Welcome to Berlin

Latest guides

How to help Ukrainians

This is how you can volunteer and donate to help Ukrainian refugees in Berlin.

German power sockets

This guide shows you if your devices will work in German power outlets.

How to use public transit

This guide shows you how to use public transportation in Berlin, and how to use other options like car sharing, bike sharing and taxis.

Do you need legal insurance?

In this guide, I explain what legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) is, what it covers, and when it's worth it.

How to create an ELSTER account

This is how you create a My ELSTER account. You need this account to access ELSTER services, and file your German tax return online.

How to create a Service-Konto Berlin

You need a Service-Konto to access Berlin's digital services. This is how you create it.

How to get a Gewerbeschein

This is how you get a trade licence (Gewerbeschein) and register for the trade tax (Gewerbesteuer).

The Mietendeckel

The Mietendeckel was repealed. You might have to give the money you saved back, but there are other ways to reduce your rent.

Emergency phone numbers

If you need to call the emergency services, call 112. For the police, call 110. This guide also tells you how to call other emergency services in Berlin.

How to learn German

A list of German schools, language learning apps and other resources to improve your German in Berlin.

Recently updated guides

What is liability insurance?

All about the second most important type of insurance in Germany: private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

Tips to save money

Different ways to save money in Berlin and Germany, without sacrificing your lifestyle.

Where to buy what

A list of common grocery stores, hardware stores, furniture stores and shopping malls in Berlin.

How to find an apartment

Finding a place to live in Berlin is a not easy, but with this guide, it's easier.

Car insurance

An introduction to auto insurance in Germany. It explains what types of insurance there are, what they cover, and what you should look for.

How to open a bank account without an Anmeldung

These German banks let you open an account without an official address in Germany. No Meldebestätigung or a Meldebescheinigung needed!

How to open a bank account

This guide shows you how to choose a bank in Germany. It compares German banks and their fees.

Review of N26

My opinion of N26 bank after 5 years. Is N26 safe? Is it good? Should you use it as your main bank in Germany? Here's what I think.

Review of Degiro

I review my experience with Degiro in Germany. This new online stock broker is really cheap, but is it any good?

Moving to Berlin

This guide shows you how to relocate to Berlin. It covers finding a job in Berlin, getting a residence permit, finding an apartment, and more.