Berlin, Germany Report of what it's like to live there - 12/27/11
Personal Experiences from Berlin, Germany
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
4th expat experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
It is about 8 hours from the East coast. There is only one directl flight between the U.S. and Berlin, which is to Newark. Otherwise you must connect through Frankfurt or another European city.
3. How long have you lived here?
1.5 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is in two main areas- apartments downtown near the Embassy and houses, townhouses, and apartments in the western suburbs near the old Consulate. Families are usually in the suburbs, but there are not enough apartments downtown for everyone who wants them so people without kids have been placed out of town as well. Downtown commutes are usually 10-15 minutes walking or by public transportation. Commutes from the suburbs are an hour by public transport or 30-40 minutes by car.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available here, but it is more expensive than in the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Domino's, etc. There are restaurants and food stands covering a wide range of tastes. Sit-down restaurants are generally expensive and slow. Outdoor beer gardens are plentiful in the warmer months.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Again, everything is available here.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are ants and mosquitoes, but problems are minimal.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is not hard to find. Housekeepers cost a minimum of 10 Euro an hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, at both the embassy and consulate as well as throughout the city.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted most, but not all, places, and ATMS abound. Many people set up a local bank account to get an EC (debit) card and to be able to pay local bills by transfer.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are several English-language religious services, including nondenominational, Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican, and Jewish.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very little. Most people in Berlin speak some English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many buildings are not accessible. Restrooms are often up or down several flights of stairs. For the most part, though, public transportation is accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Excellent, safe, public transportation and taxis.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I would avoid a large SUV because of the tight parking, but anything else goes. It is also easy to buy used cars here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet speeds vary by neighborhood. We get okay speed for 30 Euro a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes. Germans especially love dogs.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Berlin has a high unemployment rate, so job opportunities are limited. German language and credentials are usually required as well. Post has been less than supportive of EFM employment. There are a few jobs at the Embassy, but they are generally secretarial and poorly paid.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual hasn't hit Germany. People generally wear suits.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Excellent.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Berlin is fairly far north, so it is cool year-round. The last two winters there was tons of snow, but this winter has been much more grey and rainy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
School choices abound. English or bi-lingual schools include JFK (John F. Kennedy School), BBIS (Berlin Brandenburg International School), BIS (Berlin International School), BBS (Berlin British School), BKIS (Berlin Kids International School), Berlin Metropolitan School, and the Nelson Mandela School. My kids are at the JFK elementary school and they love it. They are essentially fluent in German and we have met some great local friends through the school. I know kids at each of the other schools I've mentioned, and their parents all seem happy as well. Look into the school options and find one that works for your family.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Several of the schools can accommodate mild to moderate special needs.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
The Embassy preschool closed a few years ago. Daycare is very limited in Germany, especially for kids under age three. Preschools are usually only half day, which is challenging for working parents. Nannies are available, but expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes -- from soccer, gymnastics, and baseball to horseback riding, sailing, and ice skating. Some programs are through the schools, but most are through private clubs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge.
2. Morale among expats:
Generally excellent.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
You can be out every night if you want to be.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Very much so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to the Baltic, Dresden, and Krakow. Exploring Christmas markets, museums, and Berlin history. Our house backs up to a 7,000 acre wood full of trails, lakes, castles, stables, and restaurants, which we have enjoyed very much.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Museums, arts, culture, walking, sailing, biking, cafes, markets, history...
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Berlin is a great city, with tons of things to do for every interest. East Germany is beautiful and Berlin offers easy access to the Baltic coast, Poland, Czech Republic.
11. Can you save money?
Not much.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutley.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
SCUBA gear.
3. But don't forget your:
Walking shoes.