Packing Checklist for Coming to Germany

Germany is one of the most developed countries in the world and its people enjoy a very high standard of living. Huge numbers of people come here every year to holiday, study or work.

What makes Germany so popular? A combination of factors: a rich historical heritage, fascinating architecture of ancient cities, many resorts, authentic cuisine, beautiful nature, as well as various festivals, fairs and exhibitions.

The country has something to offer all year round. The Bavarian Alps with their fabulous ski resorts, the flower island of Mainau with its unique climate, Saxon Switzerland with its incredible scenery and many other places are there for tourists.

In this article, we will focus on what you should take with you to Germany so that you do not overload your luggage with unnecessary items. We'll take a closer look at important items such as documents, medicine for the baby and what clothes you might need.

For many parents, travelling with children can seem like a big problem. However, if you take a rational approach, think about what to take with you and what they might need, and buy the most important medicines and food for the trip, you can travel safely with even the youngest tourists. Let's take a look at all the things you need to bring, starting with the most important ones.

• Where to go with Kids in Germany: Best resorts
• Family-friendly hotels in Germany

Every journey should begin with the preparation of the necessary documents. German precision and rigour are well known throughout the world. They are very attentive and meticulous about every little detail. Therefore, when travelling to Germany, it is necessary to be extremely careful in preparing all your valuable papers.

Once you have collected all the documents, it is advisable to scan them and send them by post or pack a parcel of photocopies in your luggage. Here is a list of documents you may need:

• Passports for all family members, ID cards, EU social security / health care ID card (for EU citizens, optional). Find out in advance what the requirements for passports for children are in your country. Pay attention to the expiry date of the travel documents. It should be at least three months from the end of your trip.
• Visa. For citizens of countries without a visa-free regime with the European Union.
• Baby birth record/certificate.
• If the child is travelling as part of a group, unaccompanied by parents, then he/she will need a notarised departure permit.
• A residence voucher or hotel booking document.
• Medical insurance.
• Those travelling by car are advised to take with you their driving licence, vehicle registration document and a green card.
• Air tickets for you, if you want to travel by plane.
• Money and bank cards.

All clothing should be chosen according to the season and type of holiday. Do not overload your luggage with unnecessary items, it is better to take only the essentials for 7-10 days of rest and provide for the possibility of laundry. Here are some options depending on the time of year.

A list of things your child will need in winter:

• Underwear.
• Socks — wool are best!
• Wool or fleece jumper.
• Pajamas.
• Warm trousers.
• Hat, scarf, gloves, thermal mittens.
• Soft winter jacket or coat (waterproof, windproof and breathable)
• Warm winter boots.
• Ski boots if you're going to a ski resort.
• Swimming costumes or swimming trunks for indoor water parks.

In spring and autumn, demi-seasonal clothes come in handy in the area. In summer, however, don't forget to pack a bag:

• Underwear, socks, swimming costumes and swimming trunks.
• Sports trousers, windbreaker, sweatshirt.
• Headwear: hats, caps or bandanas.
• Pajamas.
• Beach shoes.
• Umbrella.
• Comfortable shoes for walking or sightseeing.

There are many different shops and huge supermarkets in this country. Most are open Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 18.00 or until 20.00. Sunday is a day off. Kaufland supermarkets are open the longest, usually from 07:00 to 22:00. There are also convenience stores called Spätshop and petrol station shops that are open 24 hours a day.

• Things to do in Germany with kids

You can buy absolutely everything you need when you arrive. However, if you are travelling with babies and toddlers, it is advisable to buy some accessories and goods before you leave home. Here is a short list of things for the youngest travellers to take with them to Germany:

• Nappies. Pack a few in your hand luggage or take them into the car.
• Nappies for bathing. Useful if you plan to visit a swimming pool or water park.
• A pack of wet wipes.
• Baby disposable changing pad.
• Shampoo, baby cream, comb, soap.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Sunscreen if travelling in summer. Nourishing Baby Face Cream if you're going to ski resort.
• Potty/travel potty seat.
• Baby sling, baby carrier.
• Baby Tableware.
• Pacifier (if required).
• Pram (if required).

For older children, you'll only need wet wipes, baby cosmetics and hygiene products. But even if you forget to bring something, don't worry: in Germany you can buy it all at any supermarket or chain shop like DM or Rossmann.

If you are travelling to Germany, make sure that all your gadgets and small appliances are in good working order and have batteries, power cords and chargers.

Here's a short list of things you should take with you on holiday:

• Mobile phone.
• Camera.
• A tablet or laptop.
• Chargers, cords and spare batteries.
• Navigator (if you're planning to travel by car).
• E-book.
• Universal travel adapter.
• eSIM card or SIM for Europe.
• A blender (if your baby needs adapted food and you plan to cook it yourself).
• A fumigator with plates or mosquito repellent (useful in summer).

Nowadays, the mobile phone has replaced some technology. For example, you can no longer take a navigator, a player, an e-book, or a camera with you. All you have to do is install the necessary software on your smartphone.

If, for example, you are not a professional photographer and it is not necessary for you to have every function performed by a single item mentioned above, then some items on our list can safely be crossed out.

What should the children bring with them? Suggest that the young campers decide which dolls or cars they want to take with them to Germany. Just warn them not to take them all. With new friends, new experiences and excursions, your child won't get bored. Except in the beginning, in the airport lounge or in the car.

Give your baby a small backpack to carry toys, pencils or markers, a sketchbook or notebook for drawing and colouring. You may want to pack a board game in your carry-on. If you're going to a water park or the beach, you'll need inflatable armbands or vest, beach toy sets.

Install educational games on your tablet or laptop and download cartoons or movies.

Pharmacies are everywhere in Germany and have the same opening hours as shops. They sell medicines around the clock. But there is a problem: almost half of all medicines require a prescription.

German doctors prescribe medicines on coloured forms: red, green and blue. Red forms mean that the medicine is paid for by the insurance company. Green forms mean that you have to buy the medicine at full price. Blue forms mean that the patient has private insurance.

The pharmacist may recommend a medicine for certain conditions. Over-the-counter medicines are available for diarrhoea, colds, allergies, heartburn, painkillers, fever reducers, laxatives and homeopathic remedies.

The names may be different from those we are used to, and pharmacists usually speak German or English. Therefore, if you require any special medication, you should obtain an international prescription from your doctor before leaving for Germany and ensure that your medicine cabinet is fully stocked.

What medication to take with you to Germany

• Antipyretics and antispasmodics.
• Pills, syrup or spray for a sore throat.
• Sunscreen in warm seasons.
• Burn Care Products
• Insect bite cream
• Nasal decongestant drops.
• Antihistamines.
• Anti- diarrhoea medicine.
• Anti-nausea and anti-sickness medicine.
• Antiseptics for treating minor wounds.
• Ear drops.
• Sorbents and intestinal antiseptics.
• Medication for chronic illnesses.
• Bactericidal plasters, elastic bandages, normal bandage.
• Thermometer.

Remember that medication containing psychotropic or narcotic substances cannot be brought into the country. If you need them, make sure you get a prescription before you leave the country.

In our article on food in Germany, we talked in detail about what to try, prices and what to feed your baby. When it comes to baby food, formula and pap, you will find a wide range of choices in any shop or pharmacy. Well-known baby food brands include Bebivita, Hipp, Humana, Milupa and Alete.

If your baby eats formula milk, take a small supply with you for the first few days and then buy some at the supermarket. If your baby needs special food or likes buckwheat porridge (which is not easy to find in German shops), it is better not to take any risks and take a full stock of the necessary food with you.

Note that you are unlikely to find special baby cottage cheese or yoghurt here, as all dairy products are of excellent quality and suitable for babies. German shops always have a good range of cheese and fruit yoghurts, which little tourists can safely buy.

Pre-school or school children will enjoy the traditional cuisine, with an abundance of sausages, bratwursts, delicious soups and desserts. But don't get too carried away with this cuisine, as it is not used to the delicate stomachs of children, which can be harmful.

If you're planning a holiday here, you're probably wondering what kind of money to take with you. Germany's currency is the Euro. You can exchange dollars and other currencies for euros at banks. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Banks are generally open from 08.00 to 17.00. However, it is advisable to carry some cash in euros.

As mentioned above, the German immigration authorities can check that you have sufficient funds.

Calculating your budget, think about your accommodation, entertainment, food, excursions, souvenirs and car hire.

Here are some examples of prices:

• Public transport — from 3 euros per journey;
• Car hire — from 50 euros/day;
• Souvenirs, magnets — from 3 euros;
• Souvenir mugs — from 10 euros;
• Lunch in a budget café — from 15 euros.

According to national customs laws, you may not bring into Germany:

• Firearms, ammunition, gas cans, edged weapons.
• Pyrotechnics.
• Medicines without a licence.
• Meat, milk and dairy products, tinned food, sausages and chocolates. Exception made only for special dietary or baby food if its weight does not exceed 2 kg.
• Counterfeit goods that infringe the rights of the owners of registered trademarks.

It is possible to import goods, subject to local customs regulations:

• Goods up to a total value of €450 for an adult and €150 for a child.
• 10 litres of fuel for your own vehicle in a spare tank.
• Non-dairy foodstuffs for personal consumption.
• Medicines and homeopathic remedies up to a three-month course of treatment. You must have a prescription for these.
• Drugs classified as narcotic drugs that have been bought with a prescription. A prescription is required.

Before you close your suitcase, take another look and think carefully about what you need to take with you. It is common for inexperienced travellers to take a lot of things just in case. They tend to forget that most things can be bought in any shop if you need them. It's a good idea to take a few things with you when you travel to Germany:

• Nappies. Bring a small pack to start with and buy more in a local shop if you need them.
• Baby food. You should not take a large supply of baby food with you — it is enough to buy some for the trip and for the first time, and then buy the rest in the supermarket. However, if you have a child with allergies or special dietary needs, it is better to have a reserve for the whole trip.
• Household chemicals.

We hope our article has helped you decide what to take with you on your holiday to Germany and what not to bring. We wish you a great holiday!