A checklist of things to do before coming to Germany

1. Important Documents

It's essential to check all your papers before leaving. Prepare a folder containing the following easily accessible documents:

• Your passport (make sure it's valid for the duration of your stay)
• Your ID card (optional)
• A valid visa
• Proof of travel insurance
• A birth certificate

If you're traveling to study: a university admission letter, proof of language proficiency, TestAS/APS certificates, proof of degree completion. It's recommended to make several translated and notarized copies of the above-mentioned documents. Keep a copy of the documents with you and leave a copy at home. Additionally, keep photos of these documents on your phone so you can access them quickly if needed.

2. Money

2.1. Cash

You need to convert your country's currency to € to be able to spend it in Germany. It's best to find a currency exchange office in your home country before traveling. Otherwise, you can try a local bank, but watch out for fees. Avoid doing it at the airport as much as possible because the rates there are exorbitant and all transfers are charged. When arriving from a non-European Union country, you must inform customs in writing about any cash amount you're carrying with you, valued at €10,000 or more. You must also orally inform the customs officer when you're carrying other known means of payment equivalent to cash if their total amount is €10,000 or more.

2.2. Bank Card

Check online and with your bank to see if you have a credit card or MasterCard that can be used for payments abroad. Otherwise, you can try using your card at foreign ATMs to withdraw money, if it's an international MasterCard. Be aware that in most cases, fees are added for ATM withdrawals.

3. Plug Adapters

Type F plugs are used in Germany. The mains voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. You'll find information about plug types here: worldstandards.eu

4. Medication

Medication is certainly available in Germany, but you first need to find a doctor, so it would be more useful to bring the authorized medication.

When packing, store medication with hygiene products. When entering Germany as a traveler, you're allowed to carry up to 3 months' supply of your own medication.

There are medications that cannot be imported into Germany, such as counterfeit medicines that are particularly harmful and frequently used for doping, listed in the annex of Section 6a of the Medicines Act (e.g., testosterone, nandrolone, clenbuterol).

5. Food (in case you can't adapt to German food)

In principle, the importation of food for private consumption is permitted. This also applies to food sent from one individual to another. However, the importation of certain foods into Germany may be limited or even generally prohibited due to specific rules, as is the case for:

• Wild mushrooms: up to two kilograms of edible mushrooms intended for private consumption can be imported without any restrictions.
• Potatoes: prohibited due to the risk of spreading potato ring rot.
• Sturgeon caviar: prohibited because all sturgeon species are endangered.
• Dietary supplements: some dietary supplements or vitamin preparations may be considered medicines.
• Food and food products of animal origin: there are additional restrictions for certain of these products, such as meat and meat preparations, game, milk and dairy products, and eggs, mainly for animal health reasons.

Products such as the following are exempt from these regulations, so travelers can import them within the permitted quantities without any hesitation:

• Up to two kilograms of infant food and special food necessary for medical reasons, in intact packaging.
• Foods such as cream caramels, chocolate, or biscuits with only small quantities of dairy products.
• Other animal products than meat, milk, and dairy products up to a weight of two kilograms (e.g., honey).
• Fishery products (e.g., fresh, cooked, or smoked fish, or certain crustaceans such as shrimp or lobsters) not exceeding 20 kilograms.

If products don't meet import requirements, they'll be rejected by customs. In that case, they must be disposed of on site.

6. Clothing

Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing for interviews or social events you might attend, as well as casual clothes of course. Essential clothing includes:

• Underwear
• Socks and gloves
• A belt
• Shoes
• Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts
• Trousers and jeans
• Rain boots and a raincoat
• A jacket
• A hat
• A dress and a skirt

If you're struggling to fit everything in your suitcase, a vacuum bag can help save space. All you have to do is put your clothes in the bag, then attach it to a vacuum cleaner that will suck out all the excess air and reduce everything to a micro size.

You should also consider the season when you arrive in Germany. Finally, be aware of the counterfeiting laws and sanctions enforced in Europe. Customs officers strictly enforce the legislation, and when violations are detected, they'll seize pirated items and could press criminal charges.

7. Phone and German SIM Cards

Your SIM card might not work in Germany. If you haven't checked with your service provider before your trip about whether international roaming services are activated for you or if you don't want to use them, you can buy a travel SIM card for temporary use in Germany.

Upon arrival in Germany, you can continue using it for a few days until you can get a German SIM card contract. For more information about SIM card options in Germany, check this article. We've prepared a detailed guide for you in that article!

8. Electronics

Laptop - If your study program is in German, consider buying a laptop in Germany with a German keyboard.

Chargers - Especially during travels, make sure you have chargers for all your devices. It can be useful to invest in a power bank that stores extra power for your phone or tablet in case of emergency.

Adapters - Wall outlets are the same as those found almost everywhere in continental Europe. They have two holes for two metal prongs. Make sure your devices can plug into these outlets, either through power blocks or through adapters.

Power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed on every flight, but only in limited numbers and only in carry-on luggage. Each passenger can bring two. However, make sure to keep multiple power banks separated from each other. Cover them with a bag or store them in their original packaging. That way, nothing should go wrong.

9. Hygiene

It's important to consider weight when packing toiletries for travel. Here are the main things you need to consider for good personal hygiene:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste (travel size)
• Roll-on deodorant
• Shampoo / hair conditioner
• Small towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Makeup, moisturizing cream
• Shaving cream

You need to pack all your toiletries in a standard transparent bag, and make sure not only that they fit in the small bag, but also that all liquids are under 100 ml. Additionally, remember that it's best to have hygiene products within reach in case you need to wash your face or brush your teeth during long flights.

10. Luggage

10.1. Checked Baggage

Depending on your ticket, some airlines allow checked baggage of 23 to 32 kg (more information here: skyscanner.net).

Additionally, you can pay for extra weight at the check-in counter.

Also don't forget to weigh your luggage before leaving. Luggage will be weighed at the airport, and you'll have to pay a surcharge for carrying extra weight.

10.2. Carry-on Luggage

Try to fit all your carry-on items in a single bag. Many airlines have one or two carry-on policies, so it's best not to take risks and travel light (more information here: travel-made-simple.com)

Conclusion

If you need to check anything on this list, it would be to have your passport, your visa, your phone, and cash.

Start packing your things a week before your flight and pay special attention to the things you use every day — you'd want to leave them for last, but they're also the most important. Try to finish packing at least a day before your flight to make sure you have everything you need in your bag.