Located in the heart of Europe, Düsseldorf is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state. Over 9 million people live within 30 miles of Düsseldorf, and nearly 30 million live within a 90-mile radius.

Because of its location and population, Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s leading centers of business, transportation, culture, and recreation.

For comprehensive information about everything Düsseldorf has to offer, click here.

• MDNA's Official Travel Agency
  TTI Travel, Inc.

• What You Need to Know Before You Arrive
  Changing Money, Cash / Credit Cards / Travelers Checks, Telephones, The Climate, Local News and Media

• Arrival in Düsseldorf
  By Air, By Rail, By Automobile

• Local Transportation to the Show
  Modes of Public and Private Transportation, Including Subways, Streetcars, Buses, and Taxis

• Things to do in Düsseldorf
  Dining, Shopping, Museums, Nightlife 

Changing Money
Changing money has never been easier!  With familiar Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) throughout Germany, changing your home currency into Euros is as simple and convenient as getting cash at home.  In fact, you'll likely get a more favorable rate of exchange at an ATM than by going to the cashier window at a local bank or major hotel, both of which will charge a fee of the service and often time offer varying rates of exchange.

Banks and major hotels are usually your only option for changing money if you are carrying cash or travelers checks.  There are banks conveniently located at the airport and on-site at the fairgrounds.

Try and estimate in advance how much cash you think you'll need during your stay in Germany, since you'll be charged for changing Euros back into your home currency upon your departure.  And be aware that only paper money can be exchanged, not coins.

To find the current rate of exchange, click on:  XE.com Currency Converter

Cash, Credit Cards, and Travelers Checks
In Germany, cash is the predominant method of payment.  Travelers Checks are also wide accepted.  At most regular shops and restaurants, however, payment with a major credit card is not universally accepted, so be sure to check before attempting to make your purchase!  Most hotels and many upscale restaurants will accept payment by credit card.

Telephone
Public pay phones in Germany are always easy to find and conveniently located, however, most do not accept coins.

Virtually every public pay phone is operated using prepaid Deutsche Telekom phone cards know as "Telefonkarten"  These cards are sold at post offices and most newspaper stands and tobacco shops, and can be purchased with various prepaid values.

When making a call from a public pay phone, simply insert your prepaid calling card and dial your number.  The electronic display on the pay phone will indicate the remaining value of your card and continuously deducts from it as you speak.  After you hang up, you can then remove your card.

The Climate
You can be certain that the weather in Düsseldorf will be predictably unpredictable. Like all of northern Europe, rain can move in at a moment’s notice, so don’t forget to pack your umbrella and raincoat!  Much like the climate in the many areas of the northern United States and Canada, you can expect wet cool springs, pleasantly mild summers, crisp falls, and cold winters.

Click here for the current weather forecast for Düsseldorf. 

Local News and Media
You’ll find Germans to be very well informed and up-to-date on current events, politics, and sports.  You’ll undoubtedly be able to establish rapport with your German counterparts, business associates, and acquaintances if you’re able to converse about topics of local importance.  Be sure to take a look at the following English-language news links from Germany to find out more about what’s currently going on.

Deutsche Welle (Television/Radio Media)                    

Deutschland Online (Internet News Magazine)

By Air

 

By Rail

Traveling by rail in Europe is quick, efficient, and affordable.  Germany’s Deutsche Bahn passenger railway offers punctual and comfortable service to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in downtown Düsseldorf, as well as the Düsseldorf International Airport.  Deutsche Bahn also offers a host of reduced fares.  For example, under certain circumstances a group of six or more can receive a 40-65% discount.

From the main train station, the U78 and U79 subway / trams will get you to and from the Düsseldorf fairgrounds in approximately 20 minutes. (And once in Düsseldorf, your exhibitor pass and/or your admission ticket doubles as your ticket for travel on all subways, streetcars, and buses within the city's public transportation network!)

From the train station at the airport, it takes less than ten minutes by bus (No. 896) or by taxi to arrive at the nearby Düsseldorf Fairgrounds.

By Automobile

	Düsseldorf is surrounded by a dense highway (Autobahn) network, and can be easily reached from anywhere in Europe.  Detailed, easy-to-follow signs will lead the way. Coming westward from the A3 highway on the A44 highway, follow Messe Düsseldorf’s own access road to its  large-scale parking lots, equipped with 20,000 parking spaces. Complimentary shuttle buses will take you from the parking lots to all entrances and back within a few short minutes. Effective February 2009:  New environmental regulations have been established for the center-city of Düsseldorf, and only vehicles displaying a valid emission sticker (red, green or yellow) can enter the inner zone of the city.  Any vehicles without a sticker that are driven into the center city could be subject to a traffic misdemeanor and a fine of 40 Euros. The Düsseldorf Fairgrounds and its designated parking lots and parking areas, as well as the main routes leading to those locations ARE NOT included within the low emission zone. PDF Download of Information Flyer (English)
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Your exhibitor pass and/or your admission ticket doubles as your ticket for travel within Düsseldorf’s regional public transportation network!font>

The home to 575,000 people, Düsseldorf extends along both banks of the world-famous Rhine River.  Be sure to take a leisurely stroll along the Rheinufer Promenade and watch the numerous ships and barges plying the swift waters of the river, and then go exploring in the Old City (Altstadt), with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and numerous shops, churches, restaurants, and bars.  If upscale shopping interests you, don't miss the fashionable Königsallee (also known simply as the “Kö”) just on the other edge of the Old City.

Whatever your interests, Düsseldorf will not disappoint!