βINPUTβ is printed on the label of the charger, AC adapter or the product itself. Plug drawings show the general shape only.
This is for traveling from Japan to Germany. The data is the IEC list (as of June 2025). Some places or buildings may use other types, so treat it as a guide.
| Voltage | Frequency | Plug types | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Japan (for comparison) | 100V | 50 / 60Hz | A, B |
Bring an adapter: Germany uses types C, F (per the IEC list). The list does not include Japan's type A β bring a plug adapter (C, F).
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
PR Example plug adapter (Japanese online stores)
For the C, F sockets here (voltage is not converted)
supports plugs A, B, BF, B3, C, SE, O, O2 and CB (the store's names), rated 6A 250V. It cannot convert voltage and cannot be used in Japan, the page says. Plug types at your destination that differ from Japan's (IEC list): C, F.
supports types A, O, BF, C and SE (the store's names), 100-240V. It does not convert voltage and cannot be used in Japan, the page says. Plug types at your destination that differ from Japan's (IEC list): C, F.
PR π Get ready for Germany (Japanese online store)
Neuschwanstein Castle, the German Wine Route and the Rhine Valley. Itineraries, with Berlin, Munich and the Black Forest.
Lonely Planet Germany (12th edition) (Kindle edition) (Amazon.co.jp) Β· About Kindle guidebooks
| "INPUT" on the product | Result |
|---|---|
| INPUT 100-240V | Voltage: Germany uses 230V. Within the label (100β240V) β no transformer needed |
| INPUT 100V only | Voltage: Germany uses 230V. Outside the label (100V) β do not use it as is. Use a product that supports the voltage in Germany, or use a transformer (check the transformer's manual for which products and wattage it supports) |
Check the "INPUT" label on the charger, AC adapter or the product itself. For hair dryers and irons, see Taking a hair dryer or hair iron abroad; for plug shapes, see How to tell plug types A to N apart.
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Apart from what you can take on the plane, Germany has its own rules for what you bring in when you arrive. Germany is in the EU, so EU rules apply when you arrive from Japan. Only the points most relevant to travelers are listed here.
Tap an item to see the rule.
Meat and dairy products
When entering the EU from a non-EU country, you cannot bring any meat or dairy products. Undeclared meat or dairy products are confiscated and destroyed, and you may also be fined or face criminal prosecution
Fruit, vegetables, flowers, honey, etc.
The EU page says a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables, eggs, egg products and honey may be brought in.
Its table says plants or plant products (including cut flowers) need a phytosanitary certificate; other products that do not contain meat or milk (such as honey) are limited to 2 kg; and powdered infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons are limited to 2 kg (shelf-stable branded products in unbroken packaging)
Alcohol
In addition to 4 liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer: 1 liter of spirits over 22% vol., or 1 liter of alcohol of 80% vol. or over, or 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine duty-free (the last three form one allowance that can be split).
Under 17s have no duty-free allowance for alcohol or tobacco
Tobacco
The EU's higher limit is 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco (you may combine them within the total).
Some countries apply a lower limit (such as 40 cigarettes), but Germany is not in that list on the EU page (the list is described as indicative; check the latest with that country's customs)
Other goods (perfume, etc.)
Arriving by air: up to β¬430 in total duty-free (some countries apply β¬150 for under 15s)
Cash, etc.
Declare to customs β¬10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) in cash, checks and the like, coins with a gold content of at least 90%, and bullion with a gold content of at least 99.5%. Not declaring, or an incorrect declaration, is subject to penalties
"Other goods" for under 15s
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's page says that when entering Germany directly from outside the EU, such as from Japan, short-term visitors under 15 are allowed goods worth up to β¬175
Medicines
Short-term visitors may bring, duty-free, the amount they will take themselves during their stay
Laptops and other expensive items
Items for personal use are generally treated as things you will take home and are not taxed.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's page mentions cases where a laptop carried through the green "nothing to declare" channel was confiscated in a spot check, and where items were taxed because, for example, carrying several laptops seemed unnatural for personal use.
If you are unsure or carry expensive items, it advises explaining at the red channel that you will take them home
If you take cash, checks, etc. equivalent to 1 million yen or more out of Japan, you must also declare them to Japan Customs (per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's page). Rules can change, so check the latest information from German customs and others before you go.
For the duty-free allowance when you return to Japan, see Duty-free allowance when returning to Japan.
Sources (4)
Source: Your Europe (official EU website): "Taking animal products, food or plants with you" (last checked December 23, 2025) (retrieved 2026-09-28)
Source: Your Europe (official EU website): "Rules for carrying alcohol and tobacco in the EU and leaving and entering the EU" (last checked July 30, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-28)
Source: Your Europe (official EU website): "Rules for taking cash in and out of the EU and travelling with cash in the EU" (last checked July 30, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-28)
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety website: "Germany: basic safety information" (last updated February 4, 2026) [in Japanese] (retrieved 2026-09-28)
Handy to have before you go
PR Example travel bottles (Japanese online stores)
For liquids in the cabin on international flights: containers of 100ml or less
capacity 60ml, 1 bottle, polyethylene and polypropylene.
a set of 5 bottles; choose from 30ml, 50ml or 100ml.