2 American students moving to Oberursel, Germany...?

Question

My husband and I will be moving to germany for 1 year this coming summer. We could use some help in preparing for our trip. Helpful things to bring, etc. It is a scholarship program, so our housing is provided. When would be the best time to buy our airline ticket? Any airlines known for cheap flights from the US to Frankfurt? I would love to hear about other's experiences moving overseas! Thanks so much for the help!

Answer 1

You both should qualify for student ticket pricing (ft students and under 36 years old in some cases).  See http://www.studentuniverse.com and http://www.statravel.com and http://www.travelcuts.com and http://www.generationfly.com

The problem you'll have is reserving a return greater than 1 year from the booking date.  In this case, you'll probably have to book a one-way ticket to Germany, then one-way back when ready to return.  Airfare "consolidators" such as Flights.com, Airdeals.com, Travelhub.com, and EconomyTravel.com are often cheaper for one-way international airfares.  The student agencies I listed also act as consolidators and might have similar fares.  With a student visa pre-arranged for Germany, there should be no problems boarding a one-way flight.  I have done this with work visas for European countries.  A co-worker booked PHL-FRA for $400 one way a couple years ago in a similar situation; she booked from Airdeals.com.

Just to be sure you got the best deal, also check http://www.bookingbuddy.com for one-way fares.

Answer 2

I just flew in from the United States to Frankfurt for a study abroad program.  The best website by far is studentuniverse.com.  From there, I'd recommend trying to fly Air India.  It may sound a little strange (and it can be...), but I got a flight non-stop from Chicago to Frankfurt round-trip for $500.  Yes, there are a lot of Indians on the flight, but if you can get over that fact (and the unusual Indian food) then this is definitely the flight for you.  Buy your tickets early because that is the best way to get good rates.  When you get here, I'd say you should by a BahnCard 50.  With the student rate, it costs 110 euro and you can use it to get half price train tickets to pretty much any city in Germany.

As far as places to visit, I'm currently living in Berlin and I think it is such an incredible city.  There is so much going on here that is completely different from the United States.  Each community in Berlin is pretty much its own world with a different culture, class, and type of person.  You could spend days in Berlin going to all the attractions including the Reichstag (German Parliament), the Berlin Wall (which I personally think is an incredible piece of history), and countless museums.  I'd say a visit to Berlin is a definite must.  I hope you have a safe trip and enjoy your time in Germany!

Answer 3

Travel to Germany is cheaper before summer, also you should talk to the program you are going through inorder to find out about an open ended ticket.  Flight cost depends on what airport you are departing from.  I did a work exchange program to England through CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), they got a great deal for me on an airline ticket, maybe their travel agency has some deals you can look into.  I loved Germany, I lived there for 4 years, it was great.

Answer 4

Hi Sem

Well I once moved there for four months and go there almost every year.

There are many tips that could be helpful depending on how you are traveling. Here are a few to name:

Try to learn German and speak it as often as you can, you will be looked upon with more grattitude for trying even if they say not to worry English is ok. They attempt means a lot.

Do not carry all cash of course. You can get money from any bank or even Geldomatics same as our ATMS as long as it has the proper symbols on it like visa and master card.

For a whole year consider a Bahn pass i think it is called. It allows you tickets at like half price. A standard rail pass will not be as good, they are for short term travellers really. Go to http://www.bahn.de and they have an English section as well.

I also suggest buying a bus pass by the month or so it is cheaper and you do not have to worry bout learning the proper way to use the tickets on the buses, you just flash the ID.

If you plan to rent a car, then make sure you have an International liscence. Though your USA is good here it will save any potential hassles at the Polezei station for misunderstandings. Make sure you know the laws of the road. Example you cannot turn right on red as you can most places in the USA. On the Highway or Autobahn, the left lane is for passing only not driving and you can get a ticket in the mail there too for driving offences.

Try their food I personally love it. They have many different festivals and such through out the entire year in different Regions and unlike the USA where it can take HOURS and HOURS to get to a new STATE, Germany is only a bit larger than Texas so you can get to most places in one days drive and see a lot.

The people are friendly and helpful in my opinion and do not believe any of the stereo types you may have heard, they are NOT true.

Other than that bring the proper converters, but if you are going for a year if may be just better to buy new appliances for shaving and such there instead and leave them when you go back home rather than rely on converters all the time.

You can also set up a bank account and get a Handi (cell phone) and use your own if it is a Simm card many times.

Cable TV is MUCH less expensive than here but Gasoline is more expensive than here. The Euro is worth more than the US dollar so only convert what you need for to re convert just cost you even more money in the end. Traveler checks I found a use of time there. My ATM VISA and some cash of course was all I needed.

If you are furnished that is great. Get a map of the city you will be moving to so you can learn your way around and I am sure you will both do just fine there.

I loved it and plan to move back again someday. Enjoy your year, it will be a great unique experience. TRY there food and avoid your normal USA style meals for a while and see how you like it, they are actually healthier than most USA people with their diets. NOT all but most.

As far as airline I have always stuck with United/Lufthansa and travel during shoulder season which is the spring and fall time. Winter is too cold in my opinion to move there, and summer can be very hot too and it is more expensive for plane tickets. So spring or Fall are the best rates unless winter is ok for you than it can be real inexpensive. Make sure you get frequent flyer miles for it too, thats a lot in the long run!

If you have any questions feel free to email me. Have FUN!