Being able to keep in touch with friends and family back home, as well as keep up to date with news from back home, is important for most expats. Sitting and relaxing with your favourite TV or radio show in your host country can make all the difference to feeling at home.
Luckily, Germany offers expats a wide range of English (and other foreign) language TV and radio programming through satellite or cable. German channels dub programs and broadcast almost exclusively in German.
Getting a home phone line and internet in Germany is easy but make sure you do your homework to find a package that suits your usage patterns. English language support is not universally provided so find a service provider that offers what you need– and make sure you get help with the small print.
Mobile phone providers are also in abundance as there is a high usage of mobile phones in Germany. A GSM system is in use in Germany.
German people answer the phone with their surnames, rather than a greeting of hello and it is polite to follow suit.
Information About Germany - German Education System
There are many education establishments in Germany that offer international schooling for expat children, ranging from British education streams to the International Baccalaureate (I.B).
You also have the choice to enter the German education system, which is based predominantly on academic achievement and consequently streams children at an early age. Education in Germany is determined at the state rather than federal level so note that there are regional differences in schools in Germany.
Home schooling is generally not permitted in Germany.
Information About Germany -Germany Health Care System
Germany’s health care system is excellent with modern facilities and short waiting times financed by a mix of public and private funding.
All residents aged between 18 and 65 in Germany are required to have health insurance and expats in Germany generally have health care options through their employer. If you are in Germany on short-term basis it is best to consider international health care insurance options.
Information About Germany - Driving in Germany
The Autobahn is a testament to Germany’s love of driving and your home country driving licence is initially valid in Germany. However, after six months (EU issued licences) or a year (for licences issued elsewhere) you will need to exchange your home country licence for a German one, known as a Führerschein. This may involve a simple swap or a driving test and/or a written test.
Once you have your paperwork in order you will find driving in Germany a delight but although some German roads have no speed limits, make sure you are familiar with other driving rules and regulation.
Banking in Germany
Opening a German bank account requires a passport and an initial deposit and is subsequently a relatively easy operation.
ATMs are widely available, as is internet banking and most banks offer a very wide range of financial services.
Banks in Germany are generally open from 9a.m to 4p.m. but smaller branches do close for lunch.
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