Ten things to do in your first week of living in Germany
From getting a SIM card to buying your first currywurst, here’s our list of 10 things you need to do during your first week in Germany.
Germany is a beautiful country to visit, whether you’re headed for the cool neighborhoods in old Berlin or a village on the Black Forest. There are some things you can do in your first week of moving to this huge country.
Even for experienced expats, the first few days in Germany can be a rollercoaster ride. It can be difficult to navigate everyday life in a foreign country, such as finding your way to your local German supermarket, or the bus route to your office. Here are 10 things to do in your first week of living in Germany.
1. Find your new German home
So you have arrived on German soil. Now what? You will need to find somewhere to stay unless you are fortunate enough to have your accommodation booked in advance. There are many options available for refugees looking for shelter in Germany. You might consider a vacation rental or serviced apartment for a temporary fix. Serviced apartments are available in many of Germany’s major cities. They cater to international tourists. You can find short-term holiday rentals online, but this is not the best option for smaller towns.
Are you looking for something more permanent? You might be interested in renting property in Germany. The average rent price varies widely across the country. However, you will pay more in major cities like Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt. You might consider purchasing a property in Germany if you are looking for a longer-term investment. You might consider researching the local property portals online before you make your decision. This will help you to understand what you can expect and give you an idea of how to proceed before you contact an agent.
All residents of Germany must register at the address (Anmelden), if they plan to stay longer than three months, as is the case with many European countries. Citizens from EU/EEA member countries who plan to move to Germany are also included. You must register your address at the local citizen’s bureau within 14 calendar days of moving into a new residence or you could face a fine up to EUR1,000. In practice, however, appointments at the Burgeramt can sometimes be difficult to find, particularly in larger cities. Even if you don’t get an appointment within the two week window, you can avoid a fine. It is best to register as soon and as possible.
Anmeldung is a daunting process that can open doors to the world of German bureaucracy. You’ll need your registration certificate , also known as the Meldebescheinigung , to access many aspects of your new life here in Germany. This includes opening an German bank account, and getting a German Sim card . You’ll also need the originals of certain documents to sign up, including valid ID, completed Anmeldung form, and proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestatigung). Although the process is free, you will need to refresh your German before signing up. A reservation is required unless you don’t want to spend hours waiting at the Burgeramt and then being turned away.
3. Register for health insurance
Germans have a great healthcare system. You will need to register for the local insurance system if you plan to stay for the long-term. You have two options: either the public healthcare system (Gesetzliche Gesundheitsversicherung versicherung or GKV ), OR the private healthcare system Private Krankenversicherung or PKV. Some new residents sign up for the public system. Many expats opt for private insurance providers, depending on their eligibility.
- Allianz Care
- Cigna Global
- Ottonova
You can find more information in our guide to insurance in Germany.
During your first week in Germany, you will need to think about more than just health insurance. You may also need other insurance products to protect your belongings and yourself. If you plan to drive in Germany then you will need to purchase car insurance. Your new German home will need insurance, either building or contents coverage. There may be other insurance policies that you need depending on your situation. Take a look at our guide on insurance in Germany to get an idea.
4. Opening a German bank account
Opening a German bank account can make your life easier in your first week. A local account can make it much easier to open an account with your electricity provider or receive your first paycheck from your job in Germany. You’ll also find it easier to explore your new home, whether you’re visiting friends at the Biergarten or taking your kids to see the local handball team.
There are many banking options available for new immigrants to Germany. Major banks in Germany include HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and Berliner Sparkasse. You can open an account by visiting your local branch. However, you might need to brush your German. Mobile banking is another option for expats. These offer easier sign up processes, usually online and in English. These mobile banks are available in Germany:
- Bunq
- N26
- DKB
You can use money transfer platforms like Wise or World Transfer to send money back home.
5. Buy a German SIM Card
Are you looking for the easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch with your family and friends in Germany? Maybe you are starting a business in Germany, and need to be reachable. No matter what reason you have, a German SIM Card can make a big difference in your new life. This is especially important if you’re arriving from outside the EU and your home operator does not offer roaming. You have two options to obtain a German mobile number. Either you can buy a SIM card or sign up on a contract. You’ll have to decide which option is best for you.
You’ll soon discover how competitive the German mobile phone (handy) market is once you arrive. All these options can seem overwhelming at the beginning. It won’t take long to learn about your options and choose the best operator for you. German mobile operators include:
No matter which network you use, make sure to download these 10 essential German apps your first week in Germany.
6. Find a job
If you don’t have a job lined up before you arrive, you will likely need to find a job. You might expect that the job market in Germany can vary between regions and cities. This could impact where you live. Frankfurt, for example, is the financial hub of Germany, while Stuttgart and Munich both have large engineering or technology sectors. To ensure that you have the best chance of landing your dream job, it is important to do your research well in advance.
It doesn’t matter where you end up, but it is best to begin the job search process within your first week of arriving in Germany. You can also help to make this process as easy as possible. It’s always a good idea to adapt your resume for the local German job market. You can find more information in our guide to finding work in Germany.
7. Organize your transport
You will need to plan your route from A to B during your first week in Germany. However, the best way to get there will depend on where you are located. You’ll find that the German public transport takes you to all points with a variety of trams and metros. Many cities have excellent (and continually improving) bicycle networks. You can also pedal power. Many cities offer bike rental programs, so you can test the waters on two wheels.
Some new residents will require four wheels in order to travel around Germany, especially if they have children or live in rural areas that are less accessible by public transport. You should read our driving in Germany guide before you get behind the wheel. You can use your current license if you are not from the EU/EEA. If you plan to stay in Germany for a long time, you will need to exchange your license for one from the local authorities. To ensure your safety on the roads, make sure you have the correct car insurance coverage if you drive in Germany.
8. Connect your new home
Once you have found the perfect house, you will need to make all connections so that you can move in. Your German utilities should be on the top of your priority list. This includes electricity and gas. German energy companies include:
Also, you will need to open an account with your water provider. Some rental properties will already have the connections set up, depending on where they are located. Many will not. You will need to share utility costs with your flatmates if you are looking for a flatshare.
Once you have electricity, you will need to connect other devices at home such as internet or home phone. There are many options when it comes to internet access in Germany. These internet providers are available in Germany:
These providers also offer TV packages that give you access to the most popular channels on German Television. This is great for anyone who enjoys movies, live sports, and music. Do your research to ensure you find the right channel package for you and your family.
9. Register the children in school
Moving with children can present a challenge when trying to find a school for them. This can be made easier by doing some research on the German education system before you arrive in Germany and deciding what kind of schooling your children want. Once you have decided to enroll your child in a German public school for education, contact your local municipality to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Public schools are not only the most affordable option for German schools, but they also offer children great opportunities to integrate in local culture.
Many international families choose to send their children to an international school in Germany. These schools offer more international education options such as the International Baccalaureate and International GCSEs. Your first week in Germany, if your children are not yet old enough to go to school, will be spent searching for childcare options. There are international daycare centers available in some cities. However, places can get very busy so it is important to start your search early. You can also learn more about learning German in Germany if you are looking for language lessons.
10. Explore Germany by getting out and about
It’s likely that you’ll only move to Germany once. Therefore, it’s important that you enjoy your first week in Germany. If you find all of the above a bit overwhelming, take some time to see the positive side of Germany. There’s so much to do and see. You won’t be bored, whether you go to your nearest fairytale castle or just wander around your neighborhood looking for your favorite Biergarten or kebab shop .
You can see the Eisbach locals surfing at this popular spot in the Englisher Garten if you have recently moved to Munich. You can explore the history of your new place at the German Historical Museum and the Jewish Museum Berlin. If you are a sports fan you can get tickets to the handball or football games and cheer on your team. You might want to go up the hills, depending on the weather, for some beautiful summer hiking or winter fun on the slopes. You can find it all in Germany, so go out and have fun!
That was all the information you need for your first week in Germany. If you are stuck at somewhere and you want to know the answer of your question then reach out to us using the Contact Me page.
Do you have questions about Germany? then contact us by using our Contact Me page. Checkout more post by us on our Blog.
Do you have questions about Germany? then contact us by using our Contact Me page. Checkout more posts by us on our Blog.