10 Things I Learned AFTER I got to Germany

Here are just a few things I've learned AFTER moving to Germany. Please feel free to post any questions you may have about living here or add any information that you have learned.

1. Appliances. I was told to put ALL 110 voltage appliances in storage, to include my lamps. Well, yes, it's true that using a transformer can suck electricity and that you don't want to use them for everything BUT you can use your lamps! All you need is a 220 volt light bulb and a plug adapter. Wish I would have known that :-( As for other appliances...read the label on the bottom and be sure it's dual voltage before just sticking an adapter on the end. I've known friends who have destroyed high ticket items like televisions and treadmills because they plugged them into the wall. If you use a transformer be sure not to overload it.

2. Cash. Europeans love cash! Yes, as Americans we are so used to using our debit/credit cards to make even the smallest purchases (I've been known to use mine for a pack of gum). Well, in Europe many places do not even except credit cards. ALDI is one of those places...one time I was told this after all of my item were rung up. I had to make a trip to the nearest ATM, come back and re-shop for the items I needed. Some places will take a credit card but only of it has a chip & pin imbedded into it. Always withdraw Euro before heading out on the road and keep change in the car.

3. WC (Wasser Closet). Bathrooms are not always easy to find. You have to plan ahead and many public restrooms require you to pay anywhere from .20€ to .70€ to use them. Sometimes you pay the attendant and sometimes you put it into a coin slot and walk through a turnstile. Often with the turnstile you will get a voucher for .50€ to spend at the store. We save these up in our glove compartment and use them later on for a coffee or candy. (side note: German toilets are gross...that's why there is a brush next to every one of them...even in public restrooms)

4. Drinks/Water. Good luck trying to find a vending machine or soda machine. If you want a soda or bottle of water you're going to have to go into the store and buy it. A bottle of water averages about €2.50 ($3.25). I usually keep a case of it in my car so when we're out and about we don't have to buy it. Beer is often cheaper than water at a restaurant and there are no FREE seconds on anything. No refills, etc...You can ask if they have tap water but often times they'll tell you no. Also, be sure to be specific and ask for still water not soda water (ohne gas means without gas/bubbles) because most Europeans prefer soda water. I've also been known to bring my own bottle of water into a restaurant...YES, I am the "Ugly American". Also, they don't use ice. You heard me...no ice :-(

5. STAU!! A curse word, if you ask me! It means "traffic jam" or "you're not moving anytime soon". As we learned quickly, the traffic in Germany can be unpredictable. We have a Navigon (navigation system) that can be useful in giving us a heads up on the traffic ahead but that doesn't mean you can always avoid it. We had a close call with our oldest needing to use "the facilities" while in a 'Stau" and were lucky enough to drive past the construction workers' "Job Johnny" just in time. Now we travel with a potty chair with a plastic bag in it in the back of our minivan. We haven't had to use it yet but it's there just in case.

6. Polizei. The German Police. It seems to us that German's prefer to "police" themselves. There aren't too many polizei around and when you need them it can an hour or 2 for them to show up...if it's not an emergency. But don't let that fool you...they use cameras to catch those breaking the law. If you're flying down the autobahn or driving down the road and see a flash...guess what!?! Expect a ticket in the mail within a couple of weeks. The ticket may only be €10-15 (for a €7 fee you can pay it at the local Kreissparkassa) but the points can add up quickly. Driving in Germany

7. Stinging Nettle. At some point your kids (or yourslef) will end up in a patch of this stuff...and IT HURTS!! The plant has many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on its leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles that inject histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals. Witch hazel is great to have on hand but ultimately...you just have to wait it out.

8. Parking. Parking is kind of confusing at first. Here are some things I learned the hard way...

Disc parking is a system of allowing time-restricted free parking through display of a parking disc or clock disc in your window showing the time at which the vehicle was parked. A parking attendant can inspect the disc to check whether payment is owed. The parking disc areas are indicated by “mit Parkscheibe” on the sign. To use the blue parking disc, simply set the clock to the time you are leaving your car, and place the disc on your dashboard. The sign will tell you how much time you are allowed to stay, usually one to two hours.

Parking ticket area, a sign will indicate “mit parkschein”. The pre-paid tickets can be purchased at a ticket machine, usually located in the middle of the block. There is always a maximum time limit on these, so if you intend to stay longer, you will need to come back and purchase another ticket. To get a ticket, put in your money and press the green button. Your ticket will come out, with the time at which the ticket expires. This you will need to put on the dashboard of your car.

 

Notes on parking ticket machines:
1. You must pay for a minimum amount of time, no matter how long you plan to stay.
2. Not all machines allow you to stay for the same length of time, so check. Some only allow for 1/2 hour, while others let you park for up to two hours.
3. Not all ticket machines accept all types of change (most do not accept the 1, 2, and 5 cent coins, but some do not take €1 & €2 coins either). Be prepared to use the 10, 20 & 50 cent pieces.

Parking Garage. Upon entering, stop at the machine and get your ticket by pushing the button. Do not leave the ticket in the car – bring it with you. (You will need to pay BEFORE you return to your car.) Ticket machines are located at the pedestrian entrance of the garages. To pay, put your ticket in the machine – it will then tell you how much money is due. After you have inserted the necessary fee (both coins and bills are accepted), your change and stamped ticket will be returned to you. Upon exiting the garage, put your stamped ticket into the machine to open the gate.

9.  Sundays. In Germany, Sundays are a day of rest...it's the law! There is no shopping on Sunday. Stores are generally closed. Also, you DO NOT mow your lawn on Sunday unless you want a REALLY cranky German neighbor. Even if that's the only day the sun came out in the last month...it'll have to wait!

10. Television. If you want to watch American television, Netflix, Hulu, ABC.com, etc...You need an "Anonymizer" on your computer and iPad. I use Unblock US for my Apple TV. It will hide your IP address and make it look like you're viewing the content from the U.S. If you want the Sunday Ticket, however, you DO NOT need an anonymizer. You can subscribe as a "U.S. citizen living outside the United States" and pay about $300 for the season. You can also set up an account at: USTVNOW or use Project Free TV and watch all of your favorite shows.

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