Advice for Expats Living in German-speaking Europe
Welcome to your guide to daily life in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We’ll help you with questions related to working and living in Germany or one of the other German-speaking countries. For all of our topics, see the menu on the left, or select one of the items below. You can find even more information on many subjects in our Topic Index and Expat “How To” Guides.
A yellow “Metro” tram leaves Berlin’s Alexanderplatz station. It’s easy to get around in Berlin without a car. PHOTO: Hyde Flippo
Expat Checklists
• Expat Checklist 1 (Before You Go)
• Expat Checklist 2 (After You’re There)
• Expat Repatriation – Re-entry or moving on when the assignment’s over
| Get the Book Germany for Beginners: The German Way Expat Guidebook – written by expats for expats. Learn from people who have been there and done that. |
Expat Topics: Living in Germany
Cultural Comparisons
Organized by topic, these charts compare life and customs in the USA versus Germany.
Electrical Facts
Plugs, sockets, 230 volts, 50Hz AC, transformers, and all that stuff.
Cell Phones in Europe
Using a mobile phone (ein Handy) in Germany – with options for expats.
German Television
Watching TV in Germany: Solutions for expats.
Getting a Residence Permit for Germany
Who needs one? How do you apply? What documents do you need?
Having a Baby in Germany: Prenatal Care (Part 1) and…
Having a Baby in Germany: Giving Birth (Part 2)
A two-part guide with advice from two expat moms in Germany
A Guide to Healthy Living and Eating in Germany
When compared to 162 other nations on life expectancy, causes of death, and environmental factors, Germany ranks 16th in the world, far ahead of many nations, including the United States. Why is that?
Health Care in Germany
One requirement for a residence permit in Germany is proof of health insurance. What you need to know about the German health care system.
House and Home
How are German houses or apartments different from those in North America?
| MORE at the German Way Expat “How To” Guides All of our step-by-step “How To” guides for expats in Germany |
German Driver’s License Reciprocity
How to get a German driver’s license (for US and Canadian citizens). You can only drive legally with your North American license for six months in Germany. Then you need a German license.
The Identity Card (der Ausweis) and Other Red Tape
Germans need one, but if you hold a non-German passport, you don’t. However, expats do need to know about Anmeldung and Abmeldung.
The German Notary – der Notar
Although the English word “notary” has the same Latin root as German Notar, they are two very different things. Most expats encounter a Notar when they buy real estate.
The iPhone in Germany
How to use your iPhone in Germany: roaming in Europe, buying advice, finding a German wireless carrier, and more. Also see: Cell Phones in Europe
Moving to Germany: The Top 10 Things to Consider
A useful guide for would-be expats.
Moving to Germany: Tips for Your Overseas Move
Some specific advice on overseas moving.
Public Transport in Germany
Getting around locally via S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus, and tram. The ins and outs of using public transport.
Shopping in Germany
You may think that shopping is shopping, but you’d be wrong. German shopping hours and other commercial customs vary greatly from what you may be used to. Also see Grocery Shopping in Germany for more on shopping for food.
Train Travel in Germany
Local, regional, national and international rail service means you may be able to get by without a car in Europe. Local and regional public transportation is particularly good in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
More | Topic Index
Related Pages
AT THE GERMAN WAY
- Banks and Money in Germany
- Taking Dogs or Cats to Germany – Guidelines for taking your pet to Germany
- Electrical Facts – 230 volts, 50Hz, and all that
- Expat “How To” Guides – All of our “How To” guides for expats in Germany
- Having a Baby in Germany: Prenatal Care (Part 1) and Having a Baby in Germany: Giving Birth (Part 2) – Advice from two expat moms in Germany
- The identity card – der Ausweis
- Public Transport in Germany – Getting around locally via S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus, and tram
- German Way Expat Blog – by expats for expats
- German Way Expat Forum – Share with people who have been there and done that.
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