Anyone have some tips for PCSing to Germany?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:25:51 -0500

I PCS in February and I want to make sure I have all the information I need to be successful. I need help with: cell phone service, license, currency, etc. The major things I’ll need to know because it’s a big difference over there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 10:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:43:07 -0500

Do you have a pinpoint location?

1) For currency, Germany uses the Euro. As of today, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar equals 0.91 Euro.

2) Unless it has changed, you will not be allowed to drive in Germany until you get a USAREUR driver's license. Check this website for further info:
https://www.economicalexcursionists.com/usareur-license/

3) You will live on base unless there is no availability. If there is no availability, then you can live on the economy. And that is a whole different ball of wax.

Stationed In Germany: The USAREUR License

"Driving is a privilege, not a right" but at least with the USAREUR license, it makes driving while stationed in Germany a heck of a lot easier.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 11:50 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 23:50:54 -0500

1. Go with passports in hand

2. Check requirements to ship your vehicle ahead of time.

3. Complete the USAEUR drivers training test on JKO prior to going so when you attend drivers training during in-processing you can walk out with your license. Otherwise you have to wait 24-48 hours after the class. (Most important tip imo)

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Nov 15 at 2019 1:00 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 01:00:28 -0500

Get a passport. Get your euro license. Don't spend all your money at o'reillys(do look at my plaque for drinking 100 pints in 30 days) , don't be a barracks rat, TRAVEL. You are going to have so much opportunity to travel. Go to every country you can. Enjoy it for the couple years you're there.
I was there 05-07. The food was fantastic. There is so little preservatives in food that when you get back to america you'll shit your brains out from eating our food. The restaurants often seat you with random strangers. I disliked it at first, but then I really enjoyed it. Most germans are really friendly and speak english. If you have a question, just ask. Don't be that one dick and buy the ticket for your strauss ride. Don't get married. Don't get an apartment of base. Save your money, stay on post, and travel. Travel travel travel.
I'd say my most sage like advice would be to remember that your brothers and sisters in the army are really the only people you have there. Make sure you're not that 'shit talker' behind everyones back. They're more of a family than you're real family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 1:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 01:56:49 -0500

1. But an A/C unit before you get here. You won’t regret it for the summer months. They don’t sell them in Germany and when the PX does have them, they sell in 5 minutes.

2. Find out where you’re going and what they have. For example, I’m in Hohenfels and we are far away from everything. So if you want a good TV, Computer, etc.. buy them at BestBuy before you leave.

3. And yes, tell your cell phone company to UNLOCK your phone and have them turn your service off when you board the plane. Your phone must be unlocked to use VodaFone.de

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 15 at 2019 9:41 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 09:41:05 -0500

You should be able to get the study guide and requirements for drivers license, some bases offer the test stateside. Cell phone is best purchased there, it is highly unlikely you will be let the rates and long distance plans. As for the currency you can. It some at the airport, until you get settled, often you can order through your local bank. Study the language. Bottom line, ask for your sponsor from your gaining unit. Thank you for your service.

Response by PV2 Aj Veal made Nov 15 at 2019 12:40 PM

PV2 Aj Veal — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 12:40:29 -0500

Make sure your bank (USAA or Navy Fed, etc) will reimburse you for ATM chargers (they pile up quick when going out in town). Get a phone over there. Don't get caught cheating on the drivers test (people make it way harder than it is, just study). Invest in a bicycle or electronic scooter (you don't need a car). Invest in a power converter (not just the wall socket adapter). Stay out of Nuremberg (the One is trouble). There is a speed limit on the autobahn (in some places). Drink the Heffaweizen, go to Bamberg (its closed down, but a beautiful base while I was there), try the bacon beer, travel, go to the black market in Czech (don't get caught), make it up to Edelweiss and travel!

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Nov 15 at 2019 4:01 PM

1SG Thomas Jasak — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 16:01:29 -0500

My first and most important suggestion is to enjoy Germany and your time there as much as possible. It is a great country to be stationed in and tons of things to do and see that you will not experience anywhere else in your lifetime. Also, it is very easy to visit other neighboring countries such as Austria, Poland and Holland and not hard to visit others such as France and England etc...
Try to learn the language as much as you can before you go over to get a head start. Good thing is that almost all Germans speak very good English and are very friendly. Get your cell phone and service over there and study for your drivers license before you head over as others suggest. Test is hard but not to hard to pass if you study. Get with your sponsor as soon as you are assigned one and ask tons of questions. Enjoy your PCS to Germany and good luck.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 15 at 2019 9:07 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:07:22 -0500

Attend your levy brief and ask these questions.

Prepare your household for the move. Purge what you don't need. Figure out what will be stored and what will come forward with you.

Prepare your vehicle for shipment by the VPC. It needs to be in good working order with no leaks. Ensure the tires have adequate life. You'll likely need mud and snow tires, so if you buy tires do that right before it ships.

Officicial passports, not tourist passports, through your installation Personnel office. Spouses need a SOFA stamp so you they can work and not trigger immigration in Germany.

If you have a family POM Medical and EFMP clearances are essential. Get your command sponsorship and communicate with your sponsor