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As elsewhere in Germany, the emergency phone numbers are 112 for ambulance and fire brigade, and 110 for the police. These can be dialled free of charge from public phone boxes.

Berlin is a fairly safe city. As in any other metropolis, however, you are advised to follow a few golden rules. Keep an eye on your valuables, such as your wallet or handbag, at all times, especially on U- and S-Bahn trains and on buses. At night, the following areas are best avoided: the area behind the Gedächtnis-Kirche, U-Bahn line U9 north of the Zoo, the districts Lichtenberg (especially the station) and Friedrichshain. Eastern areas can be less safe; black or openly homosexual visitors are also advised not to take the S-Bahn at night east of Alexanderplatz or to Brandenburg.

Ask the hotel to place your documents and valuables in a safe if possible, or carry them close to your body. Even if you are making a short visit, it is worth taking out insurance unless you are already covered by your household insurance. Be sure to inform the police immediately of any theft; you’ll usually easily find police officers patrolling the streets in the centre.

The Zentrales Fundbüro (central lost-property office) keeps anything that has been lost and found anywhere in Berlin. If you have lost an item on public transport, enquire with the Fundbüro der BVG. The Fundbüro der Deutschen Bahn AG is responsible for all items lost on the S-Bahn or the railways.

Visitors from EU countries are covered for emergency treatment, but British visitors should obtain form E111 from a post office before leaving home. Non-EU visitors should buy special travel insurance to cover medical emergencies.

There are numerous Apotheken (chemists or pharmacies) all over town. After 8pm, an emergency phone line will give you information on where to find the nearest open chemist.

The dental emergency phone line will refer you to the nearest dentist for treatment.

There are several other important numbers for emergencies, which usually operate throughout the night. These will provide telephone advice or inform you of other emergency services if necessary.

Foreign visitors who have lost their passport or need legal advice or help with their visa should contact their embassy (see Planning your Trip) .

Berlin is quite safe for women on their own, but avoid parks and dark, quiet streets at night, as well as the outer districts of East Berlin.