Over the past few decades, OleRRelo Moving & Storage has helped Houston natives with their international move. Our objective is to simplify a complex process for all of our customers. From dealing with customs and red tape to transporting your goods, we always strive to take the stress and hassle out of everything. In addition to handling logistics and bureaucracy, we also try to help movers by providing some tips on moving to their new home. Today, we’ll explore Hamburg, Germany.
Despite being about 60 miles from the North Sea, Hamburg has the atmosphere of a coastal city thanks to its location on the Elbe River. From its intense sports culture (mostly soccer) to the deep historical rock/metal music scene, to its nightlife, Hamburg is packed full of things to keep yourself occupied and become immersed in the culture.
First off, you should be aware that getting a driver’s license in Germany is a potential nightmare. There are a number of states for which a drivers license has full reciprocity (meaning it will still be valid there). But if not, you better hit the books and break out the checkbook because, for the rest of the states, a driver’s license is only good for six months before you’ll need to take an exam (or series of exams) and pay up to $2000(!) in fees. Luckily Texas is on the full reciprocity list but if you’re licensed in another state, check this list out.
Germany’s universal healthcare runs on an insurance system with a mix of public and private insurance. If you already have a job lined up, chances are you’ll be automatically registered for public insurance. Those who are self-employed, public servants, or earn over roughly 5000 euros a year are eligible for private insurance. Hamburg is also home to one of the world’s top hospitals for medical tourists, making it a great healthcare option for internationals living in the city.
Learn the language. German is a pretty complex language and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all dialect that the whole country speaks. The dialect spoken in Hamburg is called Hamburgisch or Plattdeutsch. And lucky for you, it’s the variation of German that most closely resembles English. And while it’s possible to get by in Germany without speaking the language, it’s a pretty big obstacle to overcome. About half of Germans can speak English with varying degrees of fluency.
Whether you’re moving for work, for family, or the experience, Hamburg is a wonderful choice for a relocation. And we at OleRRelo are excited about helping you get there.
