Simple Germany is a trademark registered in the European Union. A few years after exiting the military we decided to take our 2 kids and 2 dogs and make a permanent move to my wifes little village. Weather in Germany can be tough to get used to. What about your dog? Your car will be rationed to 400 liters per month but I have yet to meet anyone who exceeds their limit, even with plenty of travel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When I think back to those years, I think about all the things I learned during our time in Germany. It is mandatory for everyone who lives in Germany to be insured. Time will pass and you will be back in the US before you know it, so make sure your family makes plans to visit you when they can. TL;DR: Nursing in Germany offers you the chance to learn a new language and work in a world-class health care system. I love it here. , , emodal contact phone number; how to stop a narcissist in his . No really, go. When i got to Fort Riley i realized the army is very different in America. BRUSSELS The United States and . Germany has a big network of public transportation, including buses, trams, trains, and if the place requires it, a ferry (like in Hamburg). Become our local expat expert for your area! Unaccompanied baggage usually arrives within three to six weeks ahead of your household goods, but that isn't always the case. President George W. Bush continued the trend, downsizing some several hundred bases and returning tens of thousands of troops home. Thiscan be intimidating for newly-arrived expats, but once they start settling in they usually deduce that this brusque attitude isnt personal. For example, bikes and purses get stolen, and thieves break into homes. Obviously I hear and believe how awesome it is there, but any tips for someone about to move there? The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. thelma schoonmaker films; mobile suit variations pdf; how to find someone on tinder by name If you're an 88 you'll get lots of miles, usually at least one four day per month, been here in baumholder two years, been able to travel 16 countries, good place to be. Related Guide: Unemployment Benefits in Germany. January 14, 2021. Don't be an asshole, they will get their entire family to fight you. As an EU citizen, you can travel to and from the 27 member . The Sip: Happy Halloween With a Side of MilSpouseFest http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14 I have a growing library of videos about how to PCS to Germany, as well as what life is like here. Every morning I got to wake up wondering. In Dusseldorf, for example, only one cinema is known for showing movies in their original language. A German guy once told me: Germans are like coconuts, the shell is very tough, but once you can get through it, you will find a soft and sweet person. A kiosk is a small shop that sells coffee, cigarettes, snacks, sweets, cold beer, and some hard alcohol. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. Sample Post 16 June 22, 2016. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If this guide was helpful to you, and saved you time of research, please consider supporting this website bybuying us a coffeeas a small donation. Most doctors offices are open from Monday to Friday. You can travel to the north, explore the German beaches, or go to the south and explore the Alps! Living and working easily in Germany. Finer Point #3: Less is more when it comes to your household goods shipment. Various military occupations, such as nuclear weapons technicians and dental technicians, include routine and usually safe exposure to radiation. I'm about to PCS to Stuttgart (Moehringen). New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. Germany has many great characteristics, however, like any other country, there are some advantages and limitations to living in Germany. Two fees might not make sense to you in Germany: Traditional German food usually involves a lot of meat, potatoes, cabbage, and fat. They wanted us to chill and have good experiences out of base and they wanted that too for themselves. The questions just keeping coming, don't they? Whether you actually like the answers you hear or not may be another story, however. But, aswith any destination, life in Germany comes with certain prosand cons. A German employee's supplemental benefits package comprising traditional benefits, i.e., pension, life, and disability, will cost approximately 4%-5% of their annual base salary. Germans still love Americans but you're gonna get a lot of Trump comments. You will file for your. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. comelec district 5 quezon city. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. I'm a US citizen that was born on a Military Base in Germany. Please note that this requirement also applies to you if you were born in a US military base in Germany. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I am a married E5, no kids but 2 dogs. And then he got orders to Germany. Maybe it's not safe or too expensive to move the whole family for only one year. Only to endure the harsh reality of the "mission" was completed after month and the rest of it was spent in the field (longest we were out there was 57 days), help some poor souls out by Poland and yeah. Go see a castle. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! Wiesbaden is by far the best installation there. The drinking age here is 16. Germany has a great public transport system. Keep in mind that you will have a weight allowance that you need to meet in your unaccompanied baggage and household goods shipments. But 12 years later? I'm stationed in Germany and the best benefit, for me anyways, is how easy it is to travel to other countries on the weekends. All the family meets, drinks, dances (sometimes), and eats until the mornings early hours. Plan in advance to leave some room for those new additions. Being stationed overseas is quite an experience. Taking advantage of affordable education in Germany and the EU. Generally speaking, Germans can be tough to engage with, but once expats make an effort to immerse themselves in local culture and perhaps learn the language, theyll find that the locals will warm up to them. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , The 5 Stages of Watching Your Best Friend Move Away, What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What You Should Do When Your Boyfriend Wants to Join the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military. Many strict rules need to be followed when cycling in a German city. I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. If you dont, you will get caught and will get into trouble. Once you understand some German, youll notice how much Germans love to do this. Related Guide: Can you drink tap water in Germany? From our experience and other expats', the pros, more often than not, outweigh the cons. Analysis. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. The quality of the beer is top-notch, award-winning, and just plain delicious if thats your thing. According to the European Cyclists Federation, Germany ranks as the fifth European country in its Barometer, which looks at bicycle usage, cycling safety, and market size, among other cycling statistics. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. Pinterest board dedicated to all the places you are going to travel, Detailed Guide to Using Your Esso Fuel Card in Germany, what to expect when heading to USAG Hohenfels, 18 Tips On How To Budget Travel Ireland Like A Pro, Bangkok Itinerary 5 Days: Making The Most Of Your Time in BKK, Krabi With Kids: Why Krabi Is the PERFECT Thailand Family Holiday Destination, USAG Hohenfels: The first glance at your new duty station. Not following these rules will anger other road users and can result in fines. Being stationed overseas is quite an experience. Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. Always! OPTEMPO is high everywhere but that makes it fun. The information in this guide is very subjective and based on my own experience. . Most important, your military spouse won't receive any additional monies such as Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) or Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) for living off the installation. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. Know your benefits. - CON: Cycling not that straightforward You have JBLM Main, which is the Army's main post and where you'll find the MWR, the PX, the Commissary, and more. She has some great advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon. 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This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For example, when it is. List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. Related Guide: An Introduction to the German School System. A good sponsor can answers these types of questions for you: - Will my tall bookcases and king-size bed fit in the housing units on base or off? The Customs Office can tell you exactly what can be shipped and what cannot. 2022 Recurrent Ventures. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In this case, however, a sponsor is someone who already lives where you're headed and who serves as a point of contact of sorts for your family. (Your mileage may vary). Your email address will not be published. Homelike is an online booking platform with offers of apartments and co-livings in nine European markets, including Germany and the UK! If you compare the 1.500 euros to tuition fees in other countries (cough cough the USA), it seems like a fantastic deal. It is quite common for clinics to be closed on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. -Is the on-installation youth program alive and well for my teenager? Most banks are closed during lunchtime and open in the afternoon for a couple of hours. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Germany. If you are into this kind of food, then youll love it here. I craved quiet time. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. I think this could be a general European thing. I was able to pick up on some words and phrases, which was super helpful. Ive met people who have had to wait up to 6 weeks to get an internet connection at home. Stationed In Germany: What you need to know before your PCS, harder than a the kids in Heavy Weights going to fat camp, It really doesnt matter what side of the fence you are in, because whether you have already created a whole, 2) Look through the local Buy and Sell pages on Facebook, like the. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Though it may not be good for you because it's still McDonald's, it is much better for you than the McDonalds in the states. Right in your inbox. We wrote a whole guide about Pfand in Germany and a complete Trash Guide to help you understand this better. Just as in any big city, one needs to have some common sense when exploring it: dont walk alone in shady neighborhoods, dont leave your belongings unattended, etc. If you are looking to study in Germany, I got good news for you: there are no tuition fees in most German universities! A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. Gas Station - Yes, 2 vehicles per sponsor but usually not a problem to get a third one authorized i.e. Meaning you're going to need a doctor to say that being exposed to something-documented is causing your illness and tie in the issues you're having to that specific set of documented diseases, illnesses and say in their medical experience what you were experiencing during active duty is what's causing your current issues or something to that effect. This is why I think Germans justify not having AC anywhere in Germany which is most office buildings, public transportation, hospitals, and flats. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. USAREUR License: A Complete Guide to US Military Driving in Germany. If you are not used to having cash in your wallet, you will need to get used to carrying some. Overall we had a challenging yet amazing experience. Vet, You're going to need specifics. I come from Guatemala, a country where criminality is high, and I can say that I feel very safe living in Germany. Many expats are surprised by the number of cyclists in Germany. Firing people in Germany is not like we see it in the US movies, where one day you arrive at the office, your boss fires you, you pack your things, and walk out of the building with a box filled with your belongings. If youre thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family. Depending on the cables installed in your building and the provider you choose, the process can last a few days or weeks. How many people are stationed at Ramstein? Take advantage of those to travel please 1 Here are a few things you should keep in mind while living overseas in Germany. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! If your military service member is being stationed overseas someplace where you and your dependent . benefits of being stationed overseas. benefits of being stationed in germany. Boy is that accurate. Unaccompanied baggage generally consists of the essentials you need to set up house, such as extra clothes, utensils, pots and pans, a television, a computer and an ironing board. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. benefits of being stationed in germany. Working in Germany comes with a good work-life balance. Instead, you may have to arrange for storage of certain items. If you dont cancel it on time, it typically auto-renews for another 12 months. LeAnna, her husband Andy, and kiddo, "Lil B" love to live a minimal lifestyle, not only for the "thrill" of pinching pennies but in order to save for traveling the world. Hamsters, gerbils, snakes, birds and other animals are out of luck here. Culture shock is definitely a thing and being homesick especially if you are in the hotel for 60 days. Only in Europe, baby! Finer Point # 4: Some things can be shipped; others cannot. However, anywhere you go in Germany, there are always parks and areas for people to lay out a blanket and relax. Dont ask me why, but that is how apartments are usually rented out in Germany without a kitchen. Won't be permitted to use the PX/BX or commissary. Empowering internationals to settle intolife in Germany more smoothly. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. Can I get advice on the schooling system in Germany and how it compares to India? To me, this is a pro, as it forces us to take some time to rest and recharge. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. During an explosion, pieces of depleted uranium used in tank armor and some bullets can scatter and embed in muscle and soft tissue. See Shipping Your Petfor tips on how to make the trip a more pleasurable one for your furry family member. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! Depending on an expat's salary, income tax can be as high as 40 percentof their income. However, during summer, temperatures can sometimes be over 30C for several days in a row. I get 30 vacation days! Depends on what you do, it's fucking cold and you gon Hohenfels. 400 liters a month for cars, 600 for vans/trucks. A word of caution: If you plan to use your bicycle as your main mode of transportation, you need to know that you are not the king of the road. If your shipments exceed that magic number, you pay out of your pocket for it. January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! Click Here!!! If you are searching for a mobile service provider, we wrote a whole guide about Germanys best mobile providers to help you out. Since Germany has such a large pool of highly educated workers, competition for top positions can be fierce. Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. But, once acclimatised, expats find it refreshing, and work culture, and life in general, ismuch improved because of it. Have a day trip and see what is out there. One can simply get on a bus, train or even rent a car and experience a completely different environment within a few hours. If you decide to go along with him without command sponsorship (and others have done so before you for the experience of living in some locations), keep in mind that you: Won't be allowed on the overseas installation unless someone signs you in. Everyone who works in Germany has access to social security and its benefits like unemployment insurance, healthcare or retirement insurance. Embrace that. Basic needs such asfood, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. Rising through the ranks can be hard for many workers, but it's especially true for foreigners. My wife and I have never felt discriminated against. Especially when they are at work. Before packing your bags and boarding the plane, keep these finer points in mind as you plan your fabulous world tour. According to an article from the Deutsche Welle, the crime rates fell to the lowest in decades in 2018. This has to do a bit with con#3 bureaucracy. Shopping on the economy will enhance your experience overseas. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) They see it more as providing feedback than simply pointlessly complaining about stuff. In Latinamerica, Christmas is a loud holiday. Granted, you are almost guaranteed to have a 2-3 week spell (often in July or August) that it can get quite toasty. The possibilities are positively endless. Im sure if you give Germany a chance, you might also fall in love with this beautiful country. If you want to quit any of your contracts, you need to do it with a three-month notice period before your contract end date. Your Sanity? Some of the benefits you are entitled to as a German citizen or resident are: Excellent healthcare system: According to the World Health Organization, Germany's health care system ranks in the top 25 worldwide. Although the system is not perfect, it is quite reliable, safe, and you can arrive almost anywhere with it. Expectation Management The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. I think wherever you travel to in the world; you will always find friendly and rude people. LORAN radiation. Supermarkets sell one-time BBQs during the summer months, or if you are a real pro, you bring your portable BBQ from home. This is helped in part by strong help from the government in the form of funding and incentives for research institutions and start-up companies. Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. Moving overseas, though, can be a bit different than moving a few states over. Germany and US Dual Citizenship by Marriage He flew over first, and my son and I joined him around four months later to start our first military and overseas experience. You can apply for citizenship, yes. You might get lucky and have friendly neighbors who wont mind you vacuuming or turning your washing machine on Sundays . On it she shares her take on health, wellness, and life in Germany. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. This was a big step forward towards equality and openness. However, I think that due to the efficiency Germans are used to, they are straightforward when dealing with you as a client, especially in public offices (post, immigration, etc.). Check out our guides on how to move to Germany and the best cities to live in Germany. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. Fr den Reiter. There are also specific rules tied to being here with the military, like how to use VAT forms, what you cannot have sent to your APO box, getting your home-based business approved, and more. Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. While having access to the Commissary is amazing, and where I did most of my shopping, I also liked to shop on the economy. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. I had a preference for the Far east for 20 years in the Army. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. The Finer Points of Moving Overseas, Part I, By Finer Point #1: You must be named on your service member's orders in order to relocate with him. The same rules for Sunday apply every day after 10 pm. They worry even when "they're fine.". If there are indications of other motives for being in Germany, such as being married to a local person, sending children to German schools or extending tours, then income and related. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Malori has been casually blogging for over 10 years on various personal blogs, but last year decided to create her business and new website, Warrior Life Wellness. We were told we were going to be there doing one mission and one mission only. I was stationed in vilseck and was with 1-2cr. A common stereotype of Germans is tha If not, skip this one . The history buff in you will revel in the buildings and battlefields that exist, not on the pages of a textbook, but right before your very eyes. To find out your particular weight allowance, visit Preparing for Your Move. We created the ultimate list of the best English movie theatres in Germany for you to check out. Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. No related content found. Lots of cool shit to see though. Travel Europe Without a Visa. Clearly, a new digital camera should be high on your current list of "must-haves.". Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! This is the example of dasElterngeld, an app designed to help new parents file for parental allowance (Elterngeld). We have a whole section about insurances. Without the protection of Roe V. Wade, what does the future of family planning look like for military families? Pets for Patriots brings veterans and shelter animals together. "How is my life going to be miserable today?". Always drive with caution and focus. The whole point of Christmas Eve is to wait for midnight. Or my favorite sneaky little spot The kings arms. If you plan to or already have retired or separated from the military in an overseas location, there are VA resources waiting for you via phone, e-mail, and online: Basic VA benefit questions and assistance- (412) 395-6272 or visit the VA Inquiry Routing and Information System. -Does the USO offer recreational trips and tours from this location? This con is my own opinion. Jen is originally from Guatemala and moved to Germany in 2012 to start a new job without any knowledge of German or life in Germany. Repeat for 3 years with the occasional trip to Munich or Frankfurt thrown in there. chop shop cars where are they now; trail king tag trailers for sale WASHINGTON -- Soldiers being stationed in Alaska can now receive up to $4,000 to help offset the initial cost of items needed to live in the . Get ourFREEguide with 7 actionable hacks to save money while living in Germany. To cover them, students are allowed to work part-time while pursuing a full-time course. In some cases, you may have to request one such as in the Navy where sponsors can be requested online. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. Germans love their rules and follow them. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. Living in Germany as an Expat with the military has afforded us some amazing insights into different cultures of the world, amazing travel opportunities, and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Education benefits- (918) 781-5678. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! We didn't have the equipment necessary because we followed the PACKING LIST that DID NOT have certain stuff listed (IOTV as one of them), but nevertheless, we were bitched at and/or smoked for not "thinking outside the box" and "not realizing we are in the Army". Benefits for being stationed in hawaii Extra pay when stationed in hawaii frankdgreen Level 1 (Contributor) 2 Answers 0 1 It is possible there is a special program for it but it all depends on the posts needs and strengths in jobs pick a similar job and it will help but remember nothing is for sure in the army. So many things to see and do. Though most Germans speak English well, there's a general reluctancefrom their side to speak the language. Beer from a local bar: 2.50. Select a city and your desired stay dates, choose a listing, make a booking request, and pay as easily as booking a hotel room, but only after the landlord answers your questions and confirms the availability. Four years later, we traveled back to the US, with another baby, and tons of memories behind us. This means that the military says it's okay for you to tag along and use the military installation resources while you are living abroad. Pros: No language barrier, easy move-in and move-out, make first friends within your stairwell, commissary is close by, usually kid's schools are within walking distance, no commute Wendy Payne Cons: Sometimes a little too close for comfort to neighbors, can feel isolated from surroundings, still have difficulties with utilities and internet So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. And when you shop in your local town, you get to know the people who live there. Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. 1 // JBLM is massive - When I say it's massive, I mean it. Do I need to explain any more? Home. 1. It is no wonder public transportation is so good and efficient in Europewho wants to pay those gas prices!?