Andere Länder, Andere Sitten

[Armin]

Next month two of my colleagues and I expect to be in Stuttgart on business.  I have never been to Germany and it has been quite a few years since I have been anywhere in Europe.  I am looking for information on customs, particularly business customs, as well as things like what gratuities are expected in hotels and restaurants.

Our company's business attire is jeans and t-shirt (for more formal occasions).  In addition I plan to pack a skirt and jacket, some sweaters, and to bring a bathing suit and winter coat.

Advice on food is welcome too!
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Some additions:

As Assur mentioned, business attire is generally expected to be formal. A suit and tie (for men) and a skirt, blouse and jacket (for women) the usual uniform for negotiations. UNLESS you're in the IT or some "creative" business (advertisement, music or TV and the like). Then you can pretty much get away with a loincloth :P
Also, being American, you'll be cut some more slack, as your German business partners will know that dress code is a lot less formal in the US.

But you certainly can't overdress ;)

Punctuality, yes, even if cliche, is still a German virtue :whistling:

Tipping in restaurants is generally less than in the US, as service IS included in all prices (and the prices, you'll notice, show B) ). Most people round up to the next full Euro, more than 10% only if service was exeptionally good.
In hotels, leaving a tip for the maid is not the custom, neither is tipping the desk clerk. A Euro for the bellhop carrying your luggage might be in order, though.

As for Stuttgart itself (I've been there a few times lately) heed Assur's warning: It can, on occasion, be bitter cold on the Swabian Alb in November. I've spent my basic military training there from October to December, trust me, I know :P. More likely, though is rain and fog. Also, from all German cities I know Stuttgart is probably the worst to navigate with a car if you're a stranger. Use a cab or bus/streetcar rather than a rental car. Several major roads run underground in Stuttgart, and even after the 3rd time there I still tend to get lost. Finding a place to park can be a nightmare anyway. :P

Often, in big german cities, it's easier to find a good Italian, Thai, Chinese or Greek Restaurant than a good "traditionally" German one. In Swabia, try "Spätzle" that's kind of the "regional national dish". Type of hand-made, thick pasta that I prefer to spaghetti any day :rolleyes: . Prices in restaurants are generally VERY high compared to the US.

The traditional German fast foods (Bratwurst and Currywurst) have been pretty much replaced by "Döner Kebap", brought by immigrants from Turkey. In most cities, it's easier nowadays to find a Döner stand than a McDonalds... :D

Say, if your company's attire is jeans and t-shirt for more formal occasions, what do you wear to casual occasions? Bikinis? :P