Congratulations on arriving in Germany!
You’ve landed in Germany.
You are tired, carrying luggage, and everything looks unfamiliar.
This page walks you through what usually happens first, step by step.
Start from the airport, reach your accommodation, and then handle the next few days calmly.
You don’t need to do everything today.
Step 1: You just landed at the airport
Before you rush out, pause. Airports in Germany are organised well but quiet.
What usually helps first:
- Follow signs for Exit, Baggage Claim, or Train (S-Bahn / U-Bahn).
- Toilets are free at the airport.
- Shops and bakeries are usually near the exit and train platforms.
- If you need something specific, do not hesitate to ask the Info counters at the airport.
Step 2: Buying your first water bottle
This sounds simple, but it confuses many people on day one.
What to know
- Usually, every shop sells a water bottle at the airport. Pick a bottle from the shelf like normal.
- REMEMBER: Pick a water bottle which has “stilles” or “ohne Kohlensäure”, which means you are buying just water and not the water filled with gas.
- Bottles have Pfand (deposit) included in the price.
- You can pay by card almost everywhere in airports.
Read more → Buying Water, Drinks and Pfand Explained Simply
Step 3: Finding the train or public transport
Most German cities are well-connected directly from the airport.
What to know
- Follow signs for S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Regional Train, ICE/IC (Fernzug) or Bus.
- Ticket machines are available near the platform.
- English is usually available on the ticket machines.
- Always buy the ticket before boarding the train.
If unsure, ask at the info counter or someone: “Does this train go to xyz?”
Read more → Public Transport in Germany
Step 4: Reaching your accommodation
You are now heading to your temporary or long-term accommodation.
What to know
- Google Maps works very well for navigation.
- Buildings may not have name boards like in India. Buildings are usually recognised with numbers.
- Doorbells often list surnames only.
- Neighbours may not greet you first; this is normal.
Once inside, take a breath. The hardest part of the day is done.
Step 5: Quick shopping
Do not try to finish everything at once.
What helps
- Find the nearest supermarket, bakery or any takeaway restaurants.
- Check the store closing time before going out.
- Eat something simple and rest.
- Charge your phone and save your address.
Read more → Grocery Shopping in German Supermarkets
Step 6: Waste sorting
This becomes important once you settle in.
What to know
- Trash is separated into different bins.
- Bottles with Pfand(deposit) can be returned later at the grocery stores.
- Bottles without Pfand(deposit) must be sorted correctly.
- Ask your landlord if you’re unsure about bins and where to throw.
- Don’t panic if you make mistakes initially.
Read more → Waste Sorting
Step 7: Emergency numbers (save them now)
You may never need them, but save them today.
Important numbers
- 112: Medical emergencies and fire
- 110: Police
- 116117: non-emergency medical help
Read more → Emergency Numbers in Germany
Step 8: Start the Anmeldung process
Once you feel settled, paperwork begins.
What to know
- Anmeldung is mandatory
- You need an appointment and landlord confirmation.
- Many things depend on this registration
Read more → Anmeldung in Germany Step by Step
Step 9: What comes next
After the first few days, life becomes more predictable.
You can now explore:
- Mobile and internet setup
- Bank account and rent payments
- Health insurance
- Pharmacies and doctors
- Long-term housing and costs
Well, you’re settled after Step 8. Take it one step at a time.
If you’ve reached this point, you’ve already handled the hardest part: arriving and settling in. You don’t need to understand everything immediately. Germany works best when you handle things gradually.
When ready, explore further guides to go deeper.
