Like us
Follow us on Pinterest
HereAtGK Local Events Calendar
-
Join 1,692 other subscribers
HereAtGK.com
- 379,135 page views
Category Archives: Resources/Help
I’m moving. Here’s what to expect from HereatGK.
My time here at Geilenkirchen is almost at an end. Unfortunately, that means that I will not be able to continue upkeep of the blog. Here are some ways to keep this blog alive. While I believe many of the … Continue reading
Serious Request by 3FM
I gave this Serious Request presentation during my monthly Information Exchange class at the A&FRC. While 2016’s Serious Request will be in Breda, this article is here to explain the yearly event that you will likely still hear about on the radio. A … Continue reading
Posted in Christmas Markets, General Local Info, Open Sunday, Things to do
Tagged charity, christmas, Heerlen, netherlands, nl
Leave a comment
Local Oktoberfests
This information was compiled for 2015, but click on the links for information on next year’s events. Places to buy Dirndls and Lederhosen Lederhosenland by Hendricks Mode http://www.lederhosenland.com o Rijksweg Noord 22, 6131 CH, Sittard o Nassaustraat 80, 6043 ED, … Continue reading
Posted in Adults, General Local Info
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
Fitness Classes on GK
The Sports department now has a Facebook page! They will be posting their classes and events on their page so be sure to “Like” them. Note that these classes are held at the NATO gym near the track, not the … Continue reading
Posted in Geilenkirchen NATO Base - Info, Health Resources, Sports Clubs and Classes
Tagged classes, fitness, Geilenkirchen, GK, gym
1 Comment
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
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
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
Leave a comment
Amsterdam Park and Ride
When traveling to Amsterdam, I am a big fan of using the NS train day-tickets that go on sale about once a month, but sometimes this isn’t the most practical way of traveling in the Netherlands. I’ve compiled a list … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Where to Park in Maasticht
There are quite a few options for parking in Maastricht, all of which can be reviewed on their handy website. Here is my opinion on some of the options available. Park and Walk Cabergerweg – Cabergerweg, Maastricht €1,50/hour up to … Continue reading
Posted in Maastricht, Resources/Help
Tagged maastricht parking, parking, vrijthof square
Leave a comment
European VAT Forms for GK Stationed Families
This information may have changed since it’s original posting. If this process has changed, you can contact us at hereatgk@gmail.com to have this post updated. This is a question that I’ve often asked and have received several answers to. So … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
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
2 Comments
Student Discounts for .edu emails
Discounts are a wonderful thing, but they aren’t always something you know about. If you attend school in the tri-border then you should be taking full advantage of your .edu email address. UMUC is my school and they just recently … Continue reading
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
3 Comments
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
Have questions or want to share info? Let us help!
If you have a questions about places to go that Hereatgk hasn’t blogged yet, and you want to put it out there to other spouses in the Tri-Border to answer, send us your question and we will post it on … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info
Leave a comment
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
Off base Optometry – GK Tricare for Dependents
The Optometrist from Spangdahlem visits GK on a quarterly basis. The appointments are in order of priority. ( 1. Flyers 2. Diabetics 3. Active duty 4. Dependents) If you are Tricare Prime then you are authorized to use network providers in the … Continue reading
Posted in Health and Beauty, Health Resources
1 Comment
Education financing opportunities
(Copied from the GK AFRC FB page on 13Mar2013) FOR ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION OR GETTING STARTED, PLEASE READ: These resources are available to you and your families as you pursue your educational goals. We will continue … Continue reading
The cost of traffic tickets
There are a few resources for the cost of speeding and other tickets: How to Germany German Site Please check out this document if you are interested in just what kinds of fines are in store for you if you … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info
Leave a comment
When a company won’t ship to APO addresses
Many companies will not ship to APOs for one reason or another. Fortunately you have a few options when this occurs. First, try to put the address in with City: APO and State: NY. This usually works if APO isn’t … Continue reading
Posted in Geilenkirchen NATO Base - Info, General Local Info, JFC Brunssum- Info, Schinnen Services- Info
Tagged APO, mail, packages
2 Comments
NS – The Dutch Train System
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen(NS) operates the majority of trains running through the Netherlands. Their website is offered in Dutch and English, both of which will allow you to search for train schedules. The Dutch side of the website has more capability … Continue reading
In Your Pocket City Guides
I’ve found a new great travel resource called “In Your Pocket”. They have a website where you can look at all of their locations. The first guide I found was a printed version for Sittard-Geleen at the VVV. The guide … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, NO COST, Travel Tips and Resources
Tagged Amsterdam, Berlin, cologne, guide, Sittard, Travel
Leave a comment
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
Listen to Even-Numbered Frequency Stations (like AFN)
Most American car radios are not able to tune to even-numbered frequency radio stations. This means that AFN Benelux in the Tri-Boarder area, which is on 89.2, is not easily accessed without an aftermarket radio tuner. Fortunately, there are some … 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
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
1 Comment
VVV – Netherlands Tourism
The VVV is the place to find out about activities and events going on in the Netherlands. As the tourism offices, it’s their business to know these things and to encourage you to explore the area. I visited the VVV … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Maastricht, Sittard, Travel Tips and Resources
Tagged Epen, Gulpen, Heerlen, Sittard, tourism, Vaals, Valkenburg
1 Comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
Train Tickets and Deals on the Deutsche Bahn
NOTE: These deals only work if you are staying within Germany and are available on http://www.bahn.de. KIDS RIDE FREE – Kids (14 and younger) can ride free on the train as long as they are accompanied by their parents or … Continue reading
Posted in General Local Info, Resources/Help, Travel
Tagged bahn, Germany, savings, tickets, train
1 Comment
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
Leave a comment
A&FRC – Family Support Services
It is impossible to list all the services that the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) provides to our families The amount of help and opportunities available are endless because they are always adding more and more. There are some general ones … Continue reading
Posted in Family Resources
Leave a comment
A&FRC – A look at their financial support resources
There are so many wonderful things that the GK A&FRC (Geilenkirchen Airman & Family Readiness Center) can provide and one of the best ones is financial support resources. Whether you are having a tough time learning to balance the check … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
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
1 Comment
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
Leave a comment
Language Courses – Online and In Person
Courses are offered during the Spring and Fall on GK and Brunssum. The following flyers show you information on previous offerings. A German course for children has also been offered in the past.
Posted in Education Resources, General Local Info
Leave a comment
Emergency Leave – My experience overseas
My first thought when I moved to GK was “My dad has cancer, what if he dies? How will I get back?”. It’s a hard and scary thought. I had warning of my fathers impending death, but sometimes we don’t … Continue reading
Amazon.de – Get your VAT back
Amazon has recently updated their policy concerning VAT refunds. The policy now states: “If you are an APO-address holder or work for the NATO troops we will be happy to refund all the VAT you were charged for your order. … Continue reading
Posted in Appliances, Clothing, Craft/Home decor, Financial Resources, Food, Furniture, Hardware, Health and Beauty, Outdoor/Camping, Pets, Shoes, Toys
13 Comments
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
Leave a comment
Gas Station Hours & ESSO Locations
Do you need to find a gas station store open past 8 o’clock on a Monday night? I did some research and put together this list of gas station hours. Also located below is a list of the nearby ESSO … Continue reading
Posted in Auto or Motorcycle, Geilenkirchen NATO Base - Info, General Local Info
Tagged AAFES Card, ESSO, Gas, Gas Station
Leave a comment
Local Veterinarians
I have not used nor endorse any of the following places.This list is purely for information purposes only. Thank you. Emergency Vet: On page 2 of the HS Woche, you’ll find a Notdienste (Emergency) section. The listing also gives a number … Continue reading
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
1 Comment
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
1 Comment
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
Here At Gk 