Oktoberfest Tips

Oktoberfest is a wonderful festival, but it can be overwhelming on your first visit and even dangerous at times.  A bit of advance knowledge can go a long way to making the day enjoyable.  The most important thing to remember is to know your alcohol limit and avoid drinking too much.  There is ample security and medical personnel at the Oktoberfest, most of whom speak English.  Below are some more tips to help you enjoy the day and keep you safe.  

• The beer at Oktoberfest is strong. “But I drink all the time. I’ve got a decent tolerance,” I hear you say. That may be true where you live, but the beer you’ll be served at the Wies’n is probably much stronger than what you’re used to. Drink carefully.
• Order water or another non-alcoholic beverege every 2-3 drinks if you want to stay all day.
• Have a heavy, filling breakfast. It helps mitigate how fast the alcohol gets into your system, not to mention it saves you money if you don’t have to order your chicken immediately.
• As you'd expect at an event with so many people, theft is common.  Keep your belongings close to you at all times and only bring what's absolutely necessary.  
• Listen and be respectful to security guards and all other Oktoberfest workers.
• Write down the address and phone number of your accommodations beforehand. If you get separated from the group it can help you find your way home.
• It’s a good idea to keep your mobile phone with you, even if you have to pay roaming fees. You might also want to save the number of your host.
• You won’t need your passport at Oktoberfest. It’s best to just make a copy before coming if you’re concerned about having ID.
• Leave your credit cards and passport at home. As a friend put it best, “Losing cash sucks, but losing your credit card is worse. “ The vendors don’t take credit cards, anyway, so you wouldn’t be able to use them.
• Along with that, make sure you get cash before arriving at the festival grounds. As you would expect, the ATM’s there have some pretty hefty fees.
• If you’re a woman, don’t go anywhere by yourself, especially after a few beers. Don’t assume that you’ll be safe because of the number of people around.

For more Oktoberfest advice and tips, check out Enjoying Oktoberfest, written by one of our members.