The German Way: Life in Austria, Germany, Switzerland

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Expat Checklists

The following “expat checklists” contain topics that expats or potential expats in German-speaking countries need to consider in order to have a more enjoyable overseas experience.

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Some of the topics in the checklists pertain more to expatriates with families, while other items may apply more to single people or couples without kids living overseas. You can decide which items relate to your situation, but be sure to look them all over.

Our expat checklist is divided into three sections. The first is for items you should consider before you go to Europe. The second is for things you need to do after you arrive. The third is for general cultural and other considerations that expats need to be aware of. (Did you know there’s a thing called “reverse culture shock”? It often happens to expats when they return home. See Checklist 3.)

Many of the topics in the checklists are also discussed in our Expat Interviews.

Expat Checklist 1 | Before You Go

  • Visas and Residence / Work Permits - What are the requirements for entering Germany as a permanent or semi-permanent resident? Do you need a visa? How do you get a residence / work permit for Germany? It depends on where you’re coming from.
    SEE > Requirements for US Citizens
    SEE > Visas and Residence / Work Permits
     
  • Housing and Relocation - Will your employer help arrange for housing and moving you to Europe, or do you have to do that yourself? This is not a minor matter! You may want to use a relocation agency if your employer isn’t helping with the move. Don't forget about your present home. Will you rent it out, sell it, or what?
    SEE > House and Home
    SEE > The Kitchen
     
  • Insurance - Will your US health insurance cover you (and your family) in Europe? Even if they do, you may still need a European policy. You do need European insurance for your car, if you have one, and for your house or apartment.
     
  • Banking - The German and European banking systems do things differently than what you may be used to. Some U.S. banks (Citibank) also have a European presence. This can be helpful for expats.
    SEE > Money and Banking
     
  • Appliances and Electricity - Europeans have 220-volt/50Hz current. Your small US appliances won’t work without a transformer, and it may be wiser to buy European large appliances. Your US TV set won’t work with European television or European DVDs, but if you have lots of tapes/DVDs from home you can use it for that.
    SEE > Electrical Matters
    SEE > PAL TV
     
  • Computers and the Internet - A computer can be an important link to friends and relatives back home. Most US-bought notebook computers will work fine with 220 volts. Most computers can also be used to view German DVDs. Germany and most European countries offer good Internet connections, but there are some things you need to know. See the following page.
    SEE > Computer and Internet Tips
     
  • Language - Contrary to what you may have heard, NOT everyone in Germany speaks English. Besides, your life will be much more pleasant and productive if you know at least some German. Even if your job can be done in English, it’s rude to be a typical monolingual American. “Trailing spouses” and the kids need to know some German, too.
    SEE > German
     
  • Medicines and Prescriptions - Although Germany and all western European countries have excellent doctors and medical facilities, drugs and medications (and their names) can vary greatly around the globe. If you require certain prescriptions or medicines, make sure that besides bringing a supply along, you also have a written prescription from your hometown physician. You also need to find out if your medication is available in Europe and under which name it is dispensed. Note that in Germany even aspirin must be purchased from a pharmacist (der Apotheker). You can’t buy it over the counter, as in the US. For more info...
    SEE > Medications and Prescriptions
    SEE > Health and fitness
    SEE > The German Way Forum
     
  • Family Concerns - Not everyone in your family may be as thrilled about the idea of an overseas move as you probably are. The kids will be losing friends (even if only temporarily) and their familiar, secure surroundings. The so-called “trailing spouse” may end up feeling isolated in a foreign culture. Talk about it as a family and plan for the required adjustments.
    SEE > The German Way Forum
     
  • Schools - If your children are coming along, you need to make some decisions about schooling. (Germany does not allow home schooling.) Will the kids attend an international school (if there is one where you’ll be), a parochial, or a regular German school?
    SEE > Education
    SEE > The German Way Forum
     
  • Furniture and Bedding - European beds are both different in size and style from what an American is used to. It’s better to buy some items in Europe, and to bring some items from home. Leave large appliances behind; German-made washers, driers, and dish washers are better anyway.
    SEE > House and Home
     
  • The Folks Back Home - You should also prepare your friends and relatives for your overseas move. How will you stay in touch? Email is great, but phone costs have dropped enough to make calling once in a while a practical alternative.
    SEE > Telephone Tips
     
  • Documents - Gather all the papers and documentation that you will need in Europe. These include: passports (one for each family member, including children), visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce/custody papers, driver’s licenses, insurance records (for German insurance), and income tax records. If applicable, bring medical or dental records with you. Leave a copy of your will in a safe place or with your attorney.
     
  • History and Background Information - If you know very little about the history of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, read up on it. You also should have at least some basic knowledge of current affairs and politics. Don’t arrive as a total know-nothing! Once you’re there, find ways to stay current. There are English-language versions of some German media, both in print and online.
    SEE > People
     

See Part 2 for the “After You’re There” and general checklists. Also see The Expat Top 10 tips for solid advice on what to do and not do as an expat in German-speaking Europe.

NEXT > Expat Checklist - Part 2 (After You’re There)

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Original Web content ©1997-2008 Hyde Flippo | Graphic design by Erik Flippo www.erikflippo.com
Hyde Flippo is solely responsible for the content of this site and, other than permission granted to publish copyrighted material, McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Publishing has no direct involvement, financial or otherwise, with this site. When in Germany, Do As the Germans ©2002 McGraw-Hill; The German Way ©1997 McGraw-Hill/Passport Books. All rights reserved | Site Map