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Category Archives: Newcomers
Dangerous and Poisonous Plants in Germany
Living in a different country also means encountering plants that you may have never seen before. Here are some plants to watch out for. Don’t touch these plants Stinging Nettle – You’ll find stinging nettle along paths, in gardens, in … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Health Resources, Newcomers
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What to Buy and What to Leave Before Moving to Germany
Moving to a European country adds some complication when deciding what to bring with you on your PCS. Here are some guidelines. Of course, if you’re not sure, bring it with. Things to Bring Bed frames/Matresses/Sheets – German bed sizes … Continue reading
Unwanted paper/ads in your German mailbox
This information is if you are receiving unwanted newspaper, ads, etc. Post on the box: Bitte keine Zeitung oder Reklame. Danke (We used a label maker, but you may need to be more creative!) This will help lower the amount of … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers
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A Guide for Nearby Airports
While flights can be found for low prices with airlines like Ryanair, make sure you know what airport you are beginning and ending your journey with. Many big cities have one big international airport and a smaller one (sometimes with … Continue reading
Tips for House Hunting
Everyone’s preference will be different on this subject, but I hope this list will help you when deciding on a house. Available housing lists – There are several locations to get housing lists. They are the US housing office, the … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers
Tagged Germany, housing office, NATO housing office, netherlands
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Pet Shipping or PCSing with your Pet
Moving overseas with your pet and getting their paperwork in order can seem overwhelming at first. But I hope this listing will help answer some of your questions about getting your pet to this side of the Atlantic. Summary of … Continue reading
Dutch Market Search Engine
Do you need a market other than Sittard, Eygelshoven or Heerlen? I’ve found a database that lists all of the markets across the Netherlands, to include specialty markets of cheese, books, or antiques. The home page has a description of … Continue reading
Posted in Markets, Newcomers
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Trends in the Tri-Border Area
Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but here are some guidelines to help you navigate life in the Tri-Border area. Thanks to the HereatGK Facebook community for helping add to this post. If anyone else has epiphanies that … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers, Resources/Help
Tagged rules, shopping, tips
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Helpful Smartphone Apps
Updated May 7, 2016 Smartphones can be a tremendous tool in navigating life in Europe. Here are some apps that we and contributing readers have found helpful. If you have any awesome apps you would like to share, please let … Continue reading
Space Available (Space A) Tips
I recently returned from my first space available flight back to the U.S., here are some tips that I hope will help any of you who might use this service while living overseas. First, head to http://www.spacea.net. This website is … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers, Resources/Help, Travel
Tagged military flight, space a, space available, spacea
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Yellow bag recycling in Germany
If you aren’t sure exactly what can and can’t go into the yellow bin or yellow bags for recycling, well here is the translation of the items that they have listed on the bags themselves. For proper recycle bags, you … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers
Tagged recycle, recycling, trash, yellow bag
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Events in 2014
While the calendar is the most complete listing of events, I’ve compiled this list with some of the highlights. I’ll be adding events as I find them. Of course, if you would like to add something, let us know in … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers, Things to do, Upcoming Events
Tagged dates, events, fairs, festivals
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Tasso – Pet Registration
We all hope that our pets will not escape the back yard or get lost somehow, but what happens if they do? The microchip required for your pets in Europe is a good step in the right direction, but their … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers, Pets
Tagged cat, dog, lost, microchip, pet, pets, registration
2 Comments
Listen to AFN Online
If the radio signal is weak in your area, or you just don’t have a radio that tunes to even numbers, you’re in luck. AFN streams online. AFN hosts the local Benelux station along with the other European bases. You’ll … Continue reading
Locking Your Door
This seems like a silly thing to write about, but some don’t know about or don’t use the deadbolt feature on the front door of their house. Without a handle on the outside of the front door, it is difficult … Continue reading
Recieve calls from the U.S.
Submitted by Melissa B. ~ I wanted a Washington phone number, so all of my friends and family could call me. When we cancelled my cell phone with Verizon in the U.S., we IMMEDIATELY called Vonage and they were able … Continue reading
Posted in Family Resources, Newcomers
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Fitness Options in the Tri-Border Area
Updated: 15 April 2016 We’ve written about many of the fitness options available to you on the bases in the area. This post is here as a summary sheet. Brunssum: Fitness Classes on Brunssum – All classes are back up and running. … Continue reading
Posted in GK/Schinnen/JFC Brunssum Info, Health Resources, Newcomers, Sports Clubs and Classes, Things to do
Tagged Brunssum, fitness, Geilenkirchen, GK, gym, schedule, Schinnen, workout
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Your German Dishwasher and Dishwasher Salt
When we moved here, we were lucky to have a friend and our landlady explain the ins and outs of how to use German dishwashers properly. I know your thinking “uh, you are retarded!”, but seriously, they require care different … Continue reading
Helpful Facebook Groups
There are a bunch of Facebook groups/communities out there that are helpful in sharing information and connecting people. Here’s a list of some of them. Please note that most of these groups are closed, so an administrator will have to … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers, Resources/Help
Tagged communities, Facebook, groups
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Weather Websites
It’s always good to be prepared, so here are some weather websites (that specialize in Europe weather) to keep you up to date. Wetter.de – This trusty site seems to be most peoples go-to site. Just put in your zip … Continue reading
A Beginner’s Guide to Paid Parking
German (and Dutch) parking rules aren’t always clear when you’re first starting out. I still find parking to be the most frustrating part about driving here, (aside from the slow tractors) but I hope this post will help clarify a … Continue reading
Emergency Phone Numbers and Hospitals
Note: If you want a medical opinion before going to an emergency room, you can also call the US Clinic on-call doctor (or dentist). Call the US appointment phone number (49)(0)245-199-2300 and wait for the “on-call” option on the recording … Continue reading
Posted in Emergency Resources, General Local Info, Newcomers
Tagged clinic, emergency room, hospital, pediactric
2 Comments
How-To-Dial Information
From Germany/Netherlands to the USA 00-1-area code-seven digit # From Germany to Netherlands 00-31-omit 0 from the Dutch # From the USA to Germany 011-49-omit 0 from the German # … Continue reading
Tri-Border Publications to Keep You Informed
USAG Benelux Gazette – This is posted weekly and includes events and announcements for Brunssum and Schinnen. NATO Skywatch – Skywatch is published monthly and contains information about upcoming events and IYA activities along with their articles about the base. … Continue reading
Travel and Entertainment Deals Online
Europe can be expensive, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look for them. Here’s a listing of websites that I use to find deals both near and far. Feel free to add your favorites … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers, Travel Tips and Resources
Tagged deals, discounts, flights, hotels, restaurants, Travel
1 Comment
Recycling Plastics and Cans – Get your money back!
There’s a way to get money back by recycling your German plastic bottles and cans with very little effort. Here’s what you need to know. If your can or bottle can be refunded, it will have this symbol on it. … Continue reading
ADAC and ANWB the European AAAs
We recently learned that ANWB will give you discounts on certain items in their store (i.e. maps) if you are an ADAC member. It may work the same way the other way around. Of course, it never hurts to ask! … Continue reading
Posted in Emergency Resources, Newcomers
Tagged AAA, car trouble, maps, tow truck, Travel, triple A
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Pharmacy (Apotheke) and Emergency Services (Notdienst) Search
Here are two websites to help you find the nearest pharmacy and emergency services to you. Search by zip-code (Postleitzahl) and how far out of the zip-code you’re willing to go (Umkreis in km). Both websites will give you the … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Health Resources, Newcomers
Tagged 24 hour, apotheke, emergency, health, notdienst, pharmacy
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Trash Pickup Calender Online – Abfallkalender
New 2015 calenders should be coming in the mail shortly, but just in case it doesn’t get to you or it gets lost, here’s a backup plan. The garbage collection company, Schoenmackers, will be posting the new calenders online here. … Continue reading
Base Services ICE Surveys
If you’ve ever had a good or bad experience with a base service, or you just want to voice your opinion on how services can be improved, you can easily provide feedback using the ICE survey online. These surveys are … Continue reading
Posted in GK/Schinnen/JFC Brunssum Info, Newcomers, Resources/Help
Tagged Brunssum, Geilenkirchen, GK, Schinnen, services, survey
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Facebook Pages to Help You Stay Informed
Updated 15 Jan 2016 One of the best ways to stay up to date on upcoming offers available on base is to like a few Facebook pages. Some were easy to find, but others are harder to find if you … Continue reading
IMCOM – Europe Road Conditions and School Closures
This website will give you up-to-date information on road conditions at all of the Garrisons, including Schinnen/Brunssum. http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/webs/sites/staff_org/safety/road_conditions/index.asp
Posted in General Local Info, JFC Brunssum- Info, Newcomers, Schinnen Services- Info
Tagged bus, ice, road, snow
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Esso Station Finder Website and Mobile App
If you’re planning a road trip. This website is handy in finding the nearest Esso stations along your route. Each stations lists their phone number, address, opening hours and other helpful info. You can narrow your search by clicking the … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers, Resources/Help, Travel Tips and Resources
Tagged AAFES Card, ESSO, esso locations, Gas, Gas Station
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Import Taxes
If you buy something outside of Germany that has to be shipped to your German address, the shipping company will request that you pay import taxes on the item (usually from 0% to 20% of the item’s value). Naturally, the … Continue reading
Posted in Financial Resources, Newcomers, Resources/Help, Shopping
Tagged Import, shopping, Taxes
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Current Traffic and Construction Information Online
Don’t you hate being blindsided by a detour when you’re just minding your own business driving down the autobahn? Me too, so I went on a mission to find highway traffic and construction information online. At least then, it would … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers, Resources/Help, Travel
Tagged Belgium, Construction, Germany, netherlands, Traffic, Websites
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International Drivers License – GK stationed members only
According to GK base legal office, the USAREUR license that is issued to you when you take the test on base is only valid for driving in Germany. If you want to drive in other countries legally, you need to … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers
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Shoe donation buckets
This bucket may wind up next to your door every few months. It is a shoe collection bucket. You place shoes you no longer want inside and put it on the street for pickup. If you have none, thats ok, … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers
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Cell Phone Options
If you are looking into prepaid phones, I suggest reading this comparison first. It will give you an idea of what options are available in your area according to SIM card availability and network coverage. It will also allow you … Continue reading
Posted in Newcomers, Resources/Help
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Tips and Tricks for Those New to Town
For those beginning the PCS process, I have created a page about our move here. Check out PCSGeilenkirchen.wordpress.com for even more info! When you arrive your sponsor will take you to base and help your family get settled and checked … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Newcomers
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Rules of Living in Germany and Recycling
QUIET TIMES (Ruhezeit): 8 p.m. until 7 a.m & all day Sundays/holidays · House and garden appliances/machinery are off limits. (Quiet time includes lawn mowing, car washing/repairing, loud children, stereo or radio (loud)–if it can be heard outside your dwelling or vehicle it is … Continue reading
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