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Christmas Around the World – Different Christmas Decorations from Other Countries

Everyone has their favorite Christmas traditions to feel the holiday spirit. In the United States, popular Christmas decorations include ornaments on the Christmas tree, strings of lights on the outside of homes, and stockings by the fireplace. All around the world, countries that celebrate Christmas have their own customs and traditions for decorating. From carving vegetables to pickle ornaments, these are some of the popular Christmas traditions around the world.

Outdoor Christmas Decorations and Lights

Different Christmas Decorations from Around the World

Cobwebbed Christmas Trees – Ukraine

An Eastern European folktale tells the story of a poor widow and her children who lived in a small hut with a dirt floor. One summer day, a pinecone fell onto the hut’s floor and the children cared for it, hoping to grow a Christmas tree by winter. The tree grew in time, but the family could not afford any decorations for it. On Christmas morning, they found the tree covered in cobwebs. When they opened the windows, sunlight poured in and turned the webs into gold and silver. The widow and her family were full of joy and were never poor again.

While spiders and their webs associate with Halloween, Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with spider ornaments or webs. They believe that finding a spider or web in your tree is good luck, and it’s said that the tradition of using tinsel on a tree stemmed from this folktale.

Night of the Radishes – Mexico

Forget carving pumpkins for Halloween. Carving radishes for Christmas is all the rage in the Mexican city of Oaxaca. Each year on December 23, the city hosts a large Christmas market where wood carvers would sell their creations. Farmers at the market noticed the popularity of the carvings and started making their own intricate figurines out of radishes. In 1897, the then-mayor officially declared the date as La Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes), and the carvings feature nativity scenes, Mayan motifs and local wildlife.

Christmas Pickle – Germany

Ever see a pickle ornament at the store and wonder what a pickle’s got to do with Christmas? It’s supposedly a German tradition to hide a pickle in the Christmas tree and challenge children to find the pickle on Christmas Eve. The first child to find it wins an extra gift. However, hardly any native Germans know this tradition, let alone practice it.

It’s likely that the Christmas Pickle really started with major retailers fabricating this “tradition” to get rid of leftover pickle ornaments after all the German-imported glass ornaments were picked over.

Mango Trees – India

One of the most recognized symbols of Christmas, the traditional Christmas tree, is an evergreen with ornaments, garlands, and lights. But for warmer countries where firs, spruces, and pines are hard to come by, they use some improvisation. In India, families who celebrate Christmas will decorate mango or banana trees. Many will bring mango leaves into their homes to decorate, too.

El Caganer – Spain

You’ve seen plenty of nativity scenes displaying the reason for the season, but have you ever seen a nativity figurine taking a dump? For real, this is a real Christmas tradition in Catalonia. Named El Caganer, which translates to “The Pooper,” this character is seen within the same display that hosts baby Jesus in a manger.

Though historians don’t know when exactly he came about, there are many theories for El Caganer’s existence. Some believe El Caganer represents fertility and fortune for the new year. Others say he represents the mischief within all of us, bringing balance to the otherwise peaceful scene. The traditional El Caganer design is a peasant man in a red cap, but many modern figurines resemble politicians, athletes, actors and other notable people.

Decorated Ships – Greece

Known for its deep blue seas, Greece prides itself in its history of seafaring adventures. When sailors would return home, families celebrated by decorating their ships. With the introduction of Christmas, especially the lights and decorations, the Greeks infused this custom, known as Karavakia, as a holiday tradition. Modern Christmas boats can be seen as huge displays in the center of main cities, but families will also decorate smaller boats to display as centerpieces at home.

Julekurver Baskets – Norway

In Norway, small paper baskets are hung around the home and filled with nuts and candy throughout the holiday season. These julekurver baskets are usually woven into heart shapes. Many children learn how to make these crafts to hang on the tree.

Gävle Goat – Sweden

Arson isn’t traditionally considered as a Christmas tradition. However in the city of Gävle, Sweden, it happens more often than you’d think. On the first Sunday of Christian Advent, a giant straw goat stands 43 feet in the middle of the city. But soon after the first goat arrived in 1966, people found mysteriously burned to the ground. And every year since, no matter how hard city officials and police try to protect the goat, Gävlebocken is destroyed somehow, usually by arson.

More Reading

Want to live in another country that uses different Christmas decorations? Contact Schumacher Cargo Logistics today to get a free quote for international car and household goods shipping.

Searching for a good gift to give the car lover in your life? Or maybe the newly licensed driver? Or really, anyone with a driver’s license? We end up spending so much time in the car in one single year, so it’s worth it to have some nifty gadgets and cool accessories along for the ride. Step up your gifting game with these awesome picks that are sure to excite any driver.

Read our list of the top 10 best car accessories for your next awesome gift below.

woman-holding-car-accessory-holiday-gift

Our Top 10 Best Car Accessories for Gifts

Dash Cam

Having a dash cam capturing every drivers’ actions on the road can actually protect you in the case of an accident. Plus it’s fun to go back and watch the tape if something exceptionally wild happens. This Garmin Dash Cam is a bit of an investment, but it captures 1080p video and records your GPS location to show when and where incidents happen. If your recipient doesn’t have one, they’ll definitely need and appreciate this new gift for their car. If the Garmin is too expensive, they have plenty of budget dash cams with some only around $30.

Roadside Kit

One thing that every driver should have in the car is basic emergency kit. From one of the most trusted automotive brands, AAA prepares drivers for any emergency with this 42-piece roadside kit. It contains a basic first aid kit, jumper cables, 2-in-1 screwdriver, flashlight and other road safety essentials. Giving the gift of additional safety is always appreciated, but hopefully they’ll never have to use what is inside.

Bluetooth Transmitter

Outdated car stereos and unusual headphone jacks (you know the one) can make it impossible to enjoy your own music in your car. But by using a bluetooth transmitter, you can jam out to your playlist as long as you want. You can also answer hands-free phone calls, monitor the quality of your car battery and find FM channels. If someone in your life wants to listen to their spotify playlist on the road, this is one of the best accessories to receive for their car.

Heated Seat Cushion

If your area gets cold in the winter, you know how uncomfortable leather seats can be before your car is warm. Newer models often have heated seats as an extra comfort amenity. If your car doesn’t have that option, these heated seat cushions do just the trick. You’ll be cozy and warm in no time.

Pet Safety Harness

You wouldn’t let your child ride without a seatbelt on, so why should a pet be any different? This crash-tested pet safety harness is certified by the Center for Pet Safety. There is a variety of sizes and colors available, and it also has the option to attach a leash at the neck. Now Rover can safely tag along with his family on car rides.

Emergency Escape Tool

If you ever have to get out of the car in an emergency, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper tools within reach. This USB Emergency Escape Tool plugs right into your car charger for easy access. It features a seatbelt cutter and a spring-loaded window punch for tempered glass. It also comes with two USB ports, allowing you to still charge devices.

Trunk Organizer

For anyone who’s notorious for keeping his or her life’s possessions in the car, or for the busy parent driving all around town to keep up with after school activities, gift them the beauty of a trunk organizer. Not only will the car stay clean, things will be easier to find instead of hiding underneath seats or between cushions. This ultimate trunk organizer also comes with a insulated cooler bag, perfect for refreshments on a road trip.

Parking Assistant

In tight spaces, such as small garages or narrow parking lots, squeezing your vehicle into the proper spot can be a tough job. Having a parking assistant tell you when your front bumper is too close can ease some of that stress. This particular parking assistant has an easy-to-read traffic signal display removes any risk of guessing how much space you have left. This unique car gift is one that many have never seen before, and we all know someone who needs this.

Windshield Cover

Does anyone like scraping ice and snow off of the windshield after a storm? Nope. You can’t go wrong gifting a windshield cover to protect the car from Mother Nature. A magnetic windshield cover stands against heavy winds, especially with security ties and flaps that tuck into the car doors.

Car Care Kit

If you know someone whose neat freak tendencies continue into the car, give them an ultimate care kit. Chances are they’ll already own it, but they won’t mind the restock in supplies. The Armor All Complete Car Care Kit includes protectant, glass wipes, tire foam and what you’ll need to wash and wax the car. If you’re feeling extra generous, offer to wash their car yourself and add another component of care to the gift.

After you’ve treated your favorite car enthusiast to some amazing gifts, have them thank you by taking you on an ultimate road trip. Get a free quote and ship your car anywhere around the world with Schumacher Cargo Logistics!

 

man mopping kitchen floor
Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

It’s moving day. The heavy furniture is packed into a trailer. Your belongings are put away in boxes and loaded into the car. The place is empty, but now what? Before handing over the key, do yourself– and the next inhabitants– a favor by cleaning the home. While it may be tempting to hire someone offering move out cleaning services, it can save you a lot to DIY it.

So how clean should a house be when moving out? That depends. If you’re a tenant, a deep clean could be the difference between getting your security deposit back or not. But if you’re a homeowner and not on a lease, doing a final sweep is still the neighborly thing to do.

As experts in moving household goods and vehicles around the country or overseas, we’ve seen our fair share of clean, empty homes. Use our move out cleaning checklist as you prepare for your big move.

House Cleaning Tips

Before you get started, keep these tips in mind:

  • When packing, do not pack your cleaning supplies. Set those aside and clearly mark them so they aren’t stashed into the moving van before you’re ready.
  • As you work your way through the home, triple check that you’ve packed all your essential belongings.
  • Open windows to air out any smells left by cleaning supplies.
  • If you’re on a lease, read through it very carefully for any sneaky fine print that requires certain cleaning standards.
  • Use microfiber towels instead of paper towels or plain rags. These are eco-friendly, reusable and streak-free.

Deep Cleaning House Checklist

Use this first checklist to get a general start on cleaning the home:

  • Vacuum every room. Mop any tile, linoleum or laminate floors. Apply a treatment oil to wood flooring. If the carpet is extremely dirty, rent a carpet cleaner.
  • Dust everything. This includes corners, fans, window sills, built-in shelves and cabinets, lights, and any other permanent fixture in the home.
  • Remove any nails, hooks and similar hardware. Repair these holes with some spackle, then repaint the spot. This will give the wall and rest of the room a fresh look.
  • Repair any damaged wall fixtures like a clothing rack or lighting fixtures.
  • Wipe down all the doors, trim, baseboards and crown molding.
  • Clean all windows– both sides– with a streak-free glass cleaner.

After you’re done with the initial groundwork, follow these cleaning checklists for specific rooms in your home.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Use grout cleaner on tiled areas. Apply it early so it has time to work.
  • Clean out the exhaust fan.
  • Use special bathroom cleaner, usually with a bleaching agent, on the toilet. Clean all surfaces of the toilet.
  • Scrub the shower and tub with a soap scum fighting cleaner.
  • Clean the countertops, sinks, towel racks, lights and any storage areas.
  • Clean the mirror with a streak-free glass cleaner.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

  • If the refrigerator, oven, microwave or other appliances are staying, clean the interior and exterior of those. Take advantage of the oven’s self-cleaning feature, if there is one.
  • Clean the floor below and wall behind the appliances.
  • Empty out cabinets, drawers and shelves, then dust the insides. Wipe down the front of cabinets.
  • Scrub the countertops, backsplash and sink.
  • Clean out the exhaust fan and garbage disposal.

Living Room, Office and Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

  • Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans and any built-ins. Then wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • If applicable, clean out the fireplace and chimney.
  • Dust window blinds and sills.
  • Clean out air vents and replace filters.

Outdoor Home Cleaning Checklist

  • Clean out the gutters of any leaves, twigs or build-up from rain and snow.
  • Sweep dirt, grass and other debris out of the walkways.
  • Mow the lawn, bag up fallen leaves, and do basic grooming of any other landscaping.
  • Replace burnt out bulbs in exterior lights.
  • Clean out dirty outdoor trash cans or recycling bins.

Moving Tips from Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Moving out of your old home and into a new, unfamiliar place can be a daunting and exhaustive process. Keep your head on straight and use our packing tips and moving guide to help ensure a smooth move. Heading to foreign lands? Our international moving guide will also keep you on the right path.

With 40 years of moving and shipping experience, the moving specialists at Schumacher Cargo Logistics know how to safely get your items from Point A to Point B. Whether it be within the same area code or halfway across the world, call our moving specialists today to get a free quote on our services.

We’ve all heard a handful of funny laws that make you wonder the backstory of its creation. For instance, did you know it’s illegal to stick an ice cream cone in your back post in Alabama and Georgia? This was to prevent thieves from luring away other people’s horses. These weird laws extend to driving in the US as well.

It’s a common misconception that it is illegal to drive barefoot. While a little unusual, it is legal to drive barefoot and safer than driving with high heels, flip-flops or heavy boots. However, there are actually more crazy driving laws in every state.

Take a look at our list of the weird driving laws in every state below.

Weird Driving Laws in America wrong way road sign

50 Weird State Laws for Drivers

    1. Alabama Weird Driving Law: No Blindfolds

      It is illegal to drive while blindfolded. Because that really had to be blatantly stated.

    2. Alaska Weird Driving Law: No Dogs on the Roof

      It is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car. However, there is no mention of tying a dog to a different spot on the car, or tying a different animal to the roof.

    3. Arizona Weird Driving Law: No Going Back

      You know what they say, “keep moving forward.” In Arizona, you cannot drive a car in reverse on a public road.

    4. Arkansas Weird Driving Law: No Honking

      In Little Rock, the state’s capital, it is illegal to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m. So don’t even think about getting the Sonic waitstaff’s attention this way if you need a late night snack.

    5. California Weird Driving Law: No Robes

      It is against the law for women to drive in a housecoat, so no dropping off the kids at school in your robe.

    6. Colorado Weird Driving Law: No Black Cars

      In Denver, it is illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday. Maybe their hearses are pink?

    7. Connecticut Weird Driving Law: No Hunting

      Don’t go painting your car bright orange or camouflage; it is against the law to hunt from a car.

    8. Delaware Weird Driving Law: No Changing Clothes

      In Fenwick Island, you’re not allowed to change your clothing inside a car. You’ll have to find a changing station or restroom to put on your swimsuit.

    9. Florida Weird Driving Law: No Animal Parking

      You must feed the parking meter if you tie an elephant, goat or alligator to it. You know, normal pets.

    10. Georgia Weird Driving Law: No Driving Through Fun

      It is illegal to drive through a playground. The swing set can’t support your car anyways.

    11. Hawaii Weird Driving Law: No Hazard Movement

      It is illegal for any vehicle motion to use its hazard lights. You’ll have to stop completely before hitting that hazard button.

    12. Idaho Weird Driving Law: No Elderly Bikers

      In Idaho Falls, it is against the law for anyone over the age of 88 to ride a motorcycle. Looks like Grandpa isn’t getting a Harley Davidson for his 90th birthday.

    13. Illinois Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without a Wheel

      It is illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. So take that RC car off your wish list.

    14. Indiana Weird Driving Law: No Sales on Sunday

      It is against the law to sell cars on Sundays. No mention of buying a car, though.

    15. Iowa Weird Driving Law: No Dumping

      In Mount Vernon, it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway. Sorry, Ralphie.

    16. Kansas Weird Driving Law: No Chicken Transport

      You won’t find a KFC along Kansas Avenue in Topeka; it is against the law to transport dead poultry on this road.

    17. Kentucky Weird Driving Law: No Animal Intimacy

      It is illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas, however “molest” is not clearly defined. To be safe, keep Fido’s “dancing” to a minimum.

    18. Louisiana Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without Racing

      By law, a woman’s husband is required to wave a flag in front of her car before she can drive it. Ladies, start your engines.

    19. Maine Weird Driving Law: No Buying on Sundays

      It is illegal to buy a car on Sunday. Maybe Maine and Indiana can team up to form some kind of loophole dealership.

    20. Maryland Weird Driving Law: No Swearing

      In Rockville, it is against the law to swear from a vehicle. Not too sure how you can enforce that if a car’s windows are closed.

    21. Massachusetts Weird Driving Law: No Gorillas 

      You cannot drive with a gorilla in the backseat. Looks like King Kong’s got shotgun.

    22. Michigan Weird Driving Law: No Reading in the Street

      It is illegal to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. iPads and Kindles have swiftly avoided this law.

    23. Minnesota Weird Driving Law: No Dirt

      You will be considered a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the roads in Minnetonka. Better find your nearest carwash.

    24. Mississippi Weird Driving Law: No Honking

      Do not honk your horn in Oxford, otherwise you may scare nearby horses. Not starting any stampedes here.

    25. Missouri Weird Driving Law: No Honking Someone Else’s Horn

      You cannot honk someone else’s horn in University City. If you really gotta toot a horn, make sure its your own.

    26. Montana Weird Driving Law: No Sheep Without Supervision

      You must have a chaperone if you are driving sheep in your truck. Sheep can get pretty reckless, y’know.

    27. Nebraska Weird Driving Law: No Mountain Driving

      On mountain highways, drivers must stay to the right. But there is no mountain in Nebraska…

    28. Nevada Weird Driving Law: No Camel Riding

      It is illegal to ride a camel on the highway. Maybe this spittin’ animal prefers to do so on the sidewalk, anyways.

    29. New Hampshire Weird Driving Law: No Inhalation 

      It is illegal to inhale bus fumes with the intent of “inducing euphoria.” The kids will have to find other ways to pass time.

    30. New Jersey Weird Driving Law: No Custom DUI Plates

      If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you may not apply for a personalized license plate. But what if it said “Drunk Driver”?

    31. New Mexico Weird Driving Law: No Cab Grab

      Cab drivers may not reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis. That would be a terrifying situation.

    32. New York Weird Driving Law: No Disrobing 

      In Sag Harbor, it is illegal to disrobe while in your car. If your Friday night date is going well, find someplace else to continue the evening.

    33. North Carolina Weird Driving Law: No Cemetery Joyride

      It is illegal to drive through a cemetery if you are not there to dig a grave or bury someone. So no swerving between the headstones for fun.

    34. North Dakota Weird Driving Law: No Pennies

      It is against the law to put a penny in an automatic parking ticket machine. You’ll have to pay for parking with other currency, like a normal person.

    35. Ohio Weird Driving Law: No Shorts

      In Cincinnati, taxi drivers may only wear shorts from May 16 through Labor Day. Hopefully the cab’s AC is good to go for those dog days of summer.

    36. Oklahoma Weird Driving Law: No Comics

      It is against the law to read a comic book while driving. You’ll have to pull over if you want to see the end of Superman’s epic fight.

    37. Oregon Weird Driving Law: No Car Doors Open

      It is illegal to leave your car door open for longer than “necessary.” Do you think police officers have stop watches to time you and enforce this law?

    38. Pennsylvania Weird Driving Law: No Driving Without Flares

      When driving on a country road at night, drivers must stop every mile to set off flares and wait 10 minutes for livestock to cross the road. Better factor that into your estimated arrival time.

    39. Rhode Island Weird Driving Law: No Racing Horses

      It is against the law to ride a horse down the highway for the purpose of racing or testing the speed of the horse. Because racing is the most absurd way to use a horse, isn’t it?

    40. South Carolina Weird Driving Law: No Trash

      In the vacation town of Hilton Head, it is unlawful to store trash in your vehicle. You don’t want rats in your car.

    41. South Dakota Weird Driving Law: No Driving Until 14

      You can get your driver’s license starting at 14 years old. That’s just… alarming.

    42. Tennessee Weird Driving Law: No Hunting Except Whales

      It is illegal to shoot any game other than whales from a moving vehicle. You know, because of the ocean that Tennessee is totally next to.

    43. Texas Weird Driving Law: No Wipers No Car

      You must have windshield wipers to register a car. But the windshield overall is optional.

    44. Utah Weird Driving Law: No Racing Birds

      Birds have the right of way on highways. Because their tax money is what paid for those streets.

    45. Vermont Weird Driving Law: No Backfire

      In Rutland, it is illegal for cars to backfire. Why? You might wake someone up.

    46. Virginia Weird Driving Law: No Women Driving

      In Waynesboro, it is illegal for a woman to drive her car down Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of it waving a red flag. Red flags must be a popular wedding gift then.

    47. Washington Weird Driving Law: No Lawbreaking Without Notice

      Any motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits to call the chief of police as he or she is entering town. Do you think any criminal is that honest, though?

    48. West Virginia Weird Driving Law: No Roadkill Untouched

      While incredibly disgusting, it is perfectly legal to eat roadkill.

    49. Wisconsin Weird Driving Law: No Handlebars

      It is illegal for a bicyclist to ride with his or her hands off of the handlebars. Look, ma! My hands are still on the handlebars!

    50. Wyoming Weird Driving Law: No Gates Open

      You risk a $750 fine if you do not close a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch behind you. Because a closed gate will definitely keep predators from the farm pastures.

Bonus…

Washington, D.C. Weird Driving Law: No Half Driveway

You can be ticketed for not completely pulling your car into your driveway. You knew you could be ticketed on your own property.

About Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Schumacher Cargo Logistics is a leader in international car shipping and moving services. With over 40 years of experience since 1977, we can move your goods around the world with ease.

If you’re ready to start driving with the weird road laws of the US get a quote to import your car today!

Autobahn at Night

Driving on the Autobahn is a dream of many motorists that aren’t near Europe. The idea of long roads with unrestricted speed limits is enough to get people to fly out and visit. Even though people make this trip, many non natives don’t actually know how to drive on the Autobahn which actually has rules and customs. To help with that we’ve created a guide for the Autobahn below.

Guide for Driving on the Autobahn

What is the Autobahn?

It’s known across the world as the German highway with no speed limit. But it’s more than that. For speedsters and auto fanatics, the Autobahn is the ultimate place to take your shiny new sports car, especially with luxury European automakers close by.

Where is the Autobahn? How long is the Autobahn?

The word autobahn translates to “motorway,” so technically speaking, any country has an autobahn. However, the Autobahn references Germany’s highway system. Since Austria and Switzerland also speak German, their highways are also called autobahn.

The Autobahn in Germany is 12,993 km (8,073 miles) long. To compare, the United States’ highways are 77,540 kilometers (48,180 miles) combined. When you think about the size of the United States and the size of Germany, the length and density of the Autobahn is impressive.

Autobahn Speed Limit – Myth or Fact?

Famous for being the fastest highway in the world, there actually are speed limits on the Autobahn, believe it or not. Specific limits are posted near urban areas, like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, or for construction and heavy traffic. These limits will be posted as black numbers with a red outline on a white circular sign.

Outside of these areas, there is a recommended top speed of 130 kilometers per hour (50-80 mph). These will be posted as white numbers on blue square signs. While there are a few sections of the Autobahn without a speed limit, it’s wise to not go above 130 km/h, especially if you’re new to this highway.

You’ll see electronic signs that display “dynamic speed limits,” giving live updates to control traffic if there is an accident, construction, severe weather or special road conditions. Some may even show different limits for the specific lane that you’re driving in, so pay close attention to these.

Autobahn Highway Laws

Like every road system, there are traffic laws that all drivers must obey. Some of these are obvious, but some are specific to the Autobahn.

  • It is illegal to pass on the right. You can pass only on the left.
  • Stay in the right lane, especially if you’re new to the Autobahn. The left lane is for drivers going extremely fast or for passing vehicles in the right lane.
  • Stopping, parking, u-turns and backing up on the Autobahn is illegal.
  • It is illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn; it’s seen as a preventable circumstance and it leads to stopping, which is illegal.
  • Entering and exiting is only allowed on the marked interchanges.
  • Pulling over onto the shoulder is prohibited, unless your car breaks down.

Autobahn, Germany Travel Tips

The following tips aren’t as mandated as the laws above, but they are social customs that every driver on the Autobahn should follow.

    • Triple check your mirrors before changing lanes. Because cars travel so fast on the Autobahn, someone may come zipping up when there was no one there a second ago.
    • Most rental cars will have standard transmission. If you’re used to automatic, you can pay extra for that or quickly learn how to drive standard.
    • Police don’t run speed radar the way they do in the United States. Instead, there are cameras in area with strict speed limits that will take a picture of your license to deliver an electronic ticket. Just because you don’t see a police car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.

  • Rest stops and service stations are available every 40-60 km. Drivers are encouraged to take a break at these areas every 100 km (or two hours) as the highway can be draining. These stops can include gas stations, cafes, restrooms and hotels.
  • Embrace the local driving culture. German drivers don’t need as much elbow room as Americans do on the road, so don’t take it personally if it seems like a fellow driver cut you off. Chances are they thought you had plenty of space.

Helpful Terms to Know When Driving in Germany

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Learn the following terms to help you out when driving in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

  • Ausfahrt = exit; posted on road signs to indicate a rest stop or on/off-ramps.
  • Stau = traffic jam; you’ll hear radio announcements informing drivers where there is congestion or even stopped traffic.
  • Unfall = accident; another term you may hear on the radio or see on electronic live-update signs.
  • Rettungsgasse = free lane; during a Stau, the stopped traffic forms an open lane to allow emergency vehicles to pass through, especially for accidents on the Autobahn.

Shipping Cars to and from Germany

Ready for life in the fastest lane? You can export your car to Germany from the United States with Schumacher Cargo Logistics. As an auto shipping specialist, we regularly ship cars to Germany. There’s no one better to trust your vehicle with. We’ll get your car to Germany safely and efficiently, so you’ll be burning rubber in no time! We offer a handful of shipping services to Germany.

Want a taste of the German auto life, but can’t quite make it to Deutschland? You can now import a car to the United States from Germany with Schumacher Cargo Logistics, too! Interested? Get your free shipping quote from the moving specialists at Schumacher Cargo Logistics now, and we can get started today.

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Schumacher Cargo Logistics utilizes insured, secured and bonded facilities. We provide warehousing, packing, crating, trucking and loading services out of our own warehouses here in the USA - Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Miami, New York, and New Jersey. All other worldwide destinations are covered by our affiliated organization member companies.