From Spices to Documents: The Ultimate Checklist for Moving from India to Germany

It’s essential to prepare yourself for the new environment by packing the right items. Germany is a beautiful country with a diverse culture and a high standard of living. If you are planning to move from India to Germany, you need to pack some essential items to ensure a smooth transition. In this blog, we will explore the items to carry from India to Germany and why they are important.

Clothes and Shoes

Germany experiences four distinct seasons, so you need to pack clothes suitable for each season. Winters can be cold, and summers can be warm, so it’s essential to pack clothes accordingly. You can pack some traditional Indian clothes, but you also need to have a good collection of western clothes. Germans are generally casual dressers, so you don’t need to pack formal clothes unless it’s necessary.

It’s also essential to pack comfortable shoes suitable for the weather. You will need warm shoes for winters and light shoes for summers. Germans do a lot of walking, so make sure your shoes are comfortable and sturdy.

Indian Spices and Condiments

If you are a foodie, you will miss the spicy flavors of Indian food. German food is generally bland and not spicy, so you need to carry some Indian spices and condiments to add flavor to your meals. You can carry some essential spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which are widely used in Indian cooking.

You can also carry some pickles, chutneys, and papads, which are not available in Germany. However, make sure to check the customs regulations before carrying any food items.

Medicines and Supplements

If you are on any medication, make sure to carry enough stock to last for a few months. You might not find the same medication in Germany, and it might take some time to get a prescription from a doctor. It’s also essential to carry a prescription from your doctor, which can help you get the same medication in Germany.

You can also carry some supplements like Vitamin D and B12, which are essential for overall health. Germans generally have a Vitamin D deficiency due to the limited sun exposure, so carrying Vitamin D supplements can be helpful.

Electrical Appliances

Germany uses 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz electrical supply, so you need to make sure that your electrical appliances are compatible. You can carry your laptop, mobile phone, and camera, but make sure to check if they need a power converter.

You can also carry some Indian electrical appliances like a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or a mixer grinder, which are not available in Germany. However, make sure to check the customs regulations before carrying any electrical appliances.Books and Music If you are an avid reader, you can carry some books in your native language or English. You might not find the same books in Germany, so carrying your favorite books can be comforting. You can also carry some music CDs or a USB drive with your favorite songs.

Documents and Papers

It’s essential to carry all the necessary documents and papers with you, including your passport, visa, air tickets, and other identification documents. You should also carry some copies of these documents, which can be helpful in case you lose the original documents.

You should also carry some important papers like your educational certificates, work experience certificates, and medical records. These documents can help you in job interviews or while enrolling in a German university.

Personal Care Items

Germany has a good range of personal care items, but you can carry some of your favorite products from India. You can carry some Indian toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, which can be comforting. You can also carry some traditional Indian personal care items like henna, hair oil, and skincare products, which might not be available in Germany.

Kitchenware

If you plan to cook Indian food in Germany, you need to carry some basic kitchenware. You can carry some utensils like a kadhai, tawa, and a pressure cooker, which are widely used in Indian cooking. You can also carry some basic spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds, which are not commonly found in Germany.

Cash and Traveler’s Cheques

It’s essential to carry some cash in euros and some traveler’s cheques, which can be used in case of emergencies. You can also carry some Indian rupees, which can be exchanged in Germany. It’s also essential to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your debit or credit card.

Language Guide and Maps

Germany has a rich history and culture, and learning the language can be helpful in communicating with the locals. You can carry a German language guide, which can help you learn basic phrases and words. You can also carry some maps, which can be helpful in navigating through the city.

Conclusion

Moving to Germany from India can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to pack the right items to ensure a smooth transition. Clothes and shoes suitable for each season, Indian spices and condiments, medicines and supplements, electrical appliances, books and music, documents and papers, personal care items, kitchenware, cash and traveler’s cheques, and language guide and maps are some essential items to carry. It’s also essential to check the customs regulations before carrying any items and inform your bank about your travel plans. With proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy your stay in Germany and make the most of your new adventure.