Wireless Access in Europe, connection difficulties

I live in the Uk and own a HP Pavillion dv6000 laptop, I use this laptop to full effect in the UK with no connection or network difficulties whatsoever. However y relatives live in Germany and whenever I go to visit them I have problems accessing their wireless network despite having full permission and all necessary security codes etc. My father tells me it is because I am using a UK laptop and that he had to take his to a shop and pay 40 euros to have something done that would make it work on the wireless. Is there anything I can do from home before going that may allow me access? Thanks for your suggestions.

p.s. wired internet connection works fine , just means i have to sit by the phone.