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1.) PASSPORT : You will need a passport - NOT a visa - when going to Germany! The information at the following website will help you in your pursuit of a passport:
http://travel.state.gov/passport_easy.html
To secure a passport, you need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate. 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. (We had our passports expedited for an additional fee; and received them within 2 weeks.)
Your passport will be checked at all airlines - as you leave the countries and re-enter them. The only time you will need your passport (to go through an actual immigration check) 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, Germany.
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.
The hospital will provide transportation to and from the airport - at no charge!
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3.) CUSTOM'S CHECK : You will NOT have to go through a custom's check when you arrive in Germany (only when you return home).
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4.) 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 DM - depending upon the rate of currency exchange at the time.
Please note: Dr. Korell would prefer his payment in a Cashier's Check or a Money Order upon his patient's return home!!!
The Deutsch Mark is used in Germany, the Gillder is used in the Netherlands, and the Eurodollar can be used anywhere in Europe!
Conversion of money is easy to understand! If you need help, I will do my best to help you.
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5.) INSURANCE : Some insurance policies have a clause which will cover some out-of-country medical expenses. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy includes benefits for out-of-country medical expenses.
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