attach card-reading devices and hidden cameras to ATMs to steal card information and PINs, then clone cards for fraudulent use.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals bags, wallets, or phones.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation Safety
- Validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines (€60); plain-clothes inspectors are common
- Keep valuables secure on crowded trains and buses, especially U-Bahn lines 3, 7, and 9
- Be aware of your surroundings at Steintor and Raschplatz stations late at night
- Emergency call buttons are available in all U-Bahn stations and on platforms
- Purchase tickets from machines or GVH app; groups and day passes offer good value
- Night buses (N-lines) operate when regular service stops; routes are well-lit and safe
Cycling Safety
- Rent bikes from reputable companies like Stadtrad or hotel services
- Always use bike lanes (marked in red); cycling on sidewalks is prohibited and can be fined
- Helmets are not mandatory but strongly recommended
- Use lights at night (legally required); bikes must have working brakes and bell
- Follow traffic signals; cyclists must obey the same rules as cars
- Be especially careful around tram tracks; cross at right angles to avoid wheel catching
Money and Valuables
- Germany is still largely cash-based; carry some euros but not excessive amounts
- Credit cards are increasingly accepted but not universal; Maestro/EC cards more common than Visa/Mastercard
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Keep emergency cash separate from main wallet
- Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocking
- Carry small denominations; some places won't break large bills (€100, €200)
Communication
- Download offline maps before arrival; Google Maps works well in Hannover
- Free WiFi available at many cafes, shopping centers, and public spaces, but use VPN for security
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable data; available at electronics stores and kiosks
- Emergency number 112 works even without SIM card or credit
- Learn basic German phrases; English is widely spoken but appreciated effort helps
- Tourist Information offices at Hauptbahnhof and Ernst-August-Platz provide maps and assistance
Accommodation Safety
- Book hotels in central areas like City Center, Mitte, or near Maschsee for better safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Keep room keys secure; don't leave them at restaurant tables
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Note emergency exits when checking in
- During trade fairs, book well in advance as accommodation becomes scarce and expensive
Event and Crowd Safety
- During major trade fairs (Hannover Messe, CeBIT), crowds increase significantly; be extra vigilant
- Maschseefest (summer lake festival) attracts large crowds; secure belongings and agree on meeting points
- Christmas markets are generally safe but crowded; watch for pickpockets
- Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) is world's largest of its kind; plan transportation in advance
- For Hannover 96 football matches, avoid wearing opposing team colors in fan areas
- Follow police instructions during any public gatherings or demonstrations
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Hannover is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Germany has strong gender equality, and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable. Harassment is relatively rare compared to many other destinations, though standard precautions should be taken, especially at night in nightlife areas. The city has good lighting, reliable public transportation, and helpful locals.
- Public transportation is safe at all hours, but consider taxis late at night if you feel uncomfortable
- Dress as you would in any Western European city; no specific dress code, though modest dress is standard
- Trust your instincts; Germans generally respect personal space and boundaries
- Solo dining is completely normal and you won't receive unwanted attention
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends/family when out late
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or through parks after dark
- If harassed, German bystanders will typically intervene or help; don't hesitate to ask for assistance
- Women-only taxi services are available if preferred (search 'Frauentaxi Hannover')
- Bars and clubs in Steintor and Linden are generally safe but watch drinks and stay with friends
- Emergency apps like 'Nora' allow silent emergency calls if needed
- Pharmacies can provide emergency contraception without prescription if needed
- German culture is direct but not threatening; brief eye contact or acknowledgment is normal, not harassment
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Germany has strong LGBTQ+ rights protections. Same-sex marriage is legal (since 2017), discrimination is illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals have comprehensive legal protections. Hannover is in progressive Lower Saxony state.
- Annual CSD (Christopher Street Day) Pride takes place in June with parade and festivities
- Steintor district has several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs, including Schwule Sau and Bronco's
- LGBTQ+ community center 'Andersraum' provides information and resources (Asternstraße 2)
- Most hotels and businesses are LGBTQ+-friendly; discrimination is illegal and rare
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe; meet in public places first
- Public displays of affection are generally safe but use judgment in late-night areas or with intoxicated individuals
- German bureaucracy recognizes same-sex partnerships for all purposes
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory
- If you experience discrimination, it can be reported to police or Antidiskriminierungsstelle
- Linden neighborhood is particularly liberal and LGBTQ+-friendly
- University areas tend to be more progressive and welcoming
- While generally safe, avoid excessive displays of affection in areas with known conservative populations or late at night in isolated areas
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for visiting Hannover, despite Germany's excellent healthcare system. While medical care quality is exceptional, it's also expensive for those without European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC). Non-EU visitors will pay full private rates upfront. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions, which is particularly important during trade fair seasons when rebooking can be difficult and expensive.
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