First 72 Hours

You just landed in Germany, excited but exhausted. One warning: airports are designed to make you spend money fast. Let’s avoid the expensive traps and focus only on what you truly need in the first 72 hours.

1. The Internet Problem

In the arrivals area, you will see shops selling SIM cards. Avoid them. They usually sell tourist SIM deals that are overpriced (for example: 50€ for 10GB, sometimes even more). You do not need that. Use the free airport Wi-Fi first to download the essential apps listed below.

A very good local option for students, trainees, refugees, and newcomers is Aldi Talk. It is a prepaid SIM service from the Aldi supermarket chain. It is cheap (starter pack around 10€), has no long contract, and is easy to find because Aldi supermarkets exist in almost every German city.

• Where to buy: Any Aldi Süd or Aldi Nord supermarket. In many big cities, there is an Aldi close to main train stations. Sometimes there is also one near airports (but not always inside the airport).
• How to register (mandatory in Germany): You must verify your identity before your SIM works. This is required by law. You can register using the Aldi Talk app or in your browser e.g., Chrome and complete a Video Ident call. You need good lighting, a clear camera view, and stable internet. If Video Ident does not work, you can use PostIdent at a Deutsche Post office (it takes longer, but it works reliably).
• Troubleshooting: If the video call fails (often due to weak connection), do PostIdent at any Deutsche Post office. Sometimes there is a small fee depending on the procedure.
• Cost: The starter set is about 10€ and usually includes the SIM plus around 10€ credit. Monthly plans start around 8.99€. As of January 2026, there is also an unlimited plan around 9.99€ (check the current Aldi Talk options in the app/website before choosing).

2. Essential Apps: Maps, Translator & Transport

Before you leave the airport Wi-Fi, download these apps. They will save you time, prevent confusion, and help you move around safely.

• Google Maps: Works very well in Germany. It shows public transport routes, walking routes, and often the correct platforms. If you are new, it can feel confusing at first. Simple method: type your destination address, tap “Directions,” and follow the steps exactly.
• DeepL: This is not the same as Google Translate. DeepL is very strong for German and often sounds more natural. You can translate text and use the camera for signs or menus. The free version is useful, and some features can work offline after setup.
• DB Navigator (Deutsche Bahn): This is the official German railway app. It shows trains, buses, trams, and metro options. It shows the platform (Gleis), departure times, and delays. You can also buy tickets in the app. Many local city transport systems are included, so you can use it for buses and metros too. If DB Navigator feels complicated, you can still use Google Maps for directions and use DB Navigator mainly for tickets and train details.
• Integreat App: A newcomer app for many German cities. It gives city-specific information (registration, housing, healthcare, rules). Download it, select your city, and use it as your local guide.
• Buy the Deutschlandticket: A nationwide transport ticket costing €63 per month (2026 price). It allows unlimited travel on local and regional trains and public transport across Germany (but not high-speed ICE/IC trains). You can buy it in DB Navigator or at stations or from the DB website. It is valid from the 1st of each month. If you arrive mid-month, consider buying it for the next full month. Note: It is a monthly subscription, so remember to cancel earlier if you no longer need it.
• Student/Trainee discount (very important): Before paying the full €63, ask your university, school, Ausbildung provider, or employer about a discounted ticket (often called an Ermäßigtes Deutschlandticket or Deutschlandsemesterticket). In 2026, Bavaria charges €43/month for eligible Azubi and students; NRW semester pricing is about €37.80/month from winter semester 2026/27 (still €34.80 at some campuses until then). Savings are typically €20 to 25 per month, not a single nationwide price.

3. Getting From Airport to City: Transport vs Taxi

Many newcomers spend 50€-80€ on a taxi from a major airport when the same trip by train costs about 6€-12€. Public transport is safe and normal here. Use a taxi only for emergencies, health issues, or when transit truly is not running.

Here's exactly what to do: Use the DB Navigator app (you just downloaded it). Type your airport name, or simply select 'current position', and then enter your destination address. The app will calculate and show you the cheapest and fastest route available, which is usually a regional train (S-Bahn) followed by a metro (U-Bahn) or a bus. If it seems confusing at first, switch to Google Maps and perform the same search there, as many newcomers find it easier to understand in the beginning.

4. Transport Etiquette (Avoid Fines)

• Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left. Blocking the left side often leads to people shouting or expressing frustration, especially during busy hours.
• Trains/Trams: Let people exit first. Do not rush in. Always validate paper tickets where required, because failure to do so can result in fines during ticket inspections.
• Bike lanes: NEVER walk or stand in red/asphalt bike lanes. Cyclists have right of way and will ring bells or yell if the lane is blocked.

5. Your First Weekend (The Sunday Rule)

If you arrive on a Saturday evening or a Sunday, you must know this: Germany closes on Sundays. Supermarkets and clothing stores are closed because Sunday is officially the 'Ruhetag' (rest day). Regular pharmacies are closed too. On-call pharmacies (Notapotheke) stay open for emergencies; find one via Apotheken.de or your city's Notdienst list. If you do not buy food on Saturday, you may find yourself without groceries until Monday.

The Loophole: Supermarkets inside big train stations (Hauptbahnhof) and airports are allowed to stay open on Sundays. If you land on Sunday, buy bread, water, juice, and other basics at the airport supermarket (usually Rewe or Edeka) before you leave the terminal.

6. Local Basics: Water, Pfand, Mailbox

• Tap water is safe: Germany's tap water is drinkable everywhere unless marked otherwise. You can safely refill bottles and save money instead of buying bottled water.
• Pfand (bottle deposit): Many plastic and glass bottles have a €0.25 deposit. Return them to the machine in supermarkets (Pfandautomat) and get your deposit back at checkout.
• Name on mailbox: Add your exact name to the letter box (briefkasten) immediately. Without it, your official mail (Anmeldung, bank, residence card) is often returned to the sender.

7. Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

The Timeline: Within 2 weeks of moving into your permanent address, you must register. If you do not do this, you are technically in violation of German law and may face fines.

When you arrive at your housing, ask your landlord or host for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation). This is a single sheet of paper confirming that you moved in. You cannot register your address at the city office without this document, and your rental contract alone is not sufficient. If you do not receive one, print this PDF Template and ask the landlord or host to sign it.

8. Documents to keep on you

For the first days in Germany, you should carry your passport and a copy of your entry visa or residence permit. Non EU scholars are sometimes asked for proof at hotels, banks, and during train travel. Keep a clear photo set on your phone and one printed copy in your bag, but handle all original documents with extreme care to avoid loss.

• Carry daily: Passport (not always due to risks of losing it), Residence Permit (it can be from your home country), Student ID.
• Keep safe: Original admission letter or employment contract, identity documents, and your university or hospital contact details. Scan everything and save it in secure cloud storage.
• Proof of funds: If a bank or landlord asks, show your latest bank statement, scholarship letter, or work/training contract.
• Liability insurance: Sometimes landlords ask for proof of liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). It protects you if you accidentally cause damage to someone else or their property and usually costs around 3 to 5€ per month. It is not mandatory, but if required, you can apply via platforms like Get Safe.

9. Cash and cards in your first week

Germany still uses cash more than many other countries. In January 2026, many bakeries and small shops accept cards, but not all of them do. For this reason, it is wise to keep at least 20 to 50€ in cash during your first week.

If you do not yet have a German bank account, you can use an international debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs. Avoid airport currency exchange counters, as their exchange rates are usually very poor.

10. What to do on day two

Once you have internet access and transport sorted, you should focus on the next steps that make daily life easier. Book your Anmeldung appointment, check your university or workplace onboarding emails, and locate the nearest supermarket and pharmacy, as these three actions reduce stress very quickly.

• Book the Anmeldung: Appointment slots often appear early in the morning. Check the city website daily. Some cities do not require appointments, and landlords can provide guidance.
• Know the offices: Bürgeramt = City Hall for address registration (Anmeldung). Ausländerbehörde = Foreigners Office for residence permits. These are different offices, with separate appointments, and the Ausländerbehörde is usually slower.
• Confirm onboarding time: Email your department or training office and confirm your first day and required documents.
• Stock basics: Water, bread, simple meals, and any daily medication.

11. Quick reality check for non EU scholars

As of January 2026, non EU scholars must respect the visa purpose and registration rules. If you entered Germany for study or training, you must stick to that purpose unless you have officially received permission from the relevant immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). Working outside the visa purpose can result in fines, legal consequences, or deportation.