I'm keeping the focus on fashion with a very exciting post today all about my amazing new Radley bag and one of my fave blogging collaborations yet. I remember worrying that moving to Germany might mean missing out on working with brands due to my location. But, this year has been one of my absolute best yet for special blogging projects and having the opportunity to work with a brand I have always admired will always be such an amazing reward for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of this blog. In the interests of transparency, in this post I will be styling up a beautiful product from Radley London which was gifted to me in exchange for the post. Naturally all opinions remain my own and I will only ever endorse products that I genuinely love and that I think you guys would love as well. And let's be honest, is there anyone out there who couldn't appreciate the beauty of a seriously luxe Radley handbag?
As someone who spends all her money on travel, often I have to sacrifice spending money on expensive clothes or handbags, but it doesn't mean I don't lust after luxury items. Radley London are one of those brands, one that has been an institution with a seriously classic style that I've admired for years. I've always been the kind of girl who gets a handbag and really loves it, instead of changing it up every week, I'll wear a bag all season. I picked out the Hill House Medium Multiway Compartment Grab Bag from the collection, embracing the sports luxe look with this gorgeous leather bag. It was hard to choose but in the end I felt this was the Radley bag that fitted best wth my style, not only was it simple and elegant, but practical with the longer strap and several compartments. I love that it can be smart for work, or also works with more laid back looks for the weekend, and it hasn't left my side since it was delivered. The striped strap makes a bold statement with the white leather, while still remaining chic and elegant with the fine gold detailing and the iconic Radley dog charm.
I styled up the bag with this leopard print H&M slip (€19.99) and teal jumper (€24.99), and an old pair of Primark chunky heels. For those who are looking to shop the Radley bag, you're in luck and the Hill House style is actually reduced at the moment, retailing at £229, it has now been reduced to £137, so now is the time to treat yourself! It's the perfect-sized Radley bag for keeping all my essentials in it, my camera, phone, purse and some make-up, the perfect blogger's essential.
This week marks my six month anniversary of living in Hamburg. These last six months have been some of the hardest of my life. After travelling solo for more than three years, I uprooted my whole life, changed my travel plans and moved to Germany! In the last six months, I found a new job in a new industry and was offered a promotion within two months at the company. I traveled for a month around Europe in the van I converted into a camper and drank a hell of a lot of coffee.
Do you love luxe handbags as much as I do? What style would you choose? What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?
Finding your Autumn style can be a bit of a challenge when you're a summer baby at heart. Made more for bikinis on the beach and flip flops, the cooler months have always been a struggle for me. Perhaps the reason why I've spent the last four years chasing the summer from the Northern to the Southern hemispheres and back again! While some friends craved the warm winter woolies and darker nights, fantasising about staying warm on the sofa with a good movie, I was dreaming of tropical heat and living on the beach. But moving to Hamburg has really made me see Autumn in a whole new light, no longer is it the season of rain and wind and cold, but instead Germany has shown me a season filled with warm, rich colours, with hearty food and log fires. I can't believe I had never seen it before, but Autumn is Germany at it's finest, the parks ablaze with gold, red and brown, the skies clear, blue and the ground warmed by the late season sun. I won't lie, I'm writing this on a day when it is rainy and blustery to the max, a horrible autumnal day, but until now, my first Autumn living in Germany has been one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
You all know that I'm used to spending my life in maxi dresses and swimwear, and already I've adjusted my summer style to fit in with the Hamburg look, but with a new season comes a whole new challenge. Getting used to all the layers, knitwear and most of all, weatherproofing against the German weather while not giving up all sense of style! German style seems to be very functional, weather-oriented and very muted colours, with a lot of black. Well, as much as I'm rooting for how practical their style is, I can't help but be bored by the lack of colour and fun in dressing for the weather. I think there HAS to be a way of preparing both the sunny Autumn days and the worst weather that is yet to come this season, while still maintaining your fun, quirky style throughout the winter months. Here's five ways I'm embracing the season and changing up my style for autumn:
I love anything colourful and living in sunny countries means a bright colour scheme never gets a second look. But, when you're walking through dark, dull streets and everyone is wearing black and grey, it can be hard to be brave and to embrace colour. I miss my bright red and yellow summer dresses that always looked great with a tan! But there's no reason why your autumn/winter wardrobe has to be dull. Why not change up your colour palette and instead of avoiding all colour, go for more muted, jewelled tones that suit the season. I love the autumn shades,l from deep reds and golds, to rusty oranges, I'm a huge fan of the rich colours appearing in the shops. It doesn't have to mean a complete wardrobe overhaul, why not pick up some new accessories or basic tops to pair with your favourite season-to-season items? My favourite new items are a deep orange headscarf and a bargain rust-coloured coed jacket that I’ve barely taken off since I found them.
It’s all about the accessories and I’m all about finding ways to change up your autumn style while sticking to your budget and keeping things sustainable. It’s nice to see fashion bloggers stepping away from fast fashion and instead promoting vintage and second-hand shopping. I’m a big lover of vintage shopping and find it great for picking up one-of-a-kind pieces that will help keep your style unique to you. Whether it’s a new bag, scarf or even a hat, it will come with a story, and even better, you’ll know that your purchase will be supporting both your wallet and the environment. One of my favourite things to shop for is vintage and second-hand jewellery on markets and in stores, you can find some real gems if you dig deeper enough!
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing more important than having plenty of layers at the ready to keep you toasty on the walk to work. We all want to look good, but it’s just as vital to stay warm and cosy when it’s -10 degrees outside. I’ve started wearing small tops under big jumpers with a warm coat for the journey into work, with scarves and hats. Layering means being ready for that first blast of autumn winds and rain in the morning, but also being able to peel off those layers when your office is 100 degrees by the afternoon. By being smart and combining layers, you can save yourself the cost of investing in a thicker coat by instead layering jackets and jumpers. If you’re on a budget when updating your autumn style, this can really help.
Trying to limit your purchases of new autumn styles? Trying to stick to a budget? Cut back on spending and instead invest in a capsule wardrobe. Just focus on picking key pieces that you know you can style up in multiple ways and will wear throughout the season. Don't worry about picking up one of everything, instead pick out the timeless styles you know you will bring out again and again. If you love the more retro, 70's styles, why not invest in a pair of flares or some corduroy trousers? Or if you prefer, why not invest in a piece of knitwear or boots you will wear for years to come? Always ask yourself if you really need the item, if you will wear it for more than one season and if it is really your style.
A great way to refresh your wardrobe is to recycle clothes from one season to the next. All those summer dresses could be reinvented with a polo neck or long-sleeved top underneath and a pair of boots. Pair with a nice, cosy winter coat and you have a brand new look! Or why not bring back those summer skirts with a pair of tights and ankle boots? Look carefully at your wardrobe and think about how you can recycle what you already have to really make the most of the clothes and limit your spending. Plan your autumn style carefully to achieve maximum effect with minimal effort. All the money you will save, plus the knowledge you are making sustainable choices for the environment, will be more satisfying than yet another cheap dress or outfit. Plus, restyling previous outfits forces you to get creative and try ways of wearing items!
How do you change up your style for autumn? How are you embracing the season? What's your must-have autumn style?
Autumn is in full swing here in Hamburg, so I thought what better time to talk seasonal self-care and what I'm doing to look after myself as the seasons change. It's easy to get swept up in ideas of snuggly knitwear, pumpkin spiced lattes and cosy nights by the fire. We have such a romanticised view of autumn, until it really hits and honestly, lately I've been caught up in that. Picking up orangey-rust coloured items for my wardrobe and kicking up the golden leaves on my way into work in the mornings. Autumn has been unseasonably warm this year, but I can't help but have this niggling feeling that when it really hits, we'll be in for a shock. So now is the time to prepare, to get ready for the colder months that are coming.
As you guys know well, I'm not really made for winter. I've spent the last few years in the southern hemisphere always chasing the sun and fleeing from the cold. I love the tropical heat and coming back to the UK last Christmas was a heck of a shock to the system as we suffered the worst winter I have ever seen in England. This year, I'll be spending the winter in Northern Germany which I'm expecting to be colder and darker than anything I have previously experienced. I'm nervous, but that's why I'm taking the time now to prepare and really make sure I'm ready for when it hits. So how can you prepare your seasonal self-care routine for when the winter blues strike?
I don't know about you guys but I am super affected by the weather, I definitely have a touch of seasonal affective disorder. So to counteract this and focus on seasonal self-care, I'm making the most of every single sunny day and every bit of light. Whether it's freezing outside or raining, I always make sure to get out and get some fresh air on my lunch break by going for a walk. It does wonders for my body and mind, and trust me, you'll be glad you did when it gets so horrible outside that you're trapped in the office. Whether you're working in an office, working from home or not working at all – make sure you get outside as much as possible while the weather is still good enough. Hamburg keeps fluctuating between almost summery weather and freezing winds/rains, so on the sunnier days I will make sure to spend a day soaking up all that vitamin D.
For when the weather does turn, it's important to invest in good boots and a warm coat to keep the cold out. Don't wait until the weather is already disgusting and you're desperate, do your research and find the best brands and spend a bit of extra money for a bit more warmth and waterproof layers. When it comes to the blustery and rainy days, you'll be glad you spent a little bit more when your feet are still warm and dry. I'm even considering getting thermal layers after seeing Hamburg in -10 back in March. Seasonal self-care means taking the weather seriously and being proactive, planning ahead and making sure your body is looked after, it's the only one we've got!
This is such an important one and it really makes a huge difference. No-one likes spending time in a cold, uncomfortable room, so why not make yours as warm and welcoming as possible? Read this post for My autumn home decor inspiration. As well as adding cute accessories such as pillows, throws, fairy lights and candles to make your room/home as cosy as possible. Why not consider getting rid of any old curtains and replacing them with wooden blinds to create more of a warming, homely effect? I have wooden blinds in my room at home and in a natural wood colour, they really do make the place seem so much more cosy by candlelight. Plus I would even argue that my room felt much warmer with them than they did with thin curtains so perhaps in terms of keeping the heat in and insulating your room, they might be a better option. I've been exploring a lot of vintage markets lately and have found some amazing things, that would be perfect for accessorising your home ready for winter. Vintage is definitely a great way to go if you don't want to spend a lot but are looking for some really quirky and unique items.
We've all been there, home late from work, exhausted and starving, just wanting a hot meal and a bath, but when you go to the cupboards there's nothing but scraps. Or even worse, when you wake up full of cold and feeling like death and find you're out of Lemsip and painkillers. That's when you know you've failed at adulting, but it's so easy to turn this around. The next time you go to the shops, stock up on all your medicines and make sure you never have a situation where you run out of cough sweets when it's snowing outside. This is the time of year everyone is getting sick, so being prepared can really help make you feel 100x better. The same goes with food, it doesn't take much to pick up a few extra bags of pasta and rice, tins of beans and to freeze a loaf of bread. Pick up a few frozen pizzas or tins of chicken soup. You have no idea how grateful future you will be to past you when you're having a terrible day and can quickly whip up beans on toast or hot chicken soup when you're poorly. Seasonal self-care is more than just candlelit baths, it's being a grown up and looking after yourself, putting your health first.
It's that time of year when the end of summer parties have just finished and the festive season will soon be starting. We have a brief interlude where we can go into hibernation before being dragged back out for tequila shots and staff parties. On top of that, there's work and gym and friends and family, it can all get a little much when our bodies are starting to slow down. I don't know about you, but I had a crazy busy summer and now I'm looking forward to winding down and enjoying some time at home. Being affected by the lack of vitamin D, the darkness and cold means sometimes you just don't feel great. It doesn't mean you're ill or boring, just that your body needs rest and that's okay! Everyone may still be pushing for you to do dinner here, and drinks there, and to stay as busy as ever, but it's okay to slow down and it's definitely okay to say no. Don't feel bad for turning people down to stay home and cuddle up in the warmth watching Netflix.
In fact, this doesn't just apply to vitamin D but all the vitamins and nutrients we need to stay healthy. It's easy to give in to cravings for fatty comfort food, but make sure you're getting lots of fresh vegetables as well. Always keep a stock of oranges and lemons, they're great for eating or juicing, and you can easily add a bit of fresh lemon to your drinking water or tea for a vitamin C boost. If, like me, you struggle with the lack of vitamin D as the sun shows it's face less, then make sure to stock up on the following foods to help boost your levels:
Whatever happens, stay warm and make the most of the autumn season! It's a beautiful time of year and there's nothing better than getting out and enjoying the beautiful golden parks and pumpkin picking. Plus don't forget Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night will soon be here so a perfect opportunity to get out and embrace autumn, with a new seasonal self-care routine.
How are you looking after yourself this autumn? What are your seasonal self-care tips?
Vanlife has exploded across the travel scene over recent years. The phenomenon has become one of the most sought-after travel experiences for young wanderlusters. Perhaps it's the endless freedom or the return to a simpler lifestyle that appeals. Or perhaps many have just realised that living in a van can give you a way of travelling long-term on low costs – it sounds pretty appealing right? I hear it all the time, from people who have travelled a lot, to those who have barely seen outside their home town. So many have this beautiful dream of converting a vehicle into a home and of taking off and seeing the world. Whether it's driving across outback Australia, travelling across Europe or even just driving around the UK. It's a great way to see a country in a new light and to experience a level of freedom you can't even imagine.
I've always loved road trips, but I never really experienced living in a van until I met my boyfriend. He had previously spent years driving and travelling around in his own van across New Zealand and Australia. I joined him on an epic road trip just a week after we met. We travelled over 4,000km together on that trip and have since had more amazing road trips across Australia and Europe. Our most recent was a few months ago when we spent 3 weeks driving across Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and France in our newly converted Sprinter. You can read all about the plans for that trip here. It was an amazing trip and I'll be writing more about it over the coming weeks/months. But first I wanted to start off with a post about the 5 things you should focus on when planning a road trip or converting a van. It's an exciting and daunting task, but one that could pay off hugely if it gives you the freedom to travel.
SUCH an important thing to remember when planning your Vanlife travels. By investing in both of these you will make your life so much better once on the road. Consider whether you will need to weather-proof your van and need to make it suitable for winter as well as summer. You may need insulation for the colder months. Make sure you spend time on making your bed and don't just go for a cheaper/easier option. We had an old slatted bed frame donated by a neighbour which we cut to fit the wooden bed frame we built. This gave extra support and a bit of suspension so it wasn't just a hard box. We used a big section of foam and cut it to size for the mattress. Then filled our bed with pillows and warm duvets. Don't forget, no matter how warm it is during the summer, it does get chilly at night and is always better to have too many layers than not enough. We also made our bed frame removable so we could have more floor space in the van if necessary by removing the end section.
When it comes to storage, more is always better. Plan your van design around storage, it's great to build it into the frame and design so everything remains compact and tidy. There's nothing worse than living in a tiny van that is just a mess of stuff. At the end of the day you want to be able to crawl into bed without having to move everything. We created so much storage that we actually never had to store things on the bed. We had a massive section under the bed with big boxes where we stored food and cooking equipment, then along the side of the bed we had a big section for camping gear which we could also use as a bedside table. Behind the drivers' seat, we also used smaller crates stacked on top of each other which we picked up in IKEA and screwed together and into the floor. These we used for clothes, toiletries and other bits and bobs which meant we didn't have to leave things lying around for security. Plan well and you'll never find your van crowded or too small, trust me, it will change your whole vanlife experience!
Being a gal who never travels without her phone, camera, iPad/laptop and music, I need access to power to charge items and I never want to worry about running out of juice. On our Europe trip, I loved being able to practice more photography and to edit photos in the evenings. There are lots of ways to make sure vanlife doesn't mean living with your battery on red. One thing I wish I'd had when we were in Western Australia was a solar-powered battery pack. It was 40 degrees daily and constant sunshine so it would have been a great way to recharge. For our Europe trip, we invested in a power pack for the van which would recharge as we drove using power from the van's engine. We could choose when to recharge and once fully charged, it would run for days depending on how much power you used. It was expensive at around €500, but an investment for us because we knew we would be using the van long-term.
Looking for a more budget fix – why not invest in some really good portable power packs? I was sent the Juice Extreme, a fast charge power bank which is designed for life on-the-go and works perfect for road trips. It stores 2.5 full charges for an iPhone 8, Samsung S8 or Android phone and is great for a day of exploring a new city. It proved a lifesaver for me when exploring Vienna and Prague this summer, or for long afternoons of driving and needing a quick boost for directions. With a strong rubber coating, it's dust and waterproof which is great for travellers like me who love the beach, and it even protects against impact damage. Finally, it has a tiny LED torch which is handy when you're trying to find your camp spot in the dark! Retailing at £24.99, it's a great investment and I never leave home without it in my handbag.
One benefit of living in a van is that you can prepare all your meals yourself and don't have to waste money on eating out. It's worth stocking up before you travel on basics like pasta, rice, beans, and breakfast items like muesli. Having a good basic store of these things mean no matter where you are. Or even if you break down in the middle of nowhere, you won't go hungry. The same applies for things like water and toilet roll, it's worth getting a tank of water with a tap for your van. We never travel without one and it means we have lots of water for cooking/drinking. Going prepared will also mean that you don't get caught out with expensive shops. In Western Australia, shopping was expensive so we always waited until the bigger towns to pick up essentials at larger supermarkets. Likewise, in Switzerland, we avoided the shops altogether because of the extra expense. Instead we stocked up beforehand in Austria.
Insurance is an obvious one, but be sure that yours is comprehensive, covers all your drivers and third party damage. Also be sure you know what your breakdown cover includes so if the worst happens, you know what to do and who to call for the best support. Always make sure you take the vehicle for a service or do all appropriate checks before a big trip. Read this post for a list of top checks to perform. When it comes to permits, be sure to check if you are driving through several countries, which permits are required. For example, when we were driving through Austria and Switzerland. We had to get special permits from petrol stations along the road but they were tricky to get. Be prepared, it's always better to do a little vanlife research before you travel, than to get a huge fine when you return home.
For us, this was a huge part of making the van our own. We were so proud of the building work and the bed frame. But it was the decorating that really got us excited and started to make it a home. I wanted it to be as cosy as possible, our own little cave to escape into. We visited some of the vintage and Indian shops here in the city, where we picked up some great Vanlife decorations. I found a colourful chakra tapestry which we used to cover the roof of the van. With some huge black pashminas to add some great little storage pockets and tassles hanging down by the windows. My boyfriend picked out some Nepalese flags for a little travel inspiration and some more colour, and we picked up lots of fairy lights from IKEA and Primark to make it cosy. And I picked up a few extra pillows with nomad-style prints to make it extra comfy. I still love everything about our van. It's a colourful mish-mash of our personalities and the places we've been, it tells a story. And even better, we had so many compliments on our epic ride as we travelled around Europe. I already can't wait for the next vanlife experience!
Have you converted a van – how was your vanlife experience? Have you always dreamed of travelling in a van across the country?
Moving to Hamburg was never in my life plan. It was an unexpected twist that has proved to be one of the biggest challenges of my life. Naturally, like many expats who find themselves relocating to the city, I ended up setting up a whole new life in just a few months. I wanted to put together this guide to moving to Hamburg, because it's complicated, especially if you don't yet speak German. I was lucky to have a partner to translate, but for those who have to go it alone – I hope this guide will help you deal with any struggles and to not be put off. It may be a huge challenge to move to Germany, but it's definitely worth it.
With Brexit looming over our heads, who knows if this information will change over the coming years. But UK citizens are currently allowed to work and live freely across Germany, and Europe without a visa. This is why it is a fantastic option for those looking to work abroad but not wanting to be too far from home. Other options for working abroad include the Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada which will accept UK citizens with a working holiday visa.
Research your options before making a decision and always look into the visa conditions. For instance, a working holiday visa in Australia requires you to complete 3 months of "farm work" in order to get a second year visa. Also remember that visa conditions and visa allowances will be different depending on what country you are from for any of my non-UK based readers. I know the restrictions on South American visas are much harsher. For those moving to Hamburg, if you are from the UK you are welcome to move over and find work. The main thing to remember is you have to register yourself as living in Germany. This will enable you to sign up for health insurance, get your tax number and any other necessary paperwork.
Germany is all about the bureaucracy so be ready to fill out a LOT of paperwork and for it to be a very slow process. Technically you are supposed to register yourself as living in Germany within two weeks of moving to Hamburg. But it's difficult to get an appointment and even when you do, you may face problems. I didn't register for two months, so don't worry too much if you go over the two week window. Anyone who lives in Germany for more than three months should be registered. It is fine to not register until you have a fixed address. You have to register yourself to a specific address, so until you have a home you will be unable to register.
Once you have a contract with your name on it, your landlord legally has to provide you with a proof of residence form called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung which you pass on during your appointment. Don't be caught out like I was - the agent of our landlord said she would not give it to be and instead she would send it to the office. She sent it to the wrong office which meant I went to my first appointment and was turned away! Legally she was supposed to give it directly to me, so don't be shy in asserting this right to your landlord or agent.
Getting set up with a German bank account is important if you're starting work, but it might not be as easy as it sounds. I looked into bank accounts a lot when I was first planning on moving to Hamburg, but found there are a lot of conditions for setting up an account. For most you have to already be registered and have all the relevant paperwork. Others require you to be earning a certain amount per month. And some charge for the account and for some you even have limitations on withdrawals.
I personally needed an bank account that was easy to use. I'm not going to go through the pros and cons of each bank. But I will say that my research showed me that traditional banks in Germany are far more aimed at Germans. For those of us moving over to Germany with little, or no, German, we need a bank that is flexible, accessible online and deals in English in case any problems crop up.
I went with new online German bank, N26, which is based in Berlin but offers a whole new world of banking through the app. You can sign up for an account within 8 minutes using your phone and can have your card within a week. It's easy, simple and quick, plus I've heard the customer support is fantastic. For people from the UK, or English-speaking expats, it is a great option because everything is done in English and you can get a free basic current account and debit Mastercard, with up to 5 free withdrawals a month from any ATMs.
You can also request an overdraft, investment and premium accounts, plus you have access to saving accounts. You can even use Moneybeam to easily transfer money to friends and family by scanning another smartphone contact. I've had the account for a few months now and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. Everyone I work with is also using the app and raves about it.
Leaving the safety net of the NHS behind and entering a whole new system can be daunting. Especially when there are so many options available for health insurance providers in Germany. So let's keep it simple and explain that healthcare in Germany is paid for by your employer. Legally, everyone living in Germany has to have health insurance and your employer should be paying into it. Once you have registered, start looking at healthcare providers to research different plans and what they offer.
TK is a popular one for expats who move over, but I signed up with BIG because everything is done online rather than by post. For me, I just needed general healthcare cover, but if you have specific conditions or requirements, you may need more comprehensive cover. My advice is to do a lot of research and to also ask for advice in the expat Facebook groups which are really helpful. Once you have chosen a provider, go to their website and apply. Then they will send out your card - which you will need to take into work to be photo-copied.
Always such an important part of moving to Hamburg - finding the place that will be your new home. From the location and the building, to the neighbours and the rent, there is so much to take into account when you start searching. First of all, think about whether you are looking for an apartment, or a room in a shared flat/house. We chose to have a bigger apartment to ourselves and to live slightly south of the city. This meant a much cheaper rent (600 euros a month for a whole apartment) and more space because we didn't target the more popular and central areas.
In the city, we could be paying the same amount for a room in a shared apartment. However, if you are looking for a shared apartment, you may prefer to live somewhere more central and close to your work. Best advice, shop around a bit, get to know the different area. Don't just target the most popular, but go for the smaller, lesser-known neighbourhoods. There are lots of great websites you can look for rooms and apartments for short and long-term leases, see the list below:
When you start applying for rooms or apartments, make sure to be prepared. Send a friendly message and request a viewing, but there is a lot of competition and sometimes you may not hear anything back. It's best to apply for everything you see, even the maybes, and then narrow it down once you hear back. We had to put together a folder with a copy of both of our CVs, details of our pay and working background. Doing this really helped to secure us the apartment. It was really helpful because after lots of terrible viewings, the first one where he showed the folder was the apartment we got!
This one will definitely depend on your field, level of German and experience but I know it can be a worry for those moving abroad to not know how quickly they will find work. I had a lot of money saved before moving to Hamburg and this was the best thing I could have done. It gave me peace of mind and assurance that I had a cushion of money and time to find a job I wanted and not the first one that came along.
As someone with a background as a journalist and freelance writer, I was keen to stay in the media and writing field, but perhaps to branch into more of a website and SEO focus. I was lucky enough to get my dream job within a month of looking and despite speaking no German, I also managed to get interviews for the first two jobs I applied for. I won't tell you what to do, because everyone is different and is aiming for different types of work, but I will tell you what worked well for me.
One of my biggest worries was whether I needed to be able to speak German to survive in Hamburg. Would it affect how well I settled in, made friends and found a job? Having now been through the process, I can say that you don't NEED to speak German in order to live in Hamburg. However, it will definitely help A LOT with getting to grips with the system, and the people.
It is probably one of the most German-speaking cities I have visited in the country. But there is also a large community of expats from all over the world and it is a very international city. For paperwork, tax, banking and the healthcare system, you will need to learn German or have a translator. There are lots of language schools, tutors and courses available to help you learn German. Why not check out my post on what it's really like to move to a country without speaking the language?
When it comes to tax in Germany, is that the system is very complicated but it works. Everything is on paper and you must keep all your pay slips/paperwork to claim a pension. German taxes are high and you will see a big dent in your pay. Be sure to ask a company what your gross and net pay will be before you accept a job. You may think a wage is okay ,but later be shocked to see how much you are left with after tax.
For understanding your pay slip, always feel free to check and ask your HR department. Mine have been lifesavers when it comes to translating. You may have certain tax sections on your pay slip called KV tax - this is health insurance. RV tax - this is your pension - and AV tax - which relates to the social security/benefits system. You should also watch out for the church tax. Being a religious country, Germany charges a tax for the church which is not compulsory. If you are non-religious, you may wish to stop paying this and can check on your pay slip.
If you run your own side-hustle like a blog or work freelance on the side, you will need to follow the rules for self-employed individuals. You must inform your health insurance and register as self-employed alongside working and complete an income tax return. If you don't speak German, it may be worth getting an accountant to deal with it on your behalf. Germany taxes you for the whole year, so if you start working late, you may be eligible for a tax return. Keep all your paperwork in order and seek advice from the tax office or an accountant if you need help.
One of the most intimidating things about moving abroad is leaving behind the support of family and friends. I don't know what I would do without the friends and family I have found here since moving to Hamburg. Their support, and especially that of the expat community, has been invaluable. I personally have made a lot of friends through social media and thanks to this blog.
I've found amazing support through expat Facebook groups and Hamburg specific ones, those for travelling women, and also from Twitter and Instagram. I will leave links to groups/pages that I have found helpful below. I have also found a great support from the enormous expat team that I work with. Choose your work wisely, working for an international company means meeting new people daily. A lot of colleagues have also found this super helpful for finding accommodation and getting help with moving over here.
Anything to add to this guide? Leave a comment below with any advice for fellow expats. Have you moved abroad - would you consider it? Are you planning on moving to Germany?
