Shopping & Essentials: Where to Buy What

Shopping in Germany is straightforward. Prices are transparent (no hidden taxes at checkout like in the US, tax is already included). But knowing where to buy what saves you a lot.

1. Clothes: Budget to Premium

Budget tier (€10 to 30): H&M, Primark (if you find one, rare in Germany), C&A. Decent quality for the price. Good for basics.

• Mid-range (€20 to 60): Zalando (online, free returns), Urban Outfitters, Zara. Trendy, better quality.
• Outlet: Wertheim Village (and other outlet malls near major cities). 30 to 70% off major brands. Worth a weekend trip if you have time.
• Thrift/Second-hand: Vintage stores in most cities. German quality clothing lasts forever, used is smart.
• Online: Vinted (German app), eBay Kleinanzeigen (free classifieds). Buy used, save 50 to 70%.
• Note: You can also buy nice clothes from second-hand shops around your city for very low prices (often under €7). These stores have a wide variety of styles and sizes.

2. Toiletries & Personal Care

Cheapest: dm and Rossmann (drugstores, not just pharmacy). Own brands are excellent quality and cost €2 to 5. Found everywhere.

• Where: Any city center has at least one. Both have loyalty programs (get a card, earn points) via the dm App or Rossmann App.
• What to buy there: Shampoo, deodorant, skin care, toothbrush, razors. All brand names available too.
• If you need specific items: Compare on Idealo or Amazon before buying at dm/Rossmann, prices can differ.
• Avoid: Airport shops, train station shops (50% markup). Buy before travel.

2.5 The 'Hard Water' Warning (Hair & Skin)

Germany has very 'hard' water (high calcium). This is a shock for Afro-textured hair and skin. Hair: The water can cause breakage and dryness. Use a 'chelating' shampoo once a month to remove mineral buildup. Skin: You may get 'ashy' or dry skin faster here. Standard lotions aren't enough in winter. Look for body lotions with 'Urea' (5 to 10%) at dm or Rossmann. It retains moisture better than standard cocoa butter alone.

3. Electronics & Tech

Where to buy: MediaMarkt, Saturn, or Amazon.de. All have identical prices usually. Amazon offers free returns.

• Best for: New laptops, phones, headphones. Warranty is automatic (usually 2 years by law).
• Avoid: Buying electronics in the first 2 weeks after launch (prices drop fast).
• For older/budget electronics: Check eBay Kleinanzeigen. Students often sell working laptops for €300 to 600.
• Phone plans: Buy SIM at Aldi/Lidl/Saturn, not at carrier stores (avoid contracts).

4. Furniture & Household Items

New: IKEA (obvious choice, good value), Baumarkt chains (OBI, Bauhaus for kitchen/tools). Prices are fair.

Used (money-saving hack): Kleinanzeigen.de 'Zu verschenken' (free), eBay, Vinted. Germans throw out quality stuff. Claim it before it's gone.

5. Winter Survival: The 'Onion' Strategy

Coming from East Africa? The cold here is humid and bites your bones. Rule 1: Buy a winter coat that covers your bum (Parka style). Short jackets are useless in January. Rule 2: Buy 'Thermowäsche' (thermal underwear) at C&A or Decathlon to wear under your jeans. Rule 3: Use the 'Zwiebelprinzip' (onion principle): T-shirt + sweater + coat so you can peel layers off indoors.

6. Books & Supplies for Ausbildung

New textbooks: Thieme Online Store (medical books), Hugendubel (general bookstore chain).

Used textbooks: Kleinanzeigen.de. Search '[Your textbook name]'. Saves €30 to 80 per book. Previous students sell them constantly.

Office supplies: Staples, Müller (drugstore chain, has office supplies), or supermarkets. Very cheap.