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pfsk1994
Traveller
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Posted 8 years ago

This is a bit complicated so I will try explain it as best I can.

A EuRail pass would be ideal for me this summer travelling extensively around Germany (ICE, RegionalBahn, etc.) but will be doing a trip to the south of France as well.

I hold a German passport and the official ID Card, but have in fact never lived in Germany before. I have been studying in Canada for the past 3 years and have a valid student visa, and ALSO (due to where my family is living), have a Qatari 'Residence ID' card that is also currently valid.

Is there anyway I can be eligible for a EuRail pass, despite my German passport and ID. Seeing has I have been living abroad (and could even get a stamp from a German Embassy proving that), could I show my Qatari 'Residence ID' and be legally using a EuRail pass?

The problems:
A) The Qatari Resident card has a line that reads 'Nationality - Germany'
B) If they ask for a passport, I would have to show them the German one. *I could still have a stamp saying I have not lived there for past ______ years.

This query can also be applied to the Interrail pass, with the main restriction being that you can't use it in your own country. Same points as before apply.

Can anyone give me any advice/knowledge on how to approach this. Or am I just screwed as it is?

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Flo
Traveller
10723 comments

replied 8 years ago

Hi!

In the case of residency in country A but passport/ID card of country B you normally require to take govermental proof of residency with you when travelling with the passport of country B.
IMO it should be no problem to get a Eurail pass with country of residence either Canada or Qatar using either German pass/ID or your Qatari ID. As long as you carry proof of residence for your home country it doesnt matter which pass/ID you take with you.

Anyway...what are you travel plans? There probably will be available a rail pass for Germany this summer again (an official announcement should follow soon, inofficial info have already been leaked) which might be better value for you - for your trip to France buy regular tickets then.


Flo 8)

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ntrain
Traveller
123 comments

replied 8 years ago

For the last 5-6 yrs DB has offered a 1 monthpass unlimited travel pass for DE alone, names change every year-last year Deutschladpass, for about 300/400 eur for 2nd/1st cl and valid in all trains that also accept the normal landestickets etc. Anyone can buy. also germans.