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HEADER PHOTO: Tourists inside Berlin’s Reichstag dome. – PHOTO: Hyde Flippo
For Expats by Expats
THE GERMAN WAY EXPAT BLOG
For English-speaking expats and travelers in German-speaking Europe!
Living in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
It is only when you leave your own country to travel or live in a different one that you fully appreciate how much we humans are not only creatures of habit, but also of culture. Travelers and expatriates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or other countries often feel a loss of things they once took for granted. The most significant of these are language and daily culture.
See our resources for TRAVELERS and EXPATS below!
FEATURED TOPICS
Life, Culture and Customs in German-Speaking Europe:
- How to Immigrate to Germany – With residence permit categories, advice, and guidelines
- How to Eat Like a German – A new German Way Expat How-To Guide
- Auto Factory and Museum Tours in Germany for Car Buffs and Car Buyers – Seven German automakers offer factory tours. Most also have fascinating car museums to visit.
- History and Culture – More related to German-speaking Europe
One of the first things expats in Germany need to do is open a bank account. Learn how that’s done in How To Open a Bank Account in Germany. PHOTO: Erin Porter
Expat “How To” Guides for Germany
If you’re new to Germany (or maybe even if you’re not), you’ll find our step-by-step expat “How To” guides very helpful. The “How To” guides cover many topics related to living and working in Germany. Sample topics include: Getting a residence permit, using your cell phone in Europe, German grocery shopping, taking pets to Germany, moving to Germany, and even having a baby in Germany! More…
| Can you use your US iPhone in Germany? It depends. See The iPhone in Germany and Europe for more about traveling with your iPhone, how to unlock your iPhone, or how to buy a new iPhone. |
An ATM in Germany.
Photo © Hyde Flippo
International Money Transfers
The best way to transfer funds either to or from Germany (or Europe) depends on several factors, only one of which is cost. The method you use will depend on the amount, type and timing of the transaction. Certain options are more suitable for certain kinds of transfers than others. There are three main providers of international currency transfers: (1) banks, (2) remittance companies, and (3) foreign exchange brokers (forex or FX for short). Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. To learn more about international money transfers and different companies you can visit Money Transfer Comparison.
Banks: Although your first thought when considering an international money transfer might be your bank, a bank or credit union may not always be the best choice. However, certain banks do offer competitive rates and services… | More…
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The Euro
The story of der Euro
On January 1, 2002, twelve European Union countries, including Austria and Germany, put a brand new currency into circulation. Fourteen years later, the euro is making headlines again (along with the Swiss franc), but for very different reasons. What will the euro do in 2016? – Euro Trivia: Did you know that the attractive euro banknotes were designed by an Austrian? If so, you’re ready to take our 10-item Euro Quiz. There’s also a Euro Timeline and much more…
A guidebook for expats or serious travelers.
Germany for Beginners
The German Way Expat Guidebook
by the German Way Expat Blog Team
Published by Humboldt American Press
Intended for expats moving to Germany, Germany for Beginners is also useful for travelers and students headed for German-speaking Europe, or who are already there. Written by people who have been there and done that, this guidebook is like sitting down with a team of experts on life in Germany – with advice and information you need. | Learn more!
This book is available in print or as an ebook from Amazon and other online booksellers. You can also order it from your local bookseller.
| MORE at The German Way The German Way Store Our “Bookstore and More” for Expats and Travelers |
OUR PARTNER: Expatica.com – Germany
Below you’ll find links to helpful information that expats can use in their daily life in German-speaking Europe.
For Travelers
- Travel and Tourism in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
- Austria: Facts and Figures – Geography, history and other information
- Germany: Facts and Figures – Geography, history and other information
- Switzerland: Facts and Figures – Geography, history and other information
For Expats
- Cultural Differences: Germany and the USA
- GW Expat Blog – The German Way Expat Blog discusses issues of interest to expats in German-speaking Europe.
- Expat Checklist 1 – Before you go
- Expat Checklist 2 – After you’re there
- Expat Repatriation – Checklist 3: When expats become repats, it can be more difficult than you think.
- Moving to Germany: Tips for Your Overseas Move – Planning, packing, shipping, moving companies
- Taking Dogs or Cats to Germany – Advice on the best way to take your pet along
- The German Way Expat Forum – Join our forum, where we share info and tips about life in German-speaking Europe.
See more of our resources below…
Expat Connections and Resources
ON THIS SITE
- The Euro in Austria and Germany – with quiz
- The German Way Store – Our “Bookstore and More” for Expats and Travelers
- German Way Store: Products for Road Warriors, Travelers, and Expats – 220-volt converters, luggage, and more
- German Way Store: International DVD Players and TVs – Multisystem TVs • Blu-ray/DVD Region-Free Players for Worldwide Use
- Public Transport in Germany – Getting around locally via S-Bahn, U-Bahn, bus, and tram
- Watching TV in Germany – Options for expats
- Getting a Residence Permit – Visa info, the Aufenthaltstitel
- Electrical Facts – Voltage converters, plug adapters, and other electrical matters
- International Money Transfers – Your options for making overseas payments