There are many pros and cons living in Germany compared to the USA. As an American living in Germany, you will find that there are differences from life in the states. Through our many moves, we’ve heard back from our customers on some of the things they would have liked to know before moving. To help with acclimating to German life, we’ve compiled the major distinctions from expats in Germany.
Check out our article on the pros and cons of living in Germany below!
Living in Germany: The Pros and Cons Disclaimer
To start off with the pros and cons, it is important to understand there are differences throughout Germany. Just like any other country, areas are different even though it’s the same country. Living in Berlin will be different than Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, etc. For this reason the differences in Germany vs US are broad and may not apply to everywhere.
Language in Germany
A very clear distinction from the US is that people in Germany speak German. Though you can get by with English in many areas, it is still best to learn German. You will find the native Germans will treat you much better when attempting to speak the language rather then make them speak English.
Language Pros:
- Get by in many areas with just English
- Opportunity to practice new language
Language Cons:
- Some areas only have German speakers
- German is one of the more difficult languages
Money in Germany
When living in Germany, the main way you will pay for goods is through physical Euro. Card transactions are somewhat complicated in the country. Now some purchases are mandatory to pay in card, while some places are impossible to pay with card. This means you should always carry Euro on you to make sure you’re prepared. Though there are abundant ATMs with fair exchange rates to use.
Money Pros:
- Abundant ATMs so easy access to physical cash
- Euro is one of the most common currencies
Money Cons:
- Not all places take card so you need to carry Euros
- Need to start banking there to avoid all the fees
Expat Communities in Germany
With the increasing amount of Americans living in Germany, many expat communities are growing here. Expat communities are great when you first start to live in the country because you have life from USA in common. To find these communities people generally use groups in Facebook or local meetup websites. Many groups have local events which makes it easy to meet in real life. Also all major military bases in Germany have large expat areas around them.
Expat Communities Pros:
- Finding expat communities helps ease into the country
- Easy to find with website connections
Expat Communities Cons:
- Relying too much on expats won’t offer a full experience
- Still need to go out of the way to meet expats
Food and Drink in Germany
For many, the food and drink in Germany is one of the main reasons to live here. Famous dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst are popular among locals and travelers alike. Fresh baked bread can be found in almost every town and you must try the classic pretzel from its origin. When talking about drinks, everyone knows Germany is famous for its beer. The drink is so popular, people choose to drink non-alcoholic beer when they can’t drink the regular version.
Food and Drink Pros:
- Regarded as some of the best food and drink in the world
- Germany has a diverse range of national dishes
Food and Drink Cons:
- Heavy focus on bread and meats
- Not as much diversity as the USA with global foods
Service in Germany
Americans should be ready for a drastic difference in service in Germany. Many Americans complain about the service since it is not as good, but it is important to look at the reason first. In America, the serving culture has tips and are very attentive. In Germany, servers are paid more wages and don’t expect tips. They aren’t as attentive, so you should be ready to waive them down if you want service. Also, the the language used can seem rude, but they are really just straightforward.
Service Pros:
- No tipping so prices are what you see
- Servers will leave you alone unless you need them
Service Cons:
- You need to waive servers down if you need anything
- Straightforward language can seem rude
Rules in Germany
Germans are more strict about rules and laws than Americans. Even small infractions such as jaywalking will get you in trouble, so you better be prepared to follow the rules. The rule keeping does help make towns peaceful and very few people go against these norms. Something else almost all Germans observe are closed shops at 6pm and on Sundays. This means you better be prepared with food and groceries or you may not have something to eat during these times.
Rules Pros:
- The peace is very well kept in the country
- There is structure with norms regarding culture and law
Rules Cons:
- Germans frown upon actions that you may do in the US such as crossing the street unprotected
- Very few things are open past six PM and Sundays
Want to Live in Germany?
If you are moving or thinking about moving to Germany, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is the premier moving company to Germany. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are more pros and cons to living in Germany, but we’ll let you experience the rest while you’re there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form or read another of our German guides below.
Additional German Guides
There are many pros and cons living in Spain compared to the USA. Americans living in Spain find that the pros outweigh the cons and a majority enjoy their overall stay. Though many of our customers have said they would have liked to know some of the differences between the countries before their move. We’ve taken that to heart and compiled the many distinctions of Spanish life vs American life.
Check out our article on the Pros and Cons of Living in Spain below!
Living in Spain: The Pros and Cons Disclaimer
Before getting into the details of the pros and cons, it is important to disclose that Spain is very diverse. Just like any other country, areas have differences even though it’s one nation. Living in Madrid will be different than Barcelona, Granada, Valencia, etc. For this reason we’ll be talking in broad strokes about the differences in Spain vs US even though it may not apply to every city.
Language in Spain
One of the first and clearest differences between Spain and the US is the language. Spanish is the main language in the country. American expats living in Spain may get by without Spanish in the right expat communities. However for many, the point of living abroad is to experience a new culture. Learning Spanish will enrich your time here and is highly recommended.
Language Pros:
- Areas have English speaking communities
- Great chance to learn a new language
Language Cons:
- Areas don’t speak English at all
- There are different dialects of Spanish
Weather in Spain
Known as the country with greatest weather, you can find the best climates in Spain. From the Mediterranean climate on the coast to the cooler Oceanic climate in the north, Spain offers consistent sun. This means a day at the beach can be had even in October and November! On the flip side, the heat gets pretty high meaning most people don’t go out until mid-afternoon. Also there is a brief period of 1-2 months where winter takes over and the temperature is freezing.
Weather Pros:
- Sun throughout the year
- The weather is consistent through the year
Weather Cons:
- Consistent sun brings very hot days
- A winter that is really cold and very short
Late Starts
Night owls fit right into Spain as they tend to do everything a bit later than the rest. For instance late meals are famous here with lunch starting at 2P.M. while dinner starts as late as 10P.M. Here the lunch time is two to three hours compared to the US’s one. Some use this lunch period as a great time to take a midday siesta or nap period. Unfortunately this also pushes out the workday, meaning work ends as late as 8P.M for most workers.
Late Starts Pros:
- Night owls love that everyone is awake late
- Midday siestas are common for R&R during the day
Late Starts Cons:
- Early risers will have to adapt to odd times
- Workdays are longer because of midday siestas
Food and Drink in Spain
Food and drink is one of the things Spain is well known from. For food, amazing dishes involving meats and seafood are easily found all across the country. The necessary foods to eat in Spain are definitely paella and gazpacho. For drinks, Spain is famous for their wines. You can find different wines with more emphasis on locality and at great prices. When living in Spain, it is best to get used to Spanish food though. This is because there is less international diversity than the US. The focus on locality creates seasonal scarcity and you’ll need to prepare to eat what is available.
Food and Drink Pros:
- Amazing dishes like paella and gazpacho
- Well priced restaurants and groceries
Food and Drink Cons:
- Less international products and diversity
- Seasonality of goods creates scarcity for certain items
Cost of Living in Spain
For a country in the EU, Spain is one of the more affordable ones. The cost for housing in Spain is one of the benefits of living there. Housing in popular cities ends up being a better price than most places in the US. Like stated earlier, food and drink being cheaper also reduces the overall cost of living in Spain. Even though the housing is cheap, utilities are usually high. Running air conditioning all day will end up bringing those utilities costs up.
According to Numbeo, cost of living in Spain is 23.03% less than the US and rent is 46.58% lower as well.
Cost of Living Pros:
- Cheaper housing and food than the US
- Healthcare is provided for residents
Cost of Living Cons:
- Utilities usage is constant
- Doesn’t pay as much as the US
Want to Live in Spain?
If you are moving or thinking about moving to Spain, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is the premier moving company to Spain. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in Spain. There are definitely more pros and cons to living in Spain, but we’ll let you experience the rest there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form or read another of our Spain guides below.
Additional Spain Guides
Ah, retirement. The golden age of new opportunities and looking back on a life full of hard work. You have the time now to pick up new hobbies or take on the adventure of a lifetime. And while many retirees may feel inclined to stay close to home and loved ones, this is the perfect chance to settle down someplace new and discover a whole new world.
Every January for the past 29 years, International Living updates its list of the top 10 countries for retirees to move to every year. These countries receive an average score based on the International Living Annual Global Retirement Index. This index considers the overall quality of life for expat retirees, according to a number of metrics.
So if you’re soon approaching retirement and planning this next chapter, already retired and looking for a change of pace, or even years away and simply daydreaming, consider an international retirement! There is no better time than now to pack your bags and jetset for a new life across the world in the best international retirement locations.
Read below for our coverage of the top 10 places to retire overseas!
The 10 Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2019
10. Spain
This western European country is a prime beach destination for the rest of the continent. And since it’s a first world country, expats will find a comfortable standard of living and many of the familiar amenities of home. Traveling around the country and to other parts of Europe is easily done via train.
The country’s warm provides long farming seasons, meaning there is plenty of fresh and inexpensive produce at the market. The southern region, close to the Mediterranean Sea, is hot and dry, while further north toward the Pyrenees Mountains is mild and cool.
Spain boasts one of the lowest costs of living in western Europe. A couple could comfortably live on $2,500 a month in many parts of the country. Additionally, the World Healthcare Organization ranks Spain as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
9. Thailand
Nestled in southeast Asian, Thailand is a tropical paradise. The tropical and humid climate means there is no threat of a cold winter; perfect for snowbirds.
The cost of living is considerably low; a modern studio apartment rents for $400 a month. Utilities and groceries are also low. Travel within the country is also inexpensive, and it’s easy to hop on a plane to explore the rest of southeast Asia.
For those who are really looking for an all-immersive experience, Thailand boasts a rich culture that’s completely its own. The country has never been colonized by western or European countries. However, there are plenty of bustling expat communities for you to make plans with new friends.
8. Peru
This mountainous country of ancient Incan ruins and llamas has recently become a favored retirement location. There is a large number of expats living throughout the country. In Lima, the country’s capital, you can find incredible restaurants, art museums, galleries and theaters. The international airport is constantly seeing direct flights to and from neighboring South American countries.
The weather is mild with sunshine for 300 days out of the year. This temperate climate means that fresh and local produce is always available at a low cost. The overall cost of living stays low, too. A couple can easily live on a budget of less than $2,000 a month in most regions.
Since there are not many English-speakers, anyone moving here should learn Spanish to fit in and get around. However, the community is still friendly and welcoming of expats.
7. Portugal
Portugal is known for its friendly community. The people are happy to share their culture with others, and they make an effort to welcome visitors and expats. English is widely spoken in the more populous urban areas of Porto and Lisbon, so English-speakers can easily get around.
Portugal is the second least expensive country in Europe, just after Bulgaria. You can modestly live here on a comfortable budget of $2,500 a month. Additionally, the 2018 Global Peace Index rated Portugal as the fourth-safest country in the world.
6. Colombia
If you can’t start your day without a cup of coffee, Colombia might be the perfect place for you. The country is known for its incredible coffee industry, and the Coffee Triangle offers beautiful and lush mountain scenery. If the mountains aren’t calling your name, don’t worry. You can head down to the Caribbean for tropical and hot beaches. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, so there is no shortage of incredible landscapes.
Retired expats can easily attain a retirement visa that’s good for three years. You’ll also have easy access to affordable yet high quality healthcare. The World Health Organization ranks Colombia’s health system at #22 (for perspective, the United States is at #37 and Canada is at #30).
5. Malaysia
Malaysia is a popular choice for those who love an outdoor lifestyle. More than 878 islands make up the country’s geography, and there are amazing hiking trails through the beaches and rainforests. Discovering the rest of Asia is easy through direct and inexpensive flights right out of the Penang International Airport.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Malay; English is the unofficial first language. Malaysian law is based on the British system, and all road signs are in both English and Malay.
A couple can comfortably live on the island of Penang for $1,800 a month, including rent. And don’t forget the affordable healthcare. Medical services can be done day-of and on a low budget, so it’s an especially attractive feature for expats.
4. Ecuador
There is something for everyone in Ecuador. Choose to live along the tropical coast or up in the temperate Andes mountains. Get caught in the bustle of the big-city life and all of its conveniences or choose to watch the world go by in quaint villages. You’ll find a fascinating mix of indigenous, Inca and Spanish cultures, great for those always trying something new. There are plenty of expat communities that take advantage of the local laidback lifestyle, and you’ll want to jump right in.
Another benefit is the affordability. It’s entirely possible to buy a beach home for less than $150,000. Utilities, household help, and personal services cost much less here. The warm climate allows for year-round growing seasons, so food is fresh and inexpensive at local markets.
3. Mexico
Mexico’s proximity to the United States has made it a popular vacation destination for generations, so why not choose to move here? Expats will find incredibly affordable healthcare and a low cost of living. Depending on the location, a couple can comfortably live on $1,500 to $3,000 a month, including rent and healthcare. After you gain residency, you can sign up for a national healthcare plan. Residents over the age of 60 can also acquire a national senior discount card.
Geographically, Mexico is a huge country. The vast landscape includes farmland, beaches, mountains, oceans and lakes. You can choose to live in the warm beach towns or up in the spring-like Colonial Highlands. Wherever you go, you’re sure to find a community that is welcoming to expats.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a healthy history of a peaceful culture and stable democracy. The country abolished its army in 1948 and dedicated that budget to its education and healthcare instead. The country has plenty of options for healthcare services, and the socialized medicine program is available once you acquire residency.
For active retirees who love the outdoors, there is no shortage of activities to get you outside. The tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and lush mountains supply the perfect backdrop for fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, yoga and diving.
Costa Ricans, locally known as Ticos, are warm and welcoming to expats. There are plenty of expat communities as well to help you fit in.
1. Panama
One definite perk to Panama is its location. It’s warm and tropical near the Caribbean, but it’s also outside of the hurricane belt. It’s located close enough to the United States that a visit home is easy; Miami is only a 3-hour plane ride away. The U.S. dollar is the country’s currency, so no need to figure out a new exchange rate.
The capital, Panama City, is Central America’s only first world city. This bustling metropolis also boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Outside of the city, you’ll find amazing mountains and beaches.
Retirees in Panama have access to the country’s Pensionado Program. It’s considered one of the best retiree programs in the world and is open to everyone. Program participants have access to incredible discounts on everything from medical expenses to entertainment and travel.
How International Living’s Global Retirement Index Works
The Retirement Index was developed in 1990 and weighs the financial, health, lifestyle and governance pros and cons of each country. Such metrics include Cost of Living, Fitting In, Healthcare, Climate and Development. Every factor is carefully considered to determine the best retirement destinations abroad.
These retirement havens get scores based off of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index. These scores are then averaged and the highest scores make the list for the new year. Additionally, the International Living team is spread throughout 5 continents and is able to provide a personal take on what life is like for an expat in these countries. With their help, International Living annually publishes who’s on top of the Global Retirement Index list.
Retire Overseas with Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Ready to take on the next chapter in life in a new and foreign land? Our Moving Specialists are here to tell you how to move abroad. With 40 years of internationally shipping vehicles and household goods, our team ensures a safe and efficient move. Whether you’re moving just across the Atlantic to Spain or around the world to Malaysia, you can get your free shipping quote and call us toll-free at 1-800-599-0190 today.
