Looking for info on Germany...

[KT27]

We may be PCS'ing there, looking for info. We are ARMY. Anything about shipping a car, what to bring as far as belongings, climate, bringing a pet, job market etc.

Thanks!

 

[momof3disneyholics]

We were stationed in Germany for 3 years.
The good thing is that you can take your pet. Our dog was with us the whole 3 years. The have to have an international shot record though.
You have to make sure your car is very clean when you ship it. Also make sure the tires have enough tread because it will be inspected. Also you can not have anything in your trunk except for your jack.
You have to have a first aid kit and warning triangle in your car when you pick it up in Germany.
If you have an SUV you might want to think about either trading it in for a smaller car. Parking is hell in Germany. We had an Explorer and used to have the hardest time parking it. Most of the parking is parallel and it is hard to do when the space only is about the size of an economy car. Your other option is to leave your car at home and buying a clunker while you are there to use for 3 years. Alot of families do that too. There is always someone PCSing that wants to get rid of a car for cheap.
The good is that Germany is a breathtakingly beautiful country and there is lots to see on the weekends.
The bad is that you can rarely "escape" the Army. You live it 24 hours a day. At least stateside, you can kinda "get away" for a little while.
You will get SICK of the PX. All of the stores on the economy close early and most are closed on weekends. If you are not into the club seen, the PX will pretty much be all there is to do on the weekends unless you want to drive and sightsee, but that gets old too. So, you will do ALOT of shopping at the PX and commissary. To get a change of scenery, we found ourselves driving to different PX's all over Germany just to shop someplace differnet. A big tip would be, if you see something you want, you have to buy it then or it WILL NOT be there when you get back.
Learn at least a little German. You will need to know the street signs at the very minimum in order to get your license.
Buy a bike, you will understand why when you get there.
Housing is very small there, even if you live on base. I would recommend trying to live off base so you can have a little more freedom.
It can snow anywhere from October until April. I remember one year it snowed on Easter. I have cute pictures of my kids Easter Egg hunting in the snow.
The food is soooo good! There is a bakery on every corner and you can get fresh bread and desserts all the time. The Winter fests are the best for getting crafts and traditional items too.
I loved our experience though, and I would go back in a minute, but I would not go back as an Army family.
If you have anymore questions, please ask!

 

[lovemygoofy]

We've not PCS'd there but I've been a couple times. It is a gorgeous country but man I HATE to drive there.

Good news is that you can bring both your cars though if you have a SUV or big,manly truck I wouldn't take it. The gas prices are crazy and everyone there drives little clown cars.(no offense to anyone there)

I understand to bring your pets, they have to be crated and quarantined for so many weeks after getting to Germany, though I'm sure someone else can give you more info.

Everyone I know/knew there all worked on the different US installations. Be prepared to see ALOT of those buy/sell parties of just about everything you can imagine. My friends tell me that's because, though there is alot to do, that's how the wives hang out I guess.

I just read an article about housing issues in Germany so ask around to others who might have been there recently. Something about crazy large downpayments for renting a house when housing on post isn't avialable.

I've a good friend in Germany, who just recently PCS'd there with her aviation husband. If you want her name and email just let me know.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I understand to bring your pets, they have to be crated and quarantined for so many weeks after getting to Germany, though I'm sure someone else can give you more info.

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Our dog did not have to be quarantined at all when we got there. I went and picked her up the same day she flew in. (She was on a different flight). There are a few spaces on each flight so you most likely have to pay out of pocket for that.

Also, the military only ships one POV per family. You will have to pay to ship the other.

 

[KT27]

Thank you for all of the info - we just got an update there was some glitch we get to stay where we are for now!!! I am so happy as we just bought our house!

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

There are a couple of DISers from Germany: Bavaria and Illuminati. You might send them a PM asking for info.

 

[rparmfamily]

Ahh no Germany for you! You sound happy though,lol!!!

We lived in Sicily for 3 years, LOVED LOVED it and I beg DH to try to get Europe orders but he says it's not really possible for him. (we are too far west to get sent to Europe--too expensive when they have jobs closer).