New in Germany? Start Smart: 11 Essential Tips for Your First Weeks

You’ve just arrived in Germany. Your course or job is about to start, your room is still empty, and your to-do list feels endless: bank account, health insurance, German classes… maybe even a bed first. Where do you begin?

Use this simple survival guide to save money, skip stress, and settle in faster.

1. Find a place and register your address (Anmeldung)

• Housing is competitive, especially in big cities, but options exist for most budgets. Try expat-friendly portals and local listings.
  • Wg-Gesucht [https://www.wg-gesucht.de/]
  • Immobilienscout24 [https://www.immobilienscout24.de/]
• Once you have a room or flat, sign the contract and get your landlord’s confirmation of residence Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
• Register your address Anmeldung at the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days. You’ll need this for almost everything else.

Pro tip: Book your Bürgeramt appointment online as early as possible; slots go quickly.

2. Open a bank account and carry some cash

• You’ll need a German bank account for salary, health insurance, rent, and taxes.
• Bring ID, proof of registration, and (if non‑EU) your residence permit to open an account. You can apply online or in-branch.
• Your debit card (Girocard or Visa/Mastercard) and PIN arrive by post separately.
• Card acceptance is improving, but cash still matters—especially at small shops, kiosks, and markets.

Banks and money transfers (at a glance)

• Direct/mobile banks: 📲 N26, Revolut
• Traditional/private banks: 🏦 Commerzbank
• Money transfers: look for low-fee providers to move funds from abroad
• Business accounts: available at most banks with separate requirements
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): required for some visas (students, job seekers). Try Expatrio

3. Get a public transport pass (and skip “Schwarzfahren”)

• Inspections are random but frequent, and fines are expensive.
• Monthly passes are usually valid across S‑Bahn, U‑Bahn, trams, and buses within your city’s transport network.
• Students often get a semester ticket included in fees—check your university.

4. Consider a bike

• Most German cities are bike-friendly and have scenic long‑distance routes.
• Avoid suspiciously cheap bikes—stolen bikes are common.
• Check flea markets, reputable bike shops, or verified online listings for quality used bikes. Don’t forget a solid lock and lights.
• Try 2nd Hand Market: Kleinanzeigen

5. Sort your health insurance (mandatory)

• Health insurance is required for everyone living in Germany and for many residence permits.
• Two main types: statutory/public (gesetzlich) and private (privat). About 90% choose public.
• Employees are typically registered by their employer; contributions are taken from your salary.
• Students get discounted public plans. Freelancers and high earners may consider private.

Popular public funds: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), BARMER, SBK

6. Furnish your place on a budget

• Many flats come very bare (yes, light fixtures too!). Plan for basics early.
• Save money with flea markets, local classifieds like Kleinanzeigen, and expat Facebook groups—great for pick‑up deals when people move out.
• For new items, big-box stores and Scandinavian staples exist in every city.

7. Get connected: SIM and home internet

• Prepaid SIMs are easy to buy at supermarkets and electronics stores.
• Contracts are usually 24 months and auto-renew—read the fine print.
• Home internet can take time to install (2–6 weeks is common). If possible, take over the previous tenant’s contract to avoid delays.

Mobile providers: Telekom, Vodafone, O2 (contract and prepaid), Blau, Lebara, Smartmobil.de
Internet providers: Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1, and local cable/fiber options

8. Shop before Sunday

• Most shops are closed on Sundays. Train stations and some kiosks (Spätis) stay open but with limited (and pricier) options.
• Stock up on essentials during the week.
• Explore Turkish and Asian supermarkets for great produce and pantry staples. If you have a must‑have item from home, bring a stash to start.

9. Start a German course

• Even basic German makes life smoother and opens doors professionally.
• Options range from intensive in‑person classes to flexible online courses. After basics and grammar, try conversation classes or find a tandem partner for language exchange.

10. See the sights—then go beyond them

• Do the classics once (Oktoberfest, Neuschwanstein, museum hotspots), then dive deeper.
• Germany offers 25,000+ castles, regional festivals all year, hundreds of museums, and more bread varieties than you can count. Explore neighborhoods, parks, lakes, and local culture outside the tourist core.

11. Travel—Europe is on your doorstep

• From Germany, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, and more are an easy train ride away. Night trains can take you as far as London, Zurich, or Rome.
• Book in advance for cheaper fares and consider regional tickets for day trips.