Daily life
Cars, phones, shopping and the small everyday matters to sort out locally, plus tips from other readers.
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Newest guides (3)
Dogs and Cats in Germany: Veterinarian, Costs, Hundesteuer and Insurance – A Guide for Poles
This guide covers how veterinary bills are calculated according to GOT (including emergency services), the cost of Hundesteuer in Berlin and Munich, where dog liability insurance is mandatory, how to register a chip, and what documents are needed when traveling with a dog or cat to Poland.
Polonia Camp: The World Meeting of Young Polonia in Warsaw – what it is, history, and how to attend (2026)
Approximately 1500 young people of Polish descent from nearly 50 countries will meet from July 23–26, 2026, at the SGGW campus – this is only the second edition (first: 2025, ~1000 participants), and participation is completely free. Conditions: ages 18–30, residing outside Poland, communicative Polish (Polish Card not required); organized by the Polish Community with funds from the Chancellery of the Senate. Inside: program for 2026, history, funding, and how to catch the recruitment for 2027.
Buying a Car in Germany – Registration, TÜV, Insurance, KFZ-Steuer (2026)
Buying a car in Germany: new dealer €15k-50k+, used cars mobile.de/AutoScout24 €3k-30k; required: Anmeldung (registration), KFZ-Versicherung (insurance) BEFORE registration, eVB Nummer (electronic insurance confirmation), Personalausweis or passport, Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief); registration at Zulassungsstelle within 4 weeks; TÜV/HU (inspection) every 2 years, AU emissions also every 2 years; KFZ-Steuer (road tax) depends on engine and emissions €30-1,000+/year; insurance €300-2,000/year depending; Polish citizens with Polish license must exchange for German Führerschein within 6 months of residency.