Doorstep

Before you fly

What to pack (and what not)

Documents, food, medicines and the German winter.

Pack light – you can buy almost everything in Germany. But some things are hard or expensive to get here.

In your hand luggage

• Passport with visa, admission letter or job contract, insurance confirmation
• Original degree certificates and mark sheets, plus copies
• Rental contract or address of your first accommodation
• Some euros in cash and a card that works abroad
• Digital copies of all documents in your phone and email

Food

• Spices, tea, dry snacks and sweets for personal use are fine.
• Meat and milk products from outside the EU are not allowed – they will be taken away at customs.
• Indian groceries are easy to find in all big cities (see the Desi map in the menu).

Medicines

Bring your regular medicines for a few weeks, with the prescription in English. Larger amounts can cause problems at customs.

Clothes and other things

• Winters are cold and dark. A good jacket can also be bought here – often better suited.
• Plugs in Germany are type C/F with 230 V. Bring one or two adapters.
• A pressure cooker and your favourite masala dabba are worth the space.

Cash

If you carry €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs.

All guides

Doorstep is a free app for Indians moving to and living in Germany, by Arenja & Raj Finanz GmbH. Imprint · Privacy