First 30 Days Planner

Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, or O2 prepaid. You need a working phone number for most registrations.

Many places in Germany are cash-only. ATMs (Geldautomat) are widely available — use a bank ATM to avoid fees.

Buy a day pass or Deutschlandticket (€49/month for all local/regional trains). Available at MVV, BVG, etc.

Register your address at the Bürgeramt. Required within 14 days of arrival. Book online — slots fill fast.

If employed: your employer registers you. If self-employed or student: contact TK, AOK, or Barmer directly.

N26 or Revolut require no German address. For traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse) you'll need Anmeldung first.

Bring passport, rental contract, and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form). You'll get a Meldebescheinigung same-day.

Your tax ID is mailed to your registered address within 2–3 weeks of Anmeldung. You need it to get paid.

€18.36/month per household for public broadcasting. Register at rundfunkbeitrag.de. Students on BAföG can apply for exemption.

Aldi/Lidl/Netto for budget, Rewe/Edeka for convenience. Bring your own bags (Pfandtüten) — plastic bags cost extra.

Most plastic/glass bottles have a deposit (0.08–0.25 €). Return them at supermarket machines (Pfandautomat) for cash.

Germany has strict waste separation: Gelber Sack (plastic), Blaue Tonne (paper), Braune Tonne (bio), Restmüll (rest).

Call or email a local GP and say you'd like to register as a new patient ("Ich möchte mich als Patient anmelden").

Single: class I. Married: classes III/V or IV/IV. Wrong class means too much tax withheld — HR team at your employer handles it.

After Anmeldung + enrollment you can unblock your Sperrkonto with the bank. Usually done via online form.

Find your nearest: bakery (Bäckerei), pharmacy (Apotheke), post office (Post/DHL Paketshop), and hardware store (Baumarkt).