Military Only Please!?

Question

Were being sent to Germany it's my first move with the military.What do I do I went to travel to get these forms?These forms don't tell me anything.They just have a basic list of household items.I'm worried were walking into this blind.Someone please tell me what to do.Also if you've been to Germany what to bring extra.

Answer 1

Don't exchange US Dollars for Euros at the airport. Go to the banks. Because those kiosks charges you a fee at the airports.

Most of your electrical items (used at home) runs off 110 voltage. In Europe, they use 220 voltage. If you can avoid purchasing some (because one is going to do it), then I highly advice it. It's expensive in the US to buy them, so if you have to buy them at the BX/PX or read the classifies in your base paper because many GIs heading back to the US usually sells/gives them away.

(In the Air Force) you can borrow transformers from TMO, among other things, like washers and dyers etc. And, you don't have to be married or have dependents.

Many of your electronic items may already be 110/220 voltage compatible, so you have check the power unit of your items. (For example: your electric razor, PDA, computer, etc.)

If you smoke, cigarettes are cheaper at the Canadian/British BX.

You can't no longer ship your guns, unless you have permission.

If you need to buy a new car, do it as you as you get there. AAFES sells cars, and they say it's tax free. Well, kinda. If you buy a car, then bring it back to the states, you have to registered it at the state you're going to reside. Then you have to pay taxes on your car. Some states have a three years clause. Meaning if you brought a car brand new and it's three years old at the time of registering in their states, you don't pay taxes. Other states have a cheaper tax bracket.

Bring a camera.

And, buy your jeans in the States, because AAFES charge too much, and off-base jeans are expensive or cheap in quality.

Answer 2

+ I think that you may have government storage available to you(use some). You now have an interesting opportunity. Bring the assorted basics. Bring a couple of 208volt adapters if you want to use your electrical stuff, (you know; toaster, iron, etc.) Remember that as you are going just as many people are returning and they have all the stuff that you will want and if it is electric they won't be able to use it here without changing the voltage, so you might try to get some stuff from people that are returning. If I remember correctly you willl be given a sponsor. (If they are any good) the sponsor will remember what they went through as they arrived and can guide you to the best solutions. They will have been there less than 2 years so they will know who is leaving and can put you in contact. The other thing I remember is that if you want a hot car bring one of yours. (It can be pretty junky) sell it when it arrives for whatever you can get, and buy a new one there. That way you will be allowed to ship a new car that you can get cheaper there back at government expense. I think the deal is you brought one there you can retun with one.
The other great deal is that you can get a lot of household items (China, Crystal, lace cloth stuff) that are very expensive here and then bring it home at the end of your stay duty free. If it is a replacement of what you came with.
Here is an example that might help you. Think about this and apply it to all your household goods. You came with a timex, and leave with a rolex duty free. (and I think tax free) Still a watch just like you came with. You came with a stainless silver service and you leave with sterling silver. Do you get the drift. It is all legal. What an opportunity of a lifetime.
I think I would sell most everything and go with a wad of cash. and purchase new. I went with a small alarm clock(manual) and returned with a black forest hand carved COO COO Clock. You take it from here.

Answer 3

I'm assuming the list of household items they gave you is so that you can check what you have so they can estimate the weight of your belongings (all branches have weight limits). I'm pretty sure they've already told you to seperate your HHG (household goods) and unaccompanied baggage (things you'll need right away, while you wait for your HHG). Mind you HHG takes a while to get to Germany from the states. You can bring 110V appliances here to Germany, I live off post and I use a transformer for my US appliances (you can get real cheap ones at the thrift shops if you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new one). Take an inventory of all your stuff ie: dvd's, tapes, and electronics. Take pictures or even better use a video camera to record all of your valuables to show that they were in good condition, should anything get damaged from the move. Remember if you decide to help the movers you are relieving them of any liability. When you set up a date make sure someone is there with you to help you with the move and watch the movers (a lot of people complain about missing stuffs). Just in case print several copies of your orders and ask the movers to put one in each box (just in case your box gets lost and seperated from your stuff). Get rid of stuff you don't really need because if you go over your allowed weight limit you will be charged for whatever is over. You're only allowed to ship one vehicle under govt expense. Take a deep breath and take everything day by day...When are you guys headed up here?

Answer 4

First, what not to bring. Don't bring small 110 appliances (haircurler, etc) if you're going to live offpost.

German electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles; where American electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles. That means your electric clock will lose 10 minutes each hour because of the cycles and will blow its fuse because of the voltage.

You can bring American lamps if they're UL rated, but you'll need German bulbs.

Even if you live on base, this could apply. Check with your sponsor to see if the base has 110 or 220.

Answer 5

I think more info is needed. Are you the service member or a 'dependent'? Also, which military branch are you with? I would imagine that things are done different in each with regard to relocation / travel procedures.

Answer 6

Are you sure that you will be staying in Germany for a long time? Since we are still involved in George Weasel's Invasion of Iraq, there is a very good possibility that your family member will be sent to Iraq. He will then have a very good possibility of being maimed for life (limbs amputated) by IEDs.

Urge him to get out of the Army right away for his well-being and for your family well-being.

Answer 7

Well...First Pack what they tell you to bring.
Then just use your brain... Sometimes you cant wash your clothes everyday, so you might want to bring a extra T-shirt,Pair of pants, underware ect...Dont be worried! :)