I just wanted to point out something because some people like to get upset about anything 😴 Coming to Germany voluntarily and coming to Germany as a refugee/displaced individual are very different scenarios than what I was talking about in the video (which I thought was pretty obvious). If you voluntarily move to any country in the world you should prepare your life to make it an easier transition for yourself and others (the country you are moving to). I am not talking from "what-ifs" or hypothetical situations- I am talking from personal experience on what was extremely hard for me to adapt to and the mistakes I made that could have easily been avoided to make my life in Germany 20X easier. I can not spend 2 minutes in every video trying to list off every group of people I am not talking about- I like to think the majority of people that watch my videos are critical thinkers..... so please put that quality to use. What I have learned with traveling is that no place is waiting for you to arrive and so the mistakes you make are your own which has been a hard pill for me to swallow but it has made me more accountable in my life (so take the good with the bad I suppose) 🤣 and for anyone that was offended because you thought I was including refugees & displaced people in this group- I was not and I am sorry ❤
Actually, I came to Germany as a "poor person" and found life much better than in the US. I had about 1000 bucks, a suitcase and my keyboard. As soon as I came, I found work (teaching English) and although I have always struggled a bit, there is a safety net here. Regarding housing, yeah "major cities" are competitive. Hayley chose the most expensive city in Germany! When I arrived, I decided to look for an apartment and job in a medium-sized city, like Mannheim or Worms. I now live in Erlangen, and my rent is 350/ month. So a poor (but educated) person can find work, a cheap rent and a nice life, but only if they are ready to LEARN GERMAN.
I am a German, who had been to the USA in my youth. I agree with everything you said in the video. There might be one exception: if you have friends here who invite you to live for free and to test out if Germany is an option, it might be ok and good to come.
@Bernhard Schwarz are you sure? Es gibt überall solche und solche. Ich habe schon oft Obdachlose bei mir schlafen lassen, jemanden aus dem Ausland, sofern freundlich und sympathisch, erst recht. Wir können doch nichts mitnehmen! Zumal ich 3 Jahre völlig kostenlos in den USA gelebt habe, wo man nie nach Geld fragte.
Even as a German it‘s unbelievably hard to find a new place in cities like Munich, Cologne and so on - and I‘m not even talking about the shockingly high prices, but just to find/get a new appartment is a win in the lottery nowadays. Can‘t even imagine how hard it must be for a foreigner 😣
Good point! That is why a foreigner must understand that Germany is not just Berlin, Munich or Cologne. Exactly as the USA is not only New York, Los Angeles or Houston. I started living here in a small town 1h away from Berlin, then came to NRW where we also moved several times before finding our forever home in Ruhr Gebiet One need to be opened and flexible. Another issue is language. Coming to a country for a permanent stay without a least A1 lever is crazy.
All these points fit every other country and german residents as well. Don't be poor... Vast majority of people who come to germamy are afraid of their warm body, not the possible restrictions of personality.
"Don't come to Germany if you are poor" .... If you only have one button in your pocket, you don't need to go to any other country. This does not only apply to Germany.🙃😊😇
if you are really poor as in don't own anything it doesn't make a difference where you go. it's just when you already own a little, then it makes a huge difference when you lose that and have to start from scratch
This is how most people came to the US. My grandparents had lint in their pockets when they got to the US. My grandparents got to Chicago and went to the Polish area of Chicago and went to a Polish-American club and the community helped out my grandparents. It still goes this way in some areas of the US. My husband is Swiss and he got his greencard, I'm an American and our daughter is American and Swiss. He reached out to the Swiss community to just meet some people from Switzerland. We got money to help us get on our feet. They even pulled money together to get my daughter's 4 yr checkup. I didn't realize that my daughter needed a social security number in order to get health insurance. My daughter needed to have a check up in order to start school.
The point is: Poorness includes also the (far more important) social terms, not only materialistic terms. Also, as Germany has far more inner problems than let's say 50 years or 100 years ago and many undiscussed issues, and many things have to do with immigration (from a whole bunch of different cultures, sometimes forced or misused) in one sort or another. The overall homogeneity is attacked also through Inner-German migration. Keep in mind, migration was never accepted democratically in Germany. It's never that Germans won't grant people their own happiness, but it's often times questionable what the direct advantage of migration is and for what the migrants stay, what might go on own expenses. Many migrants also can't answer it, because they might also don't know. But you are only free within the overall setting and not by your own standards, without having a stable accepted ground. So it's today more hard to adapt to German homogeneity as it becomes less visible. That might keep more of the own style unchallenged for a longer time in contrast to a constant social control of older times. It's often times just a honest question, how and what you are and want to be.
There are quite a few vloggers on youtube that have made the move, have shown their preparations (and what should have been done better). It is worthwhile learning from their experences
👍 If you want to adapt in Germany surch for hobbies in groups like Basketball or a choir or something like that. That's the way to find friends here. Or if you have Kids im school you could perhaps find friends! Have a great time here! 😊
Dear Hayley, thanks for pointing out the reality of moving to another country. Born and raised in Germany as a daughter to Croatian parents, I thought in my late 20ies to move to Croatia. I´ve had the opportunity to spend 3-4 months in a row there without really moving and I came to realize that I could not change my "german" work habits. So I stayed here and now I plan to travel Croatia for extended periods of time when retired.
One of your best videos so far 👍 I'd add this point: Don't come to Germany if you hate obeying rules 'just because that's the rule here'. Rules are ruling here, and it's not only the authorities that will enforce them (even if they might make absolutely no sense to you), but also the people themselves who'll simply expect of you to follow the rules as they have to. 'The rules are for everyone' - that's what you'll hear quite often here. This said, on the positive side of the coin, you have a huge space of freedom to live your personal lifestyle and to do things 'your way'! 😀 Your private sphere seems ( to me ) to be even more free in a lot of aspects than even in the US... and not getting fined for just crossing the street is just the tiny tip of the iceberg. Being prohibited by your neighbourhood to line-dry your laundry because they fear it could diminish their property value is another concept that would never come into anybody's mind here in Germany. On the other side, not being allowed to mow the lawn at a Sunday might sound crazy to somebody outside of Germany... 💁♂️ ...as Hailey said: you'll have to adapt... 😊
Fark, I must have spent more than 30 years of my life in Germany without obeying so many rules and it all worked out ok. I didn t get that many complaints and even the cops let me get away with shit.
I've often asked myself whether all those "Germany is so great" videos on youtube aren't irresponsible. All in all, the picture of a fairytale land emerges, to which I, as a German, would also like to move. Thanks for bringing reality into the conversation.
@@tanzderritter2201 I disagree. The Black Forest Family or My messy married life shows also the struggle. Ashton from BF Fam. tackled various issues with exact data, explained financial side. The McFalls talked about visa and work permit problems, finding school, language difficulties. They needed 1,5 year to really function in society. And they don't live in Munich, but in a villlage in Bavaria.
My life as a Kelner in Bavaria was very pleasant compared to life as an Engineer in the USA. There was doch a "fairytale land" feeling because the people and mountains were so beautiful.
I don't have experience myself, but my wife moved to Belgium from Wisconsin, so there for I know second hand that all that you mentioned are things to keep in mind no matter to which country one thinks of moving to.
Thank you for being open and honest. Such an important topic! Hoping that many people will listen to you and start thinking BEFORE they set sails into another country, whichever country.
Good Video! I've been in Germany 13 years now and have seen other amerikans come and go. They have a fairy tale vision of how it will be. Then they get here and everything is new and fresh and exciting. When that wears off after some time, they go back as real life sets in.
"Sometimes people move from a country away, where they are not missed, to a country where no one waits for them". A friend of mine moved to USA, because of a 180k job in 1990. This worked very well for him, he had no problems to integrate into US and US-German culture in US. The same would be the other way round. But without certifications ("Ausbildung") Germany is much worse, than in US, where you always get a chance, if you perform well.
That's too bad. I work at one of the 'National Labs' in the U.S. Even without an engineering degree of any kind there are those here that started out as technicians and grown into jobs designing systems that cost millions of dollars (that work well). I bet in Germany the same people would be confined to washing dishes in the back room of a restaurant.
@@tempest411 Not quiet. You could always start as a technician (with some work training or even as a helper and work your way up to become a technician). At some point, you have to prove your knowledge through testing. The Handwerkskammern (chaimber of crafts) do these tests and with sufficient training on the job, you'll pass. You may have to learn some things you only need for the exam, but you don't have to follow an official route to be able to take an exam. You can also always get certificates for some specialist training etc. that doesn't require any actual training or schooling to prove your knowledge etc. As an example: While I have been studying business IT, by the time I was applying for jobs, I didn't have the bachelors degree yet, but only a basic certificate as a software tester. While having done the studies, that certificate was more important in some cases. And to get it, you didn't even have to attend a training. I certainly didn't. My trainer just told me, that I knew enough to take the exam. A colleague gave me his notes from his training, that I partly read, then I went off and took the exam. To take any of the advanced exams in the field, you just have to have the basic certificate and have to be able to prove work experience in the field. The trainings are advised, but you don't have to have any degree (be it bachelor/master, Handwerkskammer or anything else), just work experience. And with these exams you will be able to get jobs. You may not get quiet the same amount of money someone with a degree gets (at first), but you can work your way up. You might at some point be encouraged to get some form of formal training (some kind of degree) alongside working, but at least in big companies, the employer would be hard pressed to argue not to pay you for what your working as. And if you take over more responsiblility over time, you are entitled to more. And if they don't want to pay you accordingly, you could always talk to your workers council (which is mandatory in companies of a certain size) and they will take up your plea and help you through different means. You do have rights in Germany and those can be enforced. Those careers aren't easy, but they most likely aren't easy anywhere in the world (they may also be slower, but I can't imagine these careers skyrocketing anywhere). But there will always be people able to perform really well in their jobs without a degree to start with. You even have people joking about those just javing earned a degree, that come and want to improve on things only to realise later, that things where at optimum before. So, while a degree offers basic knowledge of a field, experience is as important. And that is known in Germany as well.
@@tempest411 Everyone is free in Germany to do a vacational training (apprenticeship; Ausbildung, Lehre) here in Germany. After passing the exams, one is qualified for a respected job.
Even for me - born and raised in Germany and I guess well educated - education was not enough to get a job. I was in third rows of job application processes and still got rejected without a proper reason. Employers are looking for the "eierlegende Wollmilchsau". They have high expectations. Next to education you also need experience and confidence in job negociations.
I think most of this is good advice for any country you might be thinking about moving to. I would also like to add: If in any way possible, stay in your country of choice for an extended period of time (8-18 months or so) before you consider moving. There are lots of options: Au-pair, work & travel, student exchanges, going to university, taking a sabbatical etc. If nothing else, go on an extended holiday where you actually make an attempt to take part in regular daily life (i.e. don't just go to a hotel where everything's taken care of). Maybe couchsurfing or similar. I don't think anyone can really gauge whether they will like living somewhere just by watching UA-cam videos (even if they are as good as Hayley's).
All what you said Hayley applied to France too ! If you want to move to an other country, take the time to learn the language and not only, the way of life too, be open minded. And yes you have to adapt to the new country, it's not the new country which has to adapt to you ! It can help you to adapt but you have to do the most of it !
Such housing-agencies like AirBnb and others (HousingAnywhere?) are what destroys the flats market in most German cities like Berlin. A lot of ppl sell not only their own apartments to tourists to make money so there are less left for normal working people searching a flat. It's good that in Berlin it's now illegal to offer own flats more than two months a year and you have to pay tax of the income, but sadly its not as controlled as it should.
@cyber_habanero I think that is pushing it a little. I wish that a platform like HousingAnywhere was as readily available in Germany when I first moved in 2015. Germany is still relatively strict regarding regulating these types of websites/platforms but at the end of the day they do help a lot of people out. The issue with housing in Germany has more to do with a lack of initiative from the government to *build more homes*. They can tighten restrictions but at the end of the day vacation rentals, short-term rentals, and other options of the sort are businesses for people and the fix to the problem isn't stopping people from renting out their homes. I have friends that use Airbnb to rent out rooms in their home or apartments that were handed down to them from their family as a means to make a little extra income. The issue is when humungous realestate companies or billionaires start "investing" and purchasing huge chunks of real estate in Germany and dictate how the market will turn out.
@@HayleyAlexis There is a video on German-TV-channel Arte on YT: 'Der Ausverkauf von Lissabon' it's an example what happens on cities with too much expats and AirBnb when the former people can't pay flats anymore. Sure I understand companies like AirBnb and others are good for people want to settle somewhere new, but it has two sides. 🙂
Thanks for this video. A friend of mine wants to come to Germany and she seems to think Germany is some kind of paradise and everyone will be nice just because I am and I want her to come, but be prepared. So thank you for this video. Will share it.
Hayley, you've made a similar video some time ago and it was really good. Somehow I like this one even better. You're repeating only a few things. But I think there are enough new aspects of this matter presented here so that I would recommend watching both videos. All in all this one is making it even clearer what you want people to understand. Amazingly this one's just as friendly, respectful and honest as the previous one - really admireable.
There is a saying in Germany, you don`t have to wait for the roasted pigeons to fly into your mouth. This means , that you are responsible for yourself and you have to take action. But this is actually normal no matter which new country you have moved to. It`s also good if you want to learn German that you go to a club and have contact with the local people there. Then learning goes faster.🙂💚
Two things come to mind A. On will be the same person regardless of location. You cannot escape the issues you have with yourself. B. Why would it be easier to make it in a foreign environment when you struggle with the one you are familiar with. The second point comes up all the time that people claim we have to look at other planets (Mars) if Earth becomes inhabitable. With all the resources, our adaptation of the body to the environment any other place will be worse suited for survival and will cost more energy than we are obviously unable to live on here.
I moved 2008 to Sweden, so still Europe. It took me one very hard year before i settled in. Moving to an other country is a hard process but worth it if you wanna change something. The first day i started working: after 4:hours i sat in a corner and cried like a child. It was overwhelming, new land, new language and new field of work NICU). End of it: i stayed 10,5 years in Sweden until i finally moved back to Germany (for my parents otherwise i would still live there i guess). I lived also in Switzerland for about 3 years, it was easier even if the culture was in some parts different than Germanys. And never ever expect that the people will change for you, YOU wanted to move so its on you to settle in no matter which country/culture you choose. Have a nice day ☺️
Hello Hayley, I know from your videos that you too went through a valley of tears before you arrived here in Germany as your new home. With this video you have hopefully not only helped many people with false expectations to avoid making the wrong decision, you are also helping the Germans themselves so that they are not flooded with people who blame their disappointment on the Germans and then in the world proclaim. Thank you for this video and all the best to you and have a nice weekend.
That chicken is always a fun addition to a video. I didn't want to make that point so negative. There are amazing benefits to working in a job that is maybe unconventional (or many odd jobs) to your traditional route. It really teaches you a lot of valuable lessons and understand how other people live in your society.
Actually it is possible to come to Germany with little money but like everyone who’s broke and professionally unqualified and an immigrant, you need to accept doing menial tasks and odd jobs while you learn the language and until you get some education. If you are young and learn the language quickly, you might be able to find a training on the job (Lehrberuf) job and try to survive until you get your qualification. If you let the job choose you and don’t try to get your dream job from the get go, you might succeed. If you are “too old” to do that, you might want to get some cleaning jobs, do some babysitting (maybe the parents appreciate YOUR native language!) and do other jobs that don’t ask for special qualifications.
You go girl! My father is German and ive been there a few times, such an amazing experience but being realistic is far more important than anything else right now. The same thing is happening here in nz, it’s basically impossible to move to nz unless you have a lot of money i mean a lot of money. (Edit) and specific qualifications. The idea that another country is just a sea of roses is such a false advertising nowadays and im so proud of you for speaking out. Thx for the honesty love the channel. X
When I moved to Berlin ten years ago my dad was like "Good, there'll probably still be some appartment available for cheap in the "Platte" in the part that used to be in the GDR." Yeah, turned out there wasnt one available for me.
Zu Kaisers Zeiten hätte man derlei abschätzig als Wollhaarigkeit bezeichnet. Man hätte auch sofort mit der Abmessung des Kopfes begonnen, um festzustellen ob, das dieser kleiner als der Normaldeutsche und damit der Träger (kein gendern mit mir) auf keinen Fall normaldeutsche intellektuelle Fähigkeit hervorbringen kann, ganz egal, auch wenn die Hayley sich noch so elaboriert , klar und deutlich ausdrückt.
How did you end up in Germany Hayley? I would love to hear about how you ended up there?? I lived in Germany for 7 years, in Erding near Munich in the early 2000’s and they were the best years of my life. I even learnt the language and was quite fluent once upon a time. Wish I could go back there to live…….. I was there on a spouses visa because of my husbands job. My very lucky 20 yo daughter is actually going LMU in Munich in September on student exchange for one year. BTW I like German directness. Constantly reading between the lines makes me anxious. In Germany you always know where you stand with people.
Dear Hayley, I have been casually watching your videos for years and this time, I have to comment. What you said, was spot on and if only a fraction of people moving here would grasp what you are saying, everybody would win. Thank you for your statement!
So, I am German and my husband is US-American. He works for the US government as a contractor and has a good salary. But the salary is not earned in Germany! When we tried to find housing for my student son in Heidelberg, this was a real problem. Even though we had 1. a house in Germany, 2. an excellent SCHUFA-Auskunft including years of mortgage payments, etc., 3. Lots of savings (but in the US!) and 4. are registered in Germany, we got declined again and again and again. We ended up getting something (really expensive) in the end but it was months of anguish. To be fair, this is true in the US in the reverse case, as well. But it was a real eye opener for us!
@@ShakibBaig1 I assume you are thinking of how much money you need when you move to Germany? I believe the most important step is to have a good job offer in Germany. That alleviates a ton of problems. We did not have salary information from Germany, so that made things really complicated. I would probably have three months' worth of savings in the bank so that the initial cost is covered (remember, you need everything new as the voltage is different - from a microwave to a vacuum cleaner). You also need a security deposit for your rental. That stuff adds up fast.
@@ShakibBaig1savings: In terms of Housing, I really tell you the minimum is 80k for a good credit score. German-born who up until today does not even have saved such an amount, even with a pretty decent job and salary for 12 years
Hayley, your haircut is so cute. I think it suits you very well! I am not going to give you advice on which haircut you should keep though, you will do as you want anyway ;) Just looking forward to whatever you decide next :)
I moved to Munich with only 1000 euros and I made it perfectly. It is a slower process, but very possible. I didn't have any degrees or working experience, and it just took a positive mindset to grow from there. I feel that in other countries like the US, it would be ten times more difficult. Wouldnt recommend it, but its possible
I thought about doing a similar video on my channel last week. There are daily queries from Americans regarding moving to Germany. There are so many things to consider before moving to Germany: cost of the move, housing, work, the weather, the language, etc. In my opinion, you provide excellent information regarding living in Germany.
Always think.....no one is waiting for u to come here. That was my expirience living as a German in Australia for 10 years. You play by the rules of your new country. And get used to the metric system.
Thank you for your video, very honest and open! And these are points that should actually be clear even with normal common sense and you didn't in any way sugarcoat everything in your videos or give the impression that here is the land of milk and honey. Everyone should ask themselves the question, "What would be important if a foreigner immigrated to my country?" and the non-country specific things that come to mind are a good clue. My cousin immigrated to the UK because she married an Englishman. After her maternity leave she wanted to go back to work, actually an AuPair was considered but the AuPair came a month later than planned. I was just available and had time (after my "Fachhochschulreife") and was actually in the UK for a month and a half, also got a salary for babysitting and I was officially registered and insured there etc.. I had decided to try and stay there - but I couldn't find a job so quickly, didn't have enough money to bridge the gap before finding a job and my cousin needed the spare room for the au pair when she arrived so I just had to go. That's life.
Honestly anyone who has gone to Germany on your recommendation, it's a given to make sure you have money and make sure you're sure you want to go etc... No matter where you go in the world you need money and need to be prepared with weather and the climate in general in the country... Anyone who has gone and not making sure they're prepared is on them not you, thank you for making this video, I want to go to Germany 2 of my cousins have German grandparents (they have sadly passed away last year and 2021 both from cancer) and I have German ancestry myself and British ancestry... But again thank you for doing this video, it'll hopefully help a lot who plan to make the move to German... Do your research etc before to do make the move...
Regarding the housing problem, i cant stop myself from suggesting to maybe consider an east german city. Statistics show that foreigners still largely prefer to go to west germany but east germany has some true pearls with better housing conditions. My home town of Leipzig is one of the fastest growing cities in Germany and scores at rank 16 of wealthiest cities in Germany. It has become a bit of a secret tip for migrants ;-)
I do have to say that the housing in eastern Germany is more affordable (and you can still get relatively good deals on homes) BUT the image/stereotype of racism is still very prevalent unfortunately :(
I went to Germany in 1981 ( 11 years old) with my dad looking to buy a VW camper van. My dad didn't have much money to purchase the same vehicle in England but that trip and the purchasing of a 1972 blue and white vw camper made me (knowledgeable) and my dad rich!!
This most definitely applies to those moving to Portugal as well. Take Instagram with a grain of salt and do not arrive without enough funds to help with settling in/ establishing oneself, or with a job that will continue to fund one's life. Bring with you.... do not arrive and take from. I've lived in Porto now for six months and have obtained some eye-opening experiences I'd wished I'd known before.
i really enjoy your expat views on germany - we really need to get better in including foreign highschool and university students into our duales Bildungssystem as we have a lot of non filled Ausbildungsplätze.
Ich bin wirklich auf deiner Seite und alles was du sagst ist wahr, Germany is a taff country, and you need skills to come along....... and, Hayley, you are a "smart ass" (in a positive way), I do like your opinion very much 👍😍👍👍
What a great video! Thank you. I came to Germany with 20K $ cuz I had a very good job in America, which doesn't really exist in Germany, outside of major cities I do not live near. Now I'm unemployed and living with that humiliating condition. My university degree will not help me here. The Agentur fuer Arbeit is in contact with me weekly, mostly vice versa, as I try to find a job. For 10 years. I've joined a volunteer organization to feel useful. The Agentur fuer Arbeit seems to be a building full of people clicking on job websites to help people who might not know how to click on job websites. Then they keep track of us for retirement funding purposes. Do they actually get people jobs?
No, I can tell you a lot about the Working Agency ( Bürgergeld Amt / Jobcenter)and they only try to raise the pressure on you, to finish you off, so you are going to take any f*****g exploiter job, just because to leave them. Their first goal is to find a reason to take your transfer benefits, so you and ESPECIALLY every other former US Citizen has to check every notification from them. With "check" I do mean asking some of the free lawyers if everything is correct! Normally IT IS NOT and you have to fight against them ( sue them at the social justice court). This comment is a good example why US People are so popular at the german employership. Their mindset is totally different concerning the local working conditions. The most germans would not take job,where an US Citizen would say: "These conditions are normal" ( e.g. 14 to 25 vacation days. The Standard here is 30 ); and many many more examples. The refugees are also not helpfull ( for them) because they are unqualified and come just for the Bürgergeld, not to work. Even the last Afghan, who is not able to read, learns very fast from his friends that the low payment jobs are not so useful because it's nearly impossible ( rare at least )to climb up the career ladder. But the most emigrates from the US do not know this, because there is no real social system in the US. If you have nothing, you can live in a tent on the streets of L.A. or elsewhere, unthinkable in germany. There is a moral codex. The first article of the highest german law guarantees human dignity to every human beeing, so no one has to sleep on the streets here I recommend really to take s look on the german UA-cam Channel of Aramis Merlin. He is the opposite of Alexis Heyley, because he decided to live in the states and explains the diffrences to the german viewers. If you need an advice with formulars or other problems with the working agency, don't hesitate to ask.😉
You have the same common sense advice as I have for people either moving to another country in general but also Denmark. It's the same things we all go through and the same issues in at least northern and Central Europe. Spain was different for me but otherwise potato potato.
A very good video, all excellent information and advice, one tiny alteration for me would be the "don't come to Germany" points, I would alter those to don't move abroad, yes I know that everywhere is different and so everywhere will have different plusses and minuses, but I would have done that bit differently, but I understand why you have done it the way you have and I applaud you for making this video and for doing it so well too. Adventures & naps a UA-cam channel in the UK is a Canadian who is living here and has been for 7 Years, Alanna occasionally speaks about how difficult it was for her and she didn't have a language to learn, I know just from travelling that not knowing a language well enough does add another level of difficulty to everything, I'm a little shocked yet not surprised that people have complained to/at you, if they can't see the difficulties for themselves beforehand I think that they aren't ready to make such a big life change, take care :)
Well the skilled worker Problem also applies to natives. Without a graduation of any Sort (high school, College, university or Job Training) you will End Up doing very Basic Low Level Jobs. I don't want to insult anybody doing those, because they are still Important to the society as Others but i know for Sure those Jobs COULD BE DONE without graduation: construction, supermarkets or cleaning. You will have a pretty Bad time Here If those Jobs would be your only Options. Minimum wage (as far i know) do Not apply to foreigners. So you End Up crunching those overtimes for a pretty Low wage. If you are planning to move in the Future to Germany there are international online schools which give you certifications you need for German Jobs. Just Check If they are accepted in Germany before applieng to class. Also If you get the opportunity do those before you move to Germany. This will make your life muuuch more easier.
Thank you Hayley for this, I spent the whole video nodding, because it's true. I know everyone's experience, goals and dreams and different BUT you must put your shit together before coming, also work on that set of skills that you mentioned along the video. I feel this is like a pat on my back that proves I made the right decision. Ganze liebe Grüße aus Frankfurt ❤😊
Welcome back, Hayley. I would like you to mention, that organizing a bunch of papers is important at times. Germany is not solely an invention bursting with castles or fairy stories freshly served by the Brothers Grimm or Walt Disney himself. Leaning a few sentences in a foreign language is always a good idea. Especially if reality kicks in. 😘
I agree..I'm from the EU and I've lived in several countries, but the mentality, even though I'm European, is different, certainly not as for the US, but it's different, but the basic thing is to adapt, if you can't do it, don't go anywhere
Hey, Hayley! As being german, i´m enjoying your videos a lot, that´s why i remember your disclaimers very well. You usually started every single video with it, saying that it´s your own perspective/experience and doesn´t have to be the same for everyone. Personally, i think to have a link to locals, a shelter or even already a job offer, is the best preparation one could have, if this person seriously wants to live in Germany. Going through all the details without support, is a hard task. Also, be prepared for a way lower salary, than in the US - but the cost of living is lower as well. Overall, the work-life balance is king in Germany, even with a job in the lower income range. It may would be smart, to visit the country first - in order to get a glimpse of the hurdles, one may have to face later on. There are a lot of Expads posting on UA-cam and if i recall correctly, the Black Forest Family was going very deep into details, in this regard. Not going to support any other channel, but especially the interested people could find very specific informations about taxes, cost of living, housing, benefits, salary, bureaucracy and such. Have a nice day, everyone + happy easter in advance. 😁
I unfortunately have little choice but to come to Germany. My family's ancestry is private, and until I finalize my citizenship, I can't access them. All good though, my grandfather always hoped for a day that someone from this family would return to Baden Wüttemberg. I've been looking for a one bedroom room, and I'll finally be able to get my residential permit and work permit soon
Important point: Not every foreigner is allowed to work in an EU country! EU sometimes is very restrictive on who is allowed to earn money in an EU country, because immigration on economic grounds is not welcome. In fact, as EU countries took many refugees from Syria or Afghanistan during the last years, and from Ukraine more recently, labour market is sometimes under pressure. As a foreigner, you are downgraded in comparison to EU citizens, and you're in competition with other foreigners. Refugees, who have gotten asylum status, are preferred over U.S. citizens with restricted visa. So it could well happen, that you're simply not allowed to work, even if you wanted! If U.S. citizens intend to move to Germany, they should first have a job contract in Germany, and then move to Germany. Please, do not simply move to Germany with no idea about the labour market and with no job offers!
I remember this small youtuber ( cant remember his name tho) who had a german girlfriend. He decided to move to germany and it turned out it didnt work out for him. He moved to his gf house in a small village, didnt understand the language and made no efforts to learn it. He couldnt adapt to the german culture but was constantly nagging about how bad he is doing in Germany and how weird some germans are. He couldnt find a job here and after couple month they broke up and he moved back to the states.. This is what happens when you dont inform yourself beforehand. Sometimes love is not enough.
Hello Hayley, I love your videos. I think, for me anyways, it isn't about the money. I saved more than enough before I moved to Germany. I am realizing that I need to review my expectations and weight the pros and cons wether I continue further or going back home (to Canada). Thanks for your honestly, some of us have to hear the hard truth.
If you want to move to any foreign country, you might want to learn the language---you can learn many languages up to A2 with free books and a plethora of UA-cam videos. You can also find a plethora of information on these foreign cultures.
Some legal considerations here: Access to German requires that foreign nationals "have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third country" (Article 6 (1) Schengen Borders Code). Even if US citizens do not require a visa, you still need to show that you can sustain yourself financially. Otherwise, entry will be denied and you return home with the next flight. Also, the visa-free entry is possible for 90 days, afterwards, a right of residence is necessary. Staying in Germany without a right to stay beyond 90 days is a criminal offence and may result in your forced return to the US. This may sound harsh, but similar rules do apply in the US.
I like your programs and watch it often. I am from New York and visit Germany often as I have not only German cousins but a German gf and cannot think of anyone moving to any industrialized Western European nation, let alone Germany with no money. It’s nonsensical to my mind and irresponsible. Housing whether in Berlin Hamburg, New York or London and Paris is horrendous and goes without saying. If I were to move to Hamburg for my GF on a permanent basis, I’d first secure a job, learn the language and then move over with at least a year’s savings to cover any situation. I can’t frankly imagine otherwise.
I see this from the view of a German who came to the US but some things are identical: just as the US did not change for Peter, Peter had to change for the US and my experience is that (Vorsicht: generalization) Americans are less adaptable than Europeans. So be clear about it: YOU will have to follow the German ways, rules, habits. None of them will change for you. My sister is the director of the office in a German University that assists foreign students coming from abroad and she says that Americans expect everything will be done for them and it is apparently a rude awakening when they are expected to learn how to do for themselves.
We got an apartment near Cologne (just on the outskirts) in 3 days. No SCHUFA rate, just came to Germany, no recommendations, both foreigners, I don't have at all german working contract and working remotely for my country, plus we had 2 pets :) Either we are lucky or we just prepared well for searching :) But I agree that it requires a lot of money! Our home was 1500 km from Cologne and total relocation came about 12 000 euros :/ Stuff relocation, flights back to home to deal things, 3000 eur deposit for the apartment, rent with utilities 1600 eur, initial hotel before we found an apartment and so on... Thanks God husband's company gave a relocation package of 8000 eur. I really encourage everyone to first find a job with relocation package, otherwise it will be a hell. Moreover as per my feelings Germany doesn't worth 12K (only if you really love this country) :)
Why would anyone complain to a youtuber about their decisions to move to a different country oO? I love Hayley, but when I moved countries youtube definitely did not count as a reliable source of information on living there, just as subjective impressions.
I love the way you are thinking and got rid of the typical "I have to take ultimate care not to step on any ones toes". You give solid advise and sharing your own experiences and mistakes that can be avoided with the right information. Moving to a new and different country is definately not for every random person! And if you were not able to make a decent living in your country of birth... What do you expect to find in a new and very different country. If you think: I made 300 USD a month in my mothercountry and in Germany I will make so much more money... I tell you you will be amazed how much more and different costs you will be charged in any of the "rich countries". As Hayley said: You need to have skills that are in need in Germany AND your certification needs to be recognized in the target country ! Life is different and complicated in Western Europe. Not every one will be nice and helping.
This is a very good video. All very valid points. All your points apply to any move to a foreign country. I had to vecome an American in order to ve successful and fit in. Keep one thing in mind when you move to a foreign country; the whatever millions of people who live there did not send you an invitation to come, it was yoyr devision, therfore, it is you who has to afjust and change where needed and not the other way around. Keep up the good job.
There seems to be a perception that USA degrees are to a lower academic standard than those obtained in European universities. I don't know if that is true but it would be interesting to know how they are regarded by potential employers in Europe.
Question Hayley! So if you’re vacationing in Germany for 4 months do you need to send your kids to school if you’re just vacationing there and are a German citizen.
All very valid points no matter where you want to move to in the world. Now I also have moved half way across the world (to Oman in the middle east) without any money but it was to get married when I was 19-20. I am not completely against spontaneity but if you decide to do such a thing best be prepared for shit to eventually hit the fan because its not easy going to a completely different world where languages are not the same dress food weather religion so on and so on where you have no friends or family it gets lonely. Ive been to Germany 3 times (lived in frankfurt 3 months was supposed to be a year learning the language but health and personal life problems had to leave) and I really do want to move there someday but the job thing is a problem and it concerns me but I'll never know if I dont try lol So anyone who thinks its easy and fairytale like .. its not.. its hard. If I cant settle in Germany I do hope I will be able to in a nearby country instead and I've already had the experience with moving and living in a foreign country so I know what to expect somewhat and I know its what I want but for someone who' has never left their home country learn learn learn as much as you can about the place you're interested in going to before going
It is very modern here in Germany and a lot more advanced than the USA. I have lived here for over 20 years and have learned the language, i am planning to visit family in the USA and will learn Spanish in the next 4 months so that i can transition into the Italian language after that. Btw, Free education here is great! But you have to work on the economy.
I want to add that make sure if you are going as a spouse to someone who has the job, make sure all of this applies to you as well. It’s not fun to have your spouse divorce you in Germany while you do not meet these criteria. It’s especially hard if you have no support system back in your home country and you cannot go back there.
The vast majority of people who come here are afraid of their warm body, not restrictions of their personality. Most of them learn the language and a business or profession fast. Vast majority of foreigners are highly loyal and want nothing more than arriving here. It's up to us residents to give them a chance to integrate. That's what not worked out in Sweden and Denmark. Social exclusion of "better/longer residents" and "native" germans cause many problems as well. And here's the point to look into the mirror.
My advise for housing hunt: 1. Have an Income 2. Have a clean "Führungszeugnis" (Criminal record certificate) 3. Have a clean "Schufa" (Debt certificate) Whenever you go to watch a home, hand over the last payment bill and the certificates to your landlord. That gives you a MASSIVE advantage to all the other visitors. The landlord sees than that you´re able to afford the rent and he doesn´t get a criminal in his house. Trust is everything here.
We got this apartment because my boyfriend has a patient who knows property management who had an elderly couple moving to a ground floor place somewhere else and I think it wasn't officially put on the market. I just came back from Spain and while it was the most amazing vacation in a while, I could absolutely not live there. Like the hair, is it still easier to maintain?
By the way, if you don't have that much money, I wouldn't recommend renting from Housing Anywhere. I live in Berlin and Housing Anywhere offers apartments close to my flat. Their apartments are by far the most expensive ones! Prices are crazy in Berlin right now, anyway, but Housing Anywhere just wants you to pay at least 1500€ for 50qm. Nobody should pay this much!
"a hundred other applicants" *Looks at the statistics of the appartements, i've put my applications in* Nah, can't be right. At least not in munich. Here we're talking of about some hundreds to tousands of people applying for one Appartement. Random chosen Example of Immoscout: 1-room-appartement in Waldtrudering, Viewed by 16.600 People, 1050 did put their applications in... And I'm searching for half a year. Searching for an Appartement isn't easy. And even outside of munich I would calculate at least 2 months for a new appartement. Cause you have to visit many of the appartements, you've applied to. Then you have to meet a second time with the Landlord. And then a third time to sign the contract for the appartement.
Dear Hayley, it's once again a great pleasure to watch your video. I am going to retire next year and will leave Germany. Because as getting older, I can hardly endure autumn and winter. Because, apart from the pleasant Caribbean climate, I really like the people of my destination archipelago. Because their partly very different culture attracts me extraordinarily. Because I want to be part of their society. Because I want to become someone else. If i correctly understood the message of your video, all of my reasons should be a good prerequisite to move to a foreign country. By the way, all without leaving the EU.
I just wanted to point out something because some people like to get upset about anything 😴
Coming to Germany voluntarily and coming to Germany as a refugee/displaced individual are very different scenarios than what I was talking about in the video (which I thought was pretty obvious). If you voluntarily move to any country in the world you should prepare your life to make it an easier transition for yourself and others (the country you are moving to). I am not talking from "what-ifs" or hypothetical situations- I am talking from personal experience on what was extremely hard for me to adapt to and the mistakes I made that could have easily been avoided to make my life in Germany 20X easier.
I can not spend 2 minutes in every video trying to list off every group of people I am not talking about- I like to think the majority of people that watch my videos are critical thinkers..... so please put that quality to use.
What I have learned with traveling is that no place is waiting for you to arrive and so the mistakes you make are your own which has been a hard pill for me to swallow but it has made me more accountable in my life (so take the good with the bad I suppose) 🤣
and for anyone that was offended because you thought I was including refugees & displaced people in this group- I was not and I am sorry
❤
Hopefully you are right and they are critical thinkers!
As you pointed out ... some people always feel offended about something (mostly trivial things). Thanks for your insights 🙂
Nice job with this video, Hayley. I love the simple logic and common sense of it all.
Actually, I came to Germany as a "poor person" and found life much better than in the US. I had about 1000 bucks, a suitcase and my keyboard. As soon as I came, I found work (teaching English) and although I have always struggled a bit, there is a safety net here. Regarding housing, yeah "major cities" are competitive. Hayley chose the most expensive city in Germany! When I arrived, I decided to look for an apartment and job in a medium-sized city, like Mannheim or Worms. I now live in Erlangen, and my rent is 350/ month. So a poor (but educated) person can find work, a cheap rent and a nice life, but only if they are ready to LEARN GERMAN.
That is true! 💪
That's amazing. Happy to have you here!
I am a German, who had been to the USA in my youth.
I agree with everything you said in the video. There might be one exception: if you have friends here who invite you to live for free and to test out if Germany is an option, it might be ok and good to come.
@Bernhard Schwarz are you sure? Es gibt überall solche und solche. Ich habe schon oft Obdachlose bei mir schlafen lassen, jemanden aus dem Ausland, sofern freundlich und sympathisch, erst recht. Wir können doch nichts mitnehmen! Zumal ich 3 Jahre völlig kostenlos in den USA gelebt habe, wo man nie nach Geld fragte.
Even as a German it‘s unbelievably hard to find a new place in cities like Munich, Cologne and so on - and I‘m not even talking about the shockingly high prices, but just to find/get a new appartment is a win in the lottery nowadays. Can‘t even imagine how hard it must be for a foreigner 😣
Good point! That is why a foreigner must understand that Germany is not just Berlin, Munich or Cologne. Exactly as the USA is not only New York, Los Angeles or Houston. I started living here in a small town 1h away from Berlin, then came to NRW where we also moved several times before finding our forever home in Ruhr Gebiet
One need to be opened and flexible. Another issue is language. Coming to a country for a permanent stay without a least A1 lever is crazy.
All these points fit every other country and german residents as well. Don't be poor...
Vast majority of people who come to germamy are afraid of their warm body, not the possible restrictions of personality.
"Don't come to Germany if you are poor" .... If you only have one button in your pocket, you don't need to go to any other country. This does not only apply to Germany.🙃😊😇
clear
if you are really poor as in don't own anything it doesn't make a difference where you go. it's just when you already own a little, then it makes a huge difference when you lose that and have to start from scratch
Fachkräfte....
This is how most people came to the US. My grandparents had lint in their pockets when they got to the US. My grandparents got to Chicago and went to the Polish area of Chicago and went to a Polish-American club and the community helped out my grandparents. It still goes this way in some areas of the US. My husband is Swiss and he got his greencard, I'm an American and our daughter is American and Swiss. He reached out to the Swiss community to just meet some people from Switzerland. We got money to help us get on our feet. They even pulled money together to get my daughter's 4 yr checkup. I didn't realize that my daughter needed a social security number in order to get health insurance. My daughter needed to have a check up in order to start school.
The point is: Poorness includes also the (far more important) social terms, not only materialistic terms. Also, as Germany has far more inner problems than let's say 50 years or 100 years ago and many undiscussed issues, and many things have to do with immigration (from a whole bunch of different cultures, sometimes forced or misused) in one sort or another. The overall homogeneity is attacked also through Inner-German migration. Keep in mind, migration was never accepted democratically in Germany. It's never that Germans won't grant people their own happiness, but it's often times questionable what the direct advantage of migration is and for what the migrants stay, what might go on own expenses. Many migrants also can't answer it, because they might also don't know. But you are only free within the overall setting and not by your own standards, without having a stable accepted ground. So it's today more hard to adapt to German homogeneity as it becomes less visible. That might keep more of the own style unchallenged for a longer time in contrast to a constant social control of older times. It's often times just a honest question, how and what you are and want to be.
My husband and I are finalizing our move to Germany from Florida as I type this!😊
There are quite a few vloggers on youtube that have made the move, have shown their preparations (and what should have been done better). It is worthwhile learning from their experences
👍 If you want to adapt in Germany surch for hobbies in groups like Basketball or a choir or something like that. That's the way to find friends here. Or if you have Kids im school you could perhaps find friends! Have a great time here! 😊
Dear Hayley, thanks for pointing out the reality of moving to another country.
Born and raised in Germany as a daughter to Croatian parents, I thought in my late 20ies to move to Croatia. I´ve had the opportunity to spend 3-4 months in a row there without really moving and I came to realize that I could not change my "german" work habits.
So I stayed here and now I plan to travel Croatia for extended periods of time when retired.
One of your best videos so far 👍
I'd add this point: Don't come to Germany if you hate obeying rules 'just because that's the rule here'. Rules are ruling here, and it's not only the authorities that will enforce them (even if they might make absolutely no sense to you), but also the people themselves who'll simply expect of you to follow the rules as they have to. 'The rules are for everyone' - that's what you'll hear quite often here.
This said, on the positive side of the coin, you have a huge space of freedom to live your personal lifestyle and to do things 'your way'! 😀 Your private sphere seems ( to me ) to be even more free in a lot of aspects than even in the US... and not getting fined for just crossing the street is just the tiny tip of the iceberg. Being prohibited by your neighbourhood to line-dry your laundry because they fear it could diminish their property value is another concept that would never come into anybody's mind here in Germany.
On the other side, not being allowed to mow the lawn at a Sunday might sound crazy to somebody outside of Germany... 💁♂️ ...as Hailey said: you'll have to adapt... 😊
Fark, I must have spent more than 30 years of my life in Germany without obeying so many rules and it all worked out ok. I didn t get that many complaints and even the cops let me get away with shit.
With one exception: you are not allowed to publicly drying your clothes on the island of Sylt.
I've often asked myself whether all those "Germany is so great" videos on youtube aren't irresponsible. All in all, the picture of a fairytale land emerges, to which I, as a German, would also like to move. Thanks for bringing reality into the conversation.
I can tell you: All the G"ermany is great videos" on UA-cam are scam or at least irresponsible.
@@tanzderritter2201 I disagree. The Black Forest Family or My messy married life shows also the struggle. Ashton from BF Fam. tackled various issues with exact data, explained financial side. The McFalls talked about visa and work permit problems, finding school, language difficulties. They needed 1,5 year to really function in society. And they don't live in Munich, but in a villlage in Bavaria.
My life as a Kelner in Bavaria was very pleasant compared to life as an Engineer in the USA. There was doch a "fairytale land" feeling because the people and mountains were so beautiful.
@@darrellhambley7245 Bavaria is simply a paradise. Has amazing lakes and amazing mountains and lots of biking and hiking paths.
I don't have experience myself, but my wife moved to Belgium from Wisconsin, so there for I know second hand that all that you mentioned are things to keep in mind no matter to which country one thinks of moving to.
Thank you for being open and honest. Such an important topic! Hoping that many people will listen to you and start thinking BEFORE they set sails into another country, whichever country.
Good Video! I've been in Germany 13 years now and have seen other amerikans come and go. They have a fairy tale vision of how it will be. Then
they get here and everything is new and fresh and exciting. When that wears off after some time, they go back as real life sets in.
"Sometimes people move from a country away, where they are not missed, to a country where no one waits for them". A friend of mine moved to USA, because of a 180k job in 1990. This worked very well for him, he had no problems to integrate into US and US-German culture in US. The same would be the other way round. But without certifications ("Ausbildung") Germany is much worse, than in US, where you always get a chance, if you perform well.
That's too bad. I work at one of the 'National Labs' in the U.S. Even without an engineering degree of any kind there are those here that started out as technicians and grown into jobs designing systems that cost millions of dollars (that work well). I bet in Germany the same people would be confined to washing dishes in the back room of a restaurant.
@@tempest411 Not quiet. You could always start as a technician (with some work training or even as a helper and work your way up to become a technician). At some point, you have to prove your knowledge through testing. The Handwerkskammern (chaimber of crafts) do these tests and with sufficient training on the job, you'll pass. You may have to learn some things you only need for the exam, but you don't have to follow an official route to be able to take an exam. You can also always get certificates for some specialist training etc. that doesn't require any actual training or schooling to prove your knowledge etc.
As an example: While I have been studying business IT, by the time I was applying for jobs, I didn't have the bachelors degree yet, but only a basic certificate as a software tester. While having done the studies, that certificate was more important in some cases. And to get it, you didn't even have to attend a training. I certainly didn't. My trainer just told me, that I knew enough to take the exam. A colleague gave me his notes from his training, that I partly read, then I went off and took the exam. To take any of the advanced exams in the field, you just have to have the basic certificate and have to be able to prove work experience in the field. The trainings are advised, but you don't have to have any degree (be it bachelor/master, Handwerkskammer or anything else), just work experience. And with these exams you will be able to get jobs. You may not get quiet the same amount of money someone with a degree gets (at first), but you can work your way up. You might at some point be encouraged to get some form of formal training (some kind of degree) alongside working, but at least in big companies, the employer would be hard pressed to argue not to pay you for what your working as. And if you take over more responsiblility over time, you are entitled to more. And if they don't want to pay you accordingly, you could always talk to your workers council (which is mandatory in companies of a certain size) and they will take up your plea and help you through different means. You do have rights in Germany and those can be enforced.
Those careers aren't easy, but they most likely aren't easy anywhere in the world (they may also be slower, but I can't imagine these careers skyrocketing anywhere). But there will always be people able to perform really well in their jobs without a degree to start with. You even have people joking about those just javing earned a degree, that come and want to improve on things only to realise later, that things where at optimum before. So, while a degree offers basic knowledge of a field, experience is as important. And that is known in Germany as well.
@@tempest411 Everyone is free in Germany to do a vacational training (apprenticeship; Ausbildung, Lehre) here in Germany. After passing the exams, one is qualified for a respected job.
Even for me - born and raised in Germany and I guess well educated - education was not enough to get a job. I was in third rows of job application processes and still got rejected without a proper reason. Employers are looking for the "eierlegende Wollmilchsau". They have high expectations. Next to education you also need experience and confidence in job negociations.
all true ... I m born and raised in Germany, planning to leave this country. Greetings from Germany
I think most of this is good advice for any country you might be thinking about moving to.
I would also like to add: If in any way possible, stay in your country of choice for an extended period of time (8-18 months or so) before you consider moving. There are lots of options: Au-pair, work & travel, student exchanges, going to university, taking a sabbatical etc.
If nothing else, go on an extended holiday where you actually make an attempt to take part in regular daily life (i.e. don't just go to a hotel where everything's taken care of). Maybe couchsurfing or similar.
I don't think anyone can really gauge whether they will like living somewhere just by watching UA-cam videos (even if they are as good as Hayley's).
All what you said Hayley applied to France too !
If you want to move to an other country, take the time to learn the language and not only, the way of life too, be open minded.
And yes you have to adapt to the new country, it's not the new country which has to adapt to you ! It can help you to adapt but you have to do the most of it !
Yes, applies also to Greece and Italy.
Such housing-agencies like AirBnb and others (HousingAnywhere?) are what destroys the flats market in most German cities like Berlin. A lot of ppl sell not only their own apartments to tourists to make money so there are less left for normal working people searching a flat.
It's good that in Berlin it's now illegal to offer own flats more than two months a year and you have to pay tax of the income, but sadly its not as controlled as it should.
@cyber_habanero I think that is pushing it a little. I wish that a platform like HousingAnywhere was as readily available in Germany when I first moved in 2015. Germany is still relatively strict regarding regulating these types of websites/platforms but at the end of the day they do help a lot of people out.
The issue with housing in Germany has more to do with a lack of initiative from the government to *build more homes*. They can tighten restrictions but at the end of the day vacation rentals, short-term rentals, and other options of the sort are businesses for people and the fix to the problem isn't stopping people from renting out their homes. I have friends that use Airbnb to rent out rooms in their home or apartments that were handed down to them from their family as a means to make a little extra income. The issue is when humungous realestate companies or billionaires start "investing" and purchasing huge chunks of real estate in Germany and dictate how the market will turn out.
@@HayleyAlexis There is a video on German-TV-channel Arte on YT: 'Der Ausverkauf von Lissabon' it's an example what happens on cities with too much expats and AirBnb when the former people can't pay flats anymore. Sure I understand companies like AirBnb and others are good for people want to settle somewhere new, but it has two sides. 🙂
Ok you are correct... I agree. Nothing is perfect!!
Thanks for this video. A friend of mine wants to come to Germany and she seems to think Germany is some kind of paradise and everyone will be nice just because I am and I want her to come, but be prepared. So thank you for this video. Will share it.
Hayley, you've made a similar video some time ago and it was really good. Somehow I like this one even better. You're repeating only a few things. But I think there are enough new aspects of this matter presented here so that I would recommend watching both videos. All in all this one is making it even clearer what you want people to understand. Amazingly this one's just as friendly, respectful and honest as the previous one - really admireable.
Having money is a big one . We are here now for seven months now. Thanks for the straight talk .. your spot on
There is a saying in Germany, you don`t have to wait for the roasted pigeons to fly into your mouth. This means , that you are responsible for yourself and you have to take action. But this is actually normal no matter which new country you have moved to. It`s also good if you want to learn German that you go to a club and have contact with the local people there. Then learning goes faster.🙂💚
Two things come to mind
A. On will be the same person regardless of location. You cannot escape the issues you have with yourself.
B. Why would it be easier to make it in a foreign environment when you struggle with the one you are familiar with.
The second point comes up all the time that people claim we have to look at other planets (Mars) if Earth becomes inhabitable. With all the resources, our adaptation of the body to the environment any other place will be worse suited for survival and will cost more energy than we are obviously unable to live on here.
Hayley, so true. I'm German, love your channel.
"brutally honest and hurt some feelings" got me totally excited :)
Thank you for being my aunt. A bit weird to have an aunt that is younger than me, but why not 🤣
L.S. Moto?
I moved 2008 to Sweden, so still Europe. It took me one very hard year before i settled in. Moving to an other country is a hard process but worth it if you wanna change something. The first day i started working: after 4:hours i sat in a corner and cried like a child. It was overwhelming, new land, new language and new field of work NICU). End of it: i stayed 10,5 years in Sweden until i finally moved back to Germany (for my parents otherwise i would still live there i guess). I lived also in Switzerland for about 3 years, it was easier even if the culture was in some parts different than Germanys. And never ever expect that the people will change for you, YOU wanted to move so its on you to settle in no matter which country/culture you choose.
Have a nice day ☺️
Hello Hayley,
I know from your videos that you too went through a valley of tears before you arrived here in Germany as your new home. With this video you have hopefully not only helped many people with false expectations to avoid making the wrong decision, you are also helping the Germans themselves so that they are not flooded with people who blame their disappointment on the Germans and then in the world proclaim. Thank you for this video and all the best to you and have a nice weekend.
Well said Hayley :)
I love the chicken section! So true. Somehow I needed to hear this today👍🏻
And shes not narrating Chicken Lit😅😂
That chicken is always a fun addition to a video.
I didn't want to make that point so negative. There are amazing benefits to working in a job that is maybe unconventional (or many odd jobs) to your traditional route. It really teaches you a lot of valuable lessons and understand how other people live in your society.
There are places in northern Germany where you have difficulties to connect to people even if you're German.
also in the south 😁
@@ealamin I only have the northern experience 😉.
In some places being human doesn't help either.
Badener and Swabians too
@@marcuszaja6589 in the south you were proved for quite some time but if you have the friendship it lasts
forever
Actually it is possible to come to Germany with little money but like everyone who’s broke and professionally unqualified and an immigrant, you need to accept doing menial tasks and odd jobs while you learn the language and until you get some education. If you are young and learn the language quickly, you might be able to find a training on the job (Lehrberuf) job and try to survive until you get your qualification. If you let the job choose you and don’t try to get your dream job from the get go, you might succeed. If you are “too old” to do that, you might want to get some cleaning jobs, do some babysitting (maybe the parents appreciate YOUR native language!) and do other jobs that don’t ask for special qualifications.
You go girl! My father is German and ive been there a few times, such an amazing experience but being realistic is far more important than anything else right now. The same thing is happening here in nz, it’s basically impossible to move to nz unless you have a lot of money i mean a lot of money. (Edit) and specific qualifications. The idea that another country is just a sea of roses is such a false advertising nowadays and im so proud of you for speaking out. Thx for the honesty love the channel. X
When I moved to Berlin ten years ago my dad was like "Good, there'll probably still be some appartment available for cheap in the "Platte" in the part that used to be in the GDR." Yeah, turned out there wasnt one available for me.
Probably would have been available in 2006! Schade!
@@bitasheibani5905 Probably! Da waren einige Kieze noch nicht so begehrt wie heute, auch im ehemaligen West-Berlin.
You make the best rants
Important, valuable advice. Also important, know a little German before traveling. Learning a new language is hard.
Your hair looks so healthy and pretty these days 🥰😭🙌
Zu Kaisers Zeiten hätte man derlei abschätzig als Wollhaarigkeit bezeichnet. Man hätte auch sofort mit der Abmessung des Kopfes begonnen, um festzustellen ob, das dieser kleiner als der Normaldeutsche und damit der Träger (kein gendern mit mir) auf keinen Fall normaldeutsche intellektuelle Fähigkeit hervorbringen kann, ganz egal, auch wenn die Hayley sich noch so elaboriert , klar und deutlich ausdrückt.
How did you end up in Germany Hayley? I would love to hear about how you ended up there??
I lived in Germany for 7 years, in Erding near Munich in the early 2000’s and they were the best years of my life. I even learnt the language and was quite fluent once upon a time. Wish I could go back there to live…….. I was there on a spouses visa because of my husbands job. My very lucky 20 yo daughter is actually going LMU in Munich in September on student exchange for one year. BTW I like German directness. Constantly reading between the lines makes me anxious. In Germany you always know where you stand with people.
Happy to see your hair is growing back. Kisses
Dear Hayley, I have been casually watching your videos for years and this time, I have to comment. What you said, was spot on and if only a fraction of people moving here would grasp what you are saying, everybody would win. Thank you for your statement!
Love the content and the honest no BS approach. 😂
Can't wait to come someday!😊
You will have a wonderful time! Germany is beautfiul!!
high quality content here. good job!
So, I am German and my husband is US-American. He works for the US government as a contractor and has a good salary. But the salary is not earned in Germany! When we tried to find housing for my student son in Heidelberg, this was a real problem. Even though we had 1. a house in Germany, 2. an excellent SCHUFA-Auskunft including years of mortgage payments, etc., 3. Lots of savings (but in the US!) and 4. are registered in Germany, we got declined again and again and again. We ended up getting something (really expensive) in the end but it was months of anguish. To be fair, this is true in the US in the reverse case, as well. But it was a real eye opener for us!
@@ShakibBaig1 I assume you are thinking of how much money you need when you move to Germany? I believe the most important step is to have a good job offer in Germany. That alleviates a ton of problems. We did not have salary information from Germany, so that made things really complicated.
I would probably have three months' worth of savings in the bank so that the initial cost is covered (remember, you need everything new as the voltage is different - from a microwave to a vacuum cleaner). You also need a security deposit for your rental. That stuff adds up fast.
@@ShakibBaig1savings:
In terms of Housing, I really tell you the minimum is 80k for a good credit score.
German-born who up until today does not even have saved such an amount, even with a pretty decent job and salary for 12 years
First comment. Yes! Love your channel. Hope you're having a good day.
Naah.You´re just the second comment
I can't see the comments and how they were placed but I can give you a *first comment trophy*
Hayley, your haircut is so cute. I think it suits you very well! I am not going to give you advice on which haircut you should keep though, you will do as you want anyway ;)
Just looking forward to whatever you decide next :)
Braids are next on the agenda :)
@@HayleyAlexis sounds like a completely different Hayley again, I am excited :)
@@HayleyAlexis No way! 😵💫
I moved to Munich with only 1000 euros and I made it perfectly. It is a slower process, but very possible. I didn't have any degrees or working experience, and it just took a positive mindset to grow from there. I feel that in other countries like the US, it would be ten times more difficult. Wouldnt recommend it, but its possible
I thought about doing a similar video on my channel last week. There are daily queries from Americans regarding moving to Germany. There are so many things to consider before moving to Germany: cost of the move, housing, work, the weather, the language, etc. In my opinion, you provide excellent information regarding living in Germany.
Always think.....no one is waiting for u to come here. That was my expirience living as a German in Australia for 10 years. You play by the rules of your new country. And get used to the metric system.
Thank you for your video, very honest and open! And these are points that should actually be clear even with normal common sense and you didn't in any way sugarcoat everything in your videos or give the impression that here is the land of milk and honey. Everyone should ask themselves the question, "What would be important if a foreigner immigrated to my country?" and the non-country specific things that come to mind are a good clue.
My cousin immigrated to the UK because she married an Englishman. After her maternity leave she wanted to go back to work, actually an AuPair was considered but the AuPair came a month later than planned. I was just available and had time (after my "Fachhochschulreife") and was actually in the UK for a month and a half, also got a salary for babysitting and I was officially registered and insured there etc.. I had decided to try and stay there - but I couldn't find a job so quickly, didn't have enough money to bridge the gap before finding a job and my cousin needed the spare room for the au pair when she arrived so I just had to go. That's life.
Honestly anyone who has gone to Germany on your recommendation, it's a given to make sure you have money and make sure you're sure you want to go etc... No matter where you go in the world you need money and need to be prepared with weather and the climate in general in the country... Anyone who has gone and not making sure they're prepared is on them not you, thank you for making this video, I want to go to Germany 2 of my cousins have German grandparents (they have sadly passed away last year and 2021 both from cancer) and I have German ancestry myself and British ancestry... But again thank you for doing this video, it'll hopefully help a lot who plan to make the move to German... Do your research etc before to do make the move...
Regarding the housing problem, i cant stop myself from suggesting to maybe consider an east german city. Statistics show that foreigners still largely prefer to go to west germany but east germany has some true pearls with better housing conditions.
My home town of Leipzig is one of the fastest growing cities in Germany and scores at rank 16 of wealthiest cities in Germany. It has become a bit of a secret tip for migrants ;-)
I do have to say that the housing in eastern Germany is more affordable (and you can still get relatively good deals on homes) BUT the image/stereotype of racism is still very prevalent unfortunately :(
I went to Germany in 1981 ( 11 years old) with my dad looking to buy a VW camper van. My dad didn't have much money to purchase the same vehicle in England but that trip and the purchasing of a 1972 blue and white vw camper made me (knowledgeable) and my dad rich!!
This most definitely applies to those moving to Portugal as well. Take Instagram with a grain of salt and do not arrive without enough funds to help with settling in/ establishing oneself, or with a job that will continue to fund one's life. Bring with you.... do not arrive and take from. I've lived in Porto now for six months and have obtained some eye-opening experiences I'd wished I'd known before.
i really enjoy your expat views on germany - we really need to get better in including foreign highschool and university students into our duales Bildungssystem as we have a lot of non filled Ausbildungsplätze.
Ich bin wirklich auf deiner Seite und alles was du sagst ist wahr, Germany is a taff country, and you need skills to come along....... and, Hayley, you are a "smart ass" (in a positive way), I do like your opinion very much 👍😍👍👍
As a german I agree with everything you said.
What a great video! Thank you. I came to Germany with 20K $ cuz I had a very good job in America, which doesn't really exist in Germany, outside of major cities I do not live near. Now I'm unemployed and living with that humiliating condition. My university degree will not help me here. The Agentur fuer Arbeit is in contact with me weekly, mostly vice versa, as I try to find a job. For 10 years. I've joined a volunteer organization to feel useful. The Agentur fuer Arbeit seems to be a building full of people clicking on job websites to help people who might not know how to click on job websites. Then they keep track of us for retirement funding purposes. Do they actually get people jobs?
No, I can tell you a lot about the Working Agency ( Bürgergeld Amt / Jobcenter)and they only try to raise the pressure on you, to finish you off, so you are going to take any f*****g exploiter job, just because to leave them.
Their first goal is to find a reason to take your transfer benefits, so you and ESPECIALLY every other former US Citizen has to check every notification from them. With "check" I do mean asking some of the free lawyers if everything is correct! Normally IT IS NOT and you have to fight against them ( sue them at the social justice court).
This comment is a good example why US People are so popular at the german employership. Their mindset is totally different concerning the local working conditions. The most germans would not take job,where an US Citizen would say: "These conditions are normal" ( e.g. 14 to 25 vacation days. The Standard here is 30 ); and many many more examples. The refugees are also not helpfull ( for them) because they are unqualified and come just for the Bürgergeld, not to work. Even the last Afghan, who is not able to read, learns very fast from his friends that the low payment jobs are not so useful because it's nearly impossible ( rare at least )to climb up the career ladder.
But the most emigrates from the US do not know this, because there is no real social system in the US. If you have nothing, you can live in a tent on the streets of L.A. or elsewhere, unthinkable in germany. There is a moral codex. The first article of the highest german law guarantees human dignity to every human beeing, so no one has to sleep on the streets here
I recommend really to take s look on the german UA-cam Channel of Aramis Merlin. He is the opposite of Alexis Heyley, because he decided to live in the states and explains the diffrences to the german viewers.
If you need an advice with formulars or other problems with the working agency, don't hesitate to ask.😉
You have the same common sense advice as I have for people either moving to another country in general but also Denmark. It's the same things we all go through and the same issues in at least northern and Central Europe. Spain was different for me but otherwise potato potato.
A very good video, all excellent information and advice, one tiny alteration for me would be the "don't come to Germany" points, I would alter those to don't move abroad, yes I know that everywhere is different and so everywhere will have different plusses and minuses, but I would have done that bit differently, but I understand why you have done it the way you have and I applaud you for making this video and for doing it so well too.
Adventures & naps a UA-cam channel in the UK is a Canadian who is living here and has been for 7 Years, Alanna occasionally speaks about how difficult it was for her and she didn't have a language to learn, I know just from travelling that not knowing a language well enough does add another level of difficulty to everything, I'm a little shocked yet not surprised that people have complained to/at you, if they can't see the difficulties for themselves beforehand I think that they aren't ready to make such a big life change, take care :)
Well the skilled worker Problem also applies to natives. Without a graduation of any Sort (high school, College, university or Job Training) you will End Up doing very Basic Low Level Jobs. I don't want to insult anybody doing those, because they are still Important to the society as Others but i know for Sure those Jobs COULD BE DONE without graduation: construction, supermarkets or cleaning. You will have a pretty Bad time Here If those Jobs would be your only Options. Minimum wage (as far i know) do Not apply to foreigners. So you End Up crunching those overtimes for a pretty Low wage.
If you are planning to move in the Future to Germany there are international online schools which give you certifications you need for German Jobs. Just Check If they are accepted in Germany before applieng to class. Also If you get the opportunity do those before you move to Germany. This will make your life muuuch more easier.
Thank you Hayley for this, I spent the whole video nodding, because it's true. I know everyone's experience, goals and dreams and different BUT you must put your shit together before coming, also work on that set of skills that you mentioned along the video. I feel this is like a pat on my back that proves I made the right decision. Ganze liebe Grüße aus Frankfurt ❤😊
Welcome back, Hayley. I would like you to mention, that organizing a bunch of papers is important at times. Germany is not solely an invention bursting with castles or fairy stories freshly served by the Brothers Grimm or Walt Disney himself. Leaning a few sentences in a foreign language is always a good idea. Especially if reality kicks in. 😘
I agree..I'm from the EU and I've lived in several countries, but the mentality, even though I'm European, is different, certainly not as for the US, but it's different, but the basic thing is to adapt, if you can't do it, don't go anywhere
Hey, Hayley!
As being german, i´m enjoying your videos a lot, that´s why i remember your disclaimers very well. You usually started every single video with it, saying that it´s your own perspective/experience and doesn´t have to be the same for everyone.
Personally, i think to have a link to locals, a shelter or even already a job offer, is the best preparation one could have, if this person seriously wants to live in Germany. Going through all the details without support, is a hard task.
Also, be prepared for a way lower salary, than in the US - but the cost of living is lower as well. Overall, the work-life balance is king in Germany, even with a job in the lower income range.
It may would be smart, to visit the country first - in order to get a glimpse of the hurdles, one may have to face later on. There are a lot of Expads posting on UA-cam and if i recall correctly, the Black Forest Family was going very deep into details, in this regard. Not going to support any other channel, but especially the interested people could find very specific informations about taxes, cost of living, housing, benefits, salary, bureaucracy and such.
Have a nice day, everyone + happy easter in advance. 😁
Hervorragender Beitrag / Excellent contribution! 👍
I unfortunately have little choice but to come to Germany. My family's ancestry is private, and until I finalize my citizenship, I can't access them. All good though, my grandfather always hoped for a day that someone from this family would return to Baden Wüttemberg.
I've been looking for a one bedroom room, and I'll finally be able to get my residential permit and work permit soon
Important point: Not every foreigner is allowed to work in an EU country! EU sometimes is very restrictive on who is allowed to earn money in an EU country, because immigration on economic grounds is not welcome.
In fact, as EU countries took many refugees from Syria or Afghanistan during the last years, and from Ukraine more recently, labour market is sometimes under pressure. As a foreigner, you are downgraded in comparison to EU citizens, and you're in competition with other foreigners. Refugees, who have gotten asylum status, are preferred over U.S. citizens with restricted visa. So it could well happen, that you're simply not allowed to work, even if you wanted!
If U.S. citizens intend to move to Germany, they should first have a job contract in Germany, and then move to Germany. Please, do not simply move to Germany with no idea about the labour market and with no job offers!
Das war aber sehr ehrlich und direkt. Richtig so.
I remember this small youtuber ( cant remember his name tho) who had a german girlfriend. He decided to move to germany and it turned out it didnt work out for him. He moved to his gf house in a small village, didnt understand the language and made no efforts to learn it. He couldnt adapt to the german culture but was constantly nagging about how bad he is doing in Germany and how weird some germans are. He couldnt find a job here and after couple month they broke up and he moved back to the states..
This is what happens when you dont inform yourself beforehand. Sometimes love is not enough.
Now I would love to know who that was.
Hello Hayley,
I love your videos. I think, for me anyways, it isn't about the money. I saved more than enough before I moved to Germany. I am realizing that I need to review my expectations and weight the pros and cons wether I continue further or going back home (to Canada).
Thanks for your honestly, some of us have to hear the hard truth.
Hope that whatever decision you make, you will be happy with it!
I‘m sensitive and from germany 😢
If you want to move to any foreign country, you might want to learn the language---you can learn many languages up to A2 with free books and a plethora of UA-cam videos. You can also find a plethora of information on these foreign cultures.
Some legal considerations here: Access to German requires that foreign nationals "have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third country" (Article 6 (1) Schengen Borders Code). Even if US citizens do not require a visa, you still need to show that you can sustain yourself financially. Otherwise, entry will be denied and you return home with the next flight. Also, the visa-free entry is possible for 90 days, afterwards, a right of residence is necessary. Staying in Germany without a right to stay beyond 90 days is a criminal offence and may result in your forced return to the US. This may sound harsh, but similar rules do apply in the US.
I like your programs and watch it often. I am from New York and visit Germany often as I have not only German cousins but a German gf and cannot think of anyone moving to any industrialized Western European nation, let alone Germany with no money. It’s nonsensical to my mind and irresponsible. Housing whether in Berlin Hamburg, New York or London and Paris is horrendous and goes without saying. If I were to move to Hamburg for my GF on a permanent basis, I’d first secure a job, learn the language and then move over with at least a year’s savings to cover any situation. I can’t frankly imagine otherwise.
There are lots of things I do not like in Germany and that is why I moved to America, where I am much happier and better off.
Editing chicken Hayley 🥹🤍
7:50 yeah chicken Hayley is right!
This imo a pretty accurate video.
11:30 you are an awesome person!
I see this from the view of a German who came to the US but some things are identical: just as the US did not change for Peter, Peter had to change for the US and my experience is that (Vorsicht: generalization) Americans are less adaptable than Europeans. So be clear about it: YOU will have to follow the German ways, rules, habits. None of them will change for you. My sister is the director of the office in a German University that assists foreign students coming from abroad and she says that Americans expect everything will be done for them and it is apparently a rude awakening when they are expected to learn how to do for themselves.
Top notch video, Hayley. Fast round: Even better! 😀
We got an apartment near Cologne (just on the outskirts) in 3 days. No SCHUFA rate, just came to Germany, no recommendations, both foreigners, I don't have at all german working contract and working remotely for my country, plus we had 2 pets :) Either we are lucky or we just prepared well for searching :) But I agree that it requires a lot of money! Our home was 1500 km from Cologne and total relocation came about 12 000 euros :/ Stuff relocation, flights back to home to deal things, 3000 eur deposit for the apartment, rent with utilities 1600 eur, initial hotel before we found an apartment and so on... Thanks God husband's company gave a relocation package of 8000 eur. I really encourage everyone to first find a job with relocation package, otherwise it will be a hell. Moreover as per my feelings Germany doesn't worth 12K (only if you really love this country) :)
Why would anyone complain to a youtuber about their decisions to move to a different country oO? I love Hayley, but when I moved countries youtube definitely did not count as a reliable source of information on living there, just as subjective impressions.
You would be surprised ...... the messages and comments I get regarding people moving and not enjoying their time
@@HayleyAlexis :( sorry to hear, but admittedly the really sad thing is that I am not that surprised.
good video
Thanks :)
I love the way you are thinking and got rid of the typical "I have to take ultimate care not to step on any ones toes". You give solid advise and sharing your own experiences and mistakes that can be avoided with the right information. Moving to a new and different country is definately not for every random person! And if you were not able to make a decent living in your country of birth... What do you expect to find in a new and very different country. If you think: I made 300 USD a month in my mothercountry and in Germany I will make so much more money... I tell you you will be amazed how much more and different costs you will be charged in any of the "rich countries". As Hayley said: You need to have skills that are in need in Germany AND your certification needs to be recognized in the target country ! Life is different and complicated in Western Europe. Not every one will be nice and helping.
💖 Thanx again!
This is a very good video. All very valid points. All your points apply to any move to a foreign country. I had to vecome an American in order to ve successful and fit in. Keep one thing in mind when you move to a foreign country; the whatever millions of people who live there did not send you an invitation to come, it was yoyr devision, therfore, it is you who has to afjust and change where needed and not the other way around. Keep up the good job.
There seems to be a perception that USA degrees are to a lower academic standard than those obtained in European universities. I don't know if that is true but it would be interesting to know how they are regarded by potential employers in Europe.
Especially, the language barriere will prohibit doing any qualified jobs unless you find a job where English is used
Question Hayley! So if you’re vacationing in Germany for 4 months do you need to send your kids to school if you’re just vacationing there and are a German citizen.
All very valid points no matter where you want to move to in the world. Now I also have moved half way across the world (to Oman in the middle east) without any money but it was to get married when I was 19-20. I am not completely against spontaneity but if you decide to do such a thing best be prepared for shit to eventually hit the fan because its not easy going to a completely different world where languages are not the same dress food weather religion so on and so on where you have no friends or family it gets lonely. Ive been to Germany 3 times (lived in frankfurt 3 months was supposed to be a year learning the language but health and personal life problems had to leave) and I really do want to move there someday but the job thing is a problem and it concerns me but I'll never know if I dont try lol So anyone who thinks its easy and fairytale like .. its not.. its hard. If I cant settle in Germany I do hope I will be able to in a nearby country instead and I've already had the experience with moving and living in a foreign country so I know what to expect somewhat and I know its what I want but for someone who' has never left their home country learn learn learn as much as you can about the place you're interested in going to before going
It is very modern here in Germany and a lot more advanced than the USA.
I have lived here for over 20 years and have learned the language, i am planning to visit family in the USA and will learn Spanish in the next 4 months so that i can transition into the Italian language after that.
Btw, Free education here is great!
But you have to work on the economy.
I want to add that make sure if you are going as a spouse to someone who has the job, make sure all of this applies to you as well. It’s not fun to have your spouse divorce you in Germany while you do not meet these criteria. It’s especially hard if you have no support system back in your home country and you cannot go back there.
I could make pretty all the same points about moving to The Netherlands.... Or pretty much every country in Europe for that matter...
The vast majority of people who come here are afraid of their warm body, not restrictions of their personality. Most of them learn the language and a business or profession fast. Vast majority of foreigners are highly loyal and want nothing more than arriving here. It's up to us residents to give them a chance to integrate.
That's what not worked out in Sweden and Denmark. Social exclusion of "better/longer residents" and "native" germans cause many problems as well.
And here's the point to look into the mirror.
My advise for housing hunt:
1. Have an Income
2. Have a clean "Führungszeugnis" (Criminal record certificate)
3. Have a clean "Schufa" (Debt certificate)
Whenever you go to watch a home, hand over the last payment bill and the certificates to your landlord. That gives you a MASSIVE advantage to all the other visitors. The landlord sees than that you´re able to afford the rent and he doesn´t get a criminal in his house. Trust is everything here.
We got this apartment because my boyfriend has a patient who knows property management who had an elderly couple moving to a ground floor place somewhere else and I think it wasn't officially put on the market.
I just came back from Spain and while it was the most amazing vacation in a while, I could absolutely not live there.
Like the hair, is it still easier to maintain?
It still is very easy but I am ready for it to be a little longer so I can have braids :)
@@HayleyAlexis Nice
Now that I've heard so much about Germany, I definitely have to move to Germany 🤣🤣🤣
By the way, if you don't have that much money, I wouldn't recommend renting from Housing Anywhere. I live in Berlin and Housing Anywhere offers apartments close to my flat. Their apartments are by far the most expensive ones! Prices are crazy in Berlin right now, anyway, but Housing Anywhere just wants you to pay at least 1500€ for 50qm. Nobody should pay this much!
"a hundred other applicants"
*Looks at the statistics of the appartements, i've put my applications in*
Nah, can't be right. At least not in munich.
Here we're talking of about some hundreds to tousands of people applying for one Appartement.
Random chosen Example of Immoscout:
1-room-appartement in Waldtrudering,
Viewed by 16.600 People, 1050 did put their applications in...
And I'm searching for half a year.
Searching for an Appartement isn't easy.
And even outside of munich I would calculate at least 2 months for a new appartement.
Cause you have to visit many of the appartements, you've applied to. Then you have to meet a second time with the Landlord.
And then a third time to sign the contract for the appartement.
Dear Hayley, it's once again a great pleasure to watch your video.
I am going to retire next year and will leave Germany. Because as getting older, I can hardly endure autumn and winter. Because, apart from the pleasant Caribbean climate, I really like the people of my destination archipelago. Because their partly very different culture attracts me extraordinarily. Because I want to be part of their society. Because I want to become someone else. If i correctly understood the message of your video, all of my reasons should be a good prerequisite to move to a foreign country.
By the way, all without leaving the EU.