Lifestyle

After 13 years of living and working in Germany, I found myself asking a question I never thought I would: Is it time to go back to India?
This isn’t a story about one country being better than another. It’s about the quiet accumulation of small things—economic uncertainty, job market pressures, rising anti-immigration sentiment—and what happens when you finally sit down and weigh what truly matters.
In this piece, I share the honest pros and cons that shaped my decision, and why, at least for now, I’ve chosen to stay.

When I moved to Germany back in the winter of 2012, I had a really tough time. I still remember, for the first few weeks, I was getting down like 2–3 stops after my home and walking all the way back—because I didn’t know you had to press the stop button for the bus to actually stop.

I was overwhelmed, lonely, and totally unprepared. I made pretty much every mistake you can imagine. But over time, I figured things out. Now, more than a decade later, I want to share what I’ve learned—so you don’t have to stumble the way I did.

From closed Sundays and strict recycling rules to the surprising normality of nudity and the unshakable punctuality obsession, this is everything I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and got on that plane.

Just arrived in Germany and feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—this guide walks you through the 10 most important things you need to do right after landing. From getting a SIM card and registering your address (Anmeldung) to opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and even understanding German taxes, we’ve broken everything down step by step to make your transition smoother. Whether you’re here for work, study, or a fresh start, this checklist will help you hit the ground running.

When planning a move to Germany, most people focus only on salary and forget one crucial factor: the cost of living. A higher income doesn’t always mean a better lifestyle if expenses rise just as fast. In this detailed guide, we break down the real cost of living in Germany—from rent and utilities to food, transport, healthcare, and everyday expenses—so you can decide if your salary truly supports the life you’re planning to build.

When I first came to Germany, I saw a country that felt unstoppable — efficient, innovative, and admired around the world. Over the years, I watched that confidence slowly fade as industries struggled, energy costs soared, and political debates grew louder. Today, Germany is facing one of its toughest economic periods in decades, and understanding what’s happening is no longer just for economists or policymakers.

Whether you already live here, are planning to move, or simply want to make sense of the headlines, this is the honest breakdown I wish more people had access to. From shrinking GDP and rising energy prices to demographic challenges and political uncertainty — here’s what’s really going on inside Europe’s largest economy, and why it matters for all of us.

Thinking of moving to Germany?
With its strong economy, world-class healthcare, and unbeatable work-life balance, Germany has become a dream destination for many professionals and families worldwide. But is it all sunshine, sausages, and smooth autobahns? Not quite. While this country offers incredible opportunities, it also comes with challenges that might make you think twice. In this blog, I’ll share 10 reasons why moving to Germany could be the best decision of your life—and 5 reasons why it might not be. Based on real experiences and facts, this guide will help you make an informed choice before packing your bags.