I just received orders for Stuttgart, Germany. What do I need to know before I get there? What advice do you have for me?

2017-03-21T18:40:37-04:00

Response by MSG Andrew White made Mar 21 at 2017 7:08 PM

2017-03-21T19:08:13-04:00

EVERYTHING!!! BE SAFE AND LEARN YOUR ENVIRONMENT!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 21 at 2017 8:00 PM

2017-03-21T20:00:07-04:00

There is no such town as Ausfahrt.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Mar 21 at 2017 9:54 PM

2017-03-21T21:54:06-04:00

IT ROCKS...that is what you need to know. Stuttgarter Hoffbrau, Music programs at the Weisser Salle at the palace in Stuttgart, Concerts, classical and chamber music, the Christmas market at Ludwigsburg....I could go on and on. I wish I still lived in Stuttgart

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 21 at 2017 10:00 PM

2017-03-21T22:00:20-04:00

Every chance you get, get out of the American community and see the country. Don't be a base rat, living there all the time. Enjoy and try the food, I know many who never learn anything of the country they are in. Research history of the area, get out and see it. Castles, become a little kid, there are so many different castles to see, fantastic. Go to Hitler's old place on top of the hill, Eagle's Nest. I could go on and on and on, but do it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-03-22T09:25:34-04:00

If you are single, join the local BOSS program. They do all sorts of activities as well as the USO. Travel, every town in Germany is rich with history and experiences. Enjoy the delicious beers they have, in moderation of course. Refer to other comments as well.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Mar 22 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-03-22T11:25:42-04:00

I can't tell you but I was stationed in Germany. You should check out the Volksmarching when you get there. It's a great way to meet people and see the country. And the Army has a 125 mile Volksmarch too.

Response by PV2 Thomas Page made Mar 22 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-03-22T14:25:08-04:00

Have Fun!!! Relax its not all that bad!!!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 5:00 PM

2017-03-22T17:00:36-04:00

Ohh to go back to Stuttgart.

Ok depending on what outfit your with out there, You may have to live on post. If you are lucky (I was) and live off post Singelfeldin is a Nice town with a short drive to Patch or Panzer base. There is a Hefeweizen Brewery and Restaurant near Panzer that has really good food. In winter time there is a great Christmas Festival that is worth going to, Watch that Eggnog it will get you sauced. lol

You will need to take a Driving class, and pay attention at indoc when they teach you a few lessons in German and German etiquette. Per driving they DO have speed limits on the Auto Bon, or at least parts of it. They generally do not pull you over they just take a photo and mail it to you, you don't get to contest them. Get a GPS system for your car its a life saver. If you ship your car understand you need all year tires OR your going to have to have a Summer / Winter sets and change them out. They are strict on this.

Public Storage doesn't exist factor that into what you take.

If living out in town don't get your internet or phone from the Base. (A shop in the next sells it) The Internet is slow and all they are charging you for is the bill in English. Burnigerland the Local mall has an AT and T store you can get a good rate at and bundle it all. (just saying)

There is lots to do Amusement parks, LEGOLAND, Camping, skiing / snowboarding, Historical sites, ect ect. Stuttgart was one of the most Bombed Cities (short of Berlin) in WWII due to its manufacturing of ball bearings in Germany. While I was there they found several unexploded bombs in downtown. Seems to happen quite regularly so don't be surprised at that.

Watch the exchange rate and buy Euros when its low. It Fluctuates almost daily So some days a Euro will be worth 2 Dollars and some days it was a dollar fifty. You would be surprised how much money you save doing this. Since you use Euros out in town if you use your ATM well you pay an exchange rate at home and the higher cost.

The Commissary was decent, the Exchange left something to be desired. Make sure you have some step down generators / converters as everything is 220 over there. Also don't take a washer and dryer, a microwave oven, or anything with a clock in it... they wont work no matter the power converter you use, you will just fry them.

Germans are stand offish at first but once they know you they really are warm and friendly. If you have any specific questions please shoot me a message. I loved my time there.

Response by COL David Turk made Mar 22 at 2017 6:01 PM

2017-03-22T18:01:27-04:00

When you're settled in, take a tour of the Mercedes factory nearby. Learn the train system. The more German you learn, the more at ease you will be on the economy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 1:53 AM

2017-03-23T01:53:22-04:00

Talk to your sponsor early and often, ship your vehicle as early as possible, download duolingo to learn some basic German, and be prepared for a good time. Also, check out http://facebook.com/USAGStuttgartBOSS

USAG Stuttgart BOSS

USAG Stuttgart BOSS. 12 likes · 2 talking about this. USAG Stuttgart BOSSs is an organization dedicated to providing entertainment and education for Single Servicemembers around Stuttgart.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Mar 23 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-03-23T15:04:59-04:00

You are so lucky!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 7:03 PM

2017-03-23T19:03:05-04:00

Prost!

There is a ton of things to do in Stuttgart. It's also nicely located. And, there's much more to do in the rest of Germany/Europe as well!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Mar 24 at 2017 3:32 PM

2017-03-24T15:32:18-04:00

Learn as much German as possible (even it it's not perfect, the locals will respect your effort)! Remember that you are a guest in their county. See as much as possible! If you spend your time in the barracks you will regret it (and for good reason). Have fun and stay safe!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2017 7:05 AM

2017-03-25T07:05:51-04:00

Make sure you and your family all have travelers passports, the official ones that your family will receive from the passport office will not work for traveling. Most of Europe does have open borders though so you may or may not be stopped when crossing, however I wouldn't take the chance. the trains are a cheap way to travel around Europe if you don't want to drive. or you can fly via ryan air for next to nothing, most tickets are less than 70 euros each to pretty much any country in Europe. also be aware that T-Mobile which is probably the most popular phone service in the army has a 2 year contract that will automatically renew if you don't submit a written letter to have it stopped this can lead to you leaving Germany(pcsing) and having to pay for a year of prorated phone bill in order to cancel it, also have your family download whatsapp its a great free way to contact your family and friends in the states. if you have any questions let me know I am currently stationed in grafenwoehr about 2 hrs away ill do what I can to answer any questions you may have.

Response by SSG Jack Waters made Jun 29 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-06-29T12:31:57-04:00

I was there is the late 70's, so I sure a lot has changed. I was at Robinson Barracks. I love it. I had a motorcycle, and one word of advice, don't try to outdrive the Germans, they rock!