Part 1: Arranging Travel To Germany...from the USA to Dusseldorf, Germany

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Wed Oct 11 21:57:49 2000


I first posted this information last September. I am now aware that at least one person is thinking about traveling to Duisburg, Germany to seek an adhesiolysis procedure with Dr. Matthias Korell, one of the best adhesion specialists in the world. So I decided to post this information again, so that this information will be readily available for this person as well as for anyone else, who may have similar thoughts.

In Parts 1-4, Beverly Doucette ( USA ) and Mary Pomroy ( Canada ), share information which was helpful to them last July...when Dr. Matthias Korell ( Duisburg, Germany ) performed an adhesiolysis procedure for Mary.

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1.) PASSPORT : You will need a passport...NOT a visa...when going to Germany! You will find all information as to how to secure a passport at the following web site : http://travel.state.gov/passport_easy.html

To secure a passport, you will need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate - which you can secure at your county court house. It may take up to two months to secure your passport. If you need a passport sooner, you can expedite ( hurry up ) the process for an extra fee.

Your passport will be checked at all airlines as you leave the countries and re-enter them. The only time you will have to go through an actual immigration check with your passport, will be as you leave Germany...and again upon entering the USA. So be sure to keep your passport handy at all times!!

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2.) AIR FARE : A round-trip ticket to Dussledorf is best...because Dusseldorf is only about 15-20 minutes from the hospital in Duisburg. The hospital will provide transportation to and from the airport at no charge!

Air fare is very expensive during prime- time months ( May - October ). During off-season months ( November 1st - April ) a round trip ticket is very reasonable. Call your travel agent for information about round trip air fare to Dusseldorf and also about the time of your flight's departure.

Pack lightly for your trip! We can discuss this issue on a need-to-know basis.

The trip to Germany will take about 8 hours. You will be traveling forward in time going to Germany ...which means that you will lose about 8 hours. So if you can catch some shut-eye on your flight, then you will be pretty well adjusted to the time difference upon your arrival in Germany.

You do not go through customs as you go into Germany...only when re-entering the USA.

You will not go through any type of "customs check" when you arrive in Germany; however, you will be asked to fill out a "custom's form" while on your return flight to the USA.

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3.) CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE : The German Deutsch Mark ( DM ) is worth about one-half the value of the US dollar. For example: $100 in US currency is equal to 200 DMs.

The German Deutsch Mark is used in Germany, the Gillder is used in the Netherlands...and the Eurodollar can be used anywhere in Europe! When taken in enough smaller bills, you will find it very easy to travel freely! Mary and I learned the hard way.

Conversion of money is easily understood! If you need help, Mary or I can assist you in securing Deutsch Marks to pay the hospital and Dr. Korell.

The US dollar is worth more than double the Deutsch Mark ( DM ) - $1000 US dollars is worth about $2200 Deutsch Marks (DMs)...depending upon the rate of currrency exchange at the time.

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4.) INSURANCE :

Some insurance policies have a clause which will cover some out-of-country medical expenses. Check your with your insurance company to see if your policy includes benefits for out-of-country medical expenses.

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Have a safe trip and enjoy Europe while you are there!! You can do that very readily...and you can't beat the hotel rates nor especially the fact that you are going to return home WELL!!


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