After Arrival


  • Overview and General Information

  • Things to know before you PCS

  • Things to know and do right after your arrival overseas

  • Things to help you enjoy your tour & prepare for your return to the US

  • PCS Checklist


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    Overview and General Information

    Congratulations on your selection for a job in Germany. If you have never lived and worked over here, you are in for a real treat. As with any life change, however, a little information now will make this whole process easier and less painful for you and your family. No matter how many times you've moved, an overseas PCS is a new experience.

    First things first

    You aren't going anywhere until you get an official (no fee) passport, so be sure your current Employee Support Office makes that the first order of business for your move. You and your family members will also need tourist passports for personal travel -- they are much easier to obtain while you're in the U.S. so get going on that too. The most common delay in obtaining passports is that many people do not have the required birth certificates with raised seals. If you do not, request them from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics where you/your family members were born right away. It is a good idea to request extra copies (there is a small fee ordinarily) to have them on hand. If you have a passport already, even if expired, you do not need additional documents other than the application form to obtain a passport.

    Your HRO and gaining Employee Support Office

    Your best source of information on employment-related issues such as benefits and entitlements, tour lengths, return placement options, etc. are either your current HRO or the ESO. CONUS personnel offices are not always as familiar with overseas programs as you might like, since they don't work with them very often. That's why we will go into some of these areas in this handout. There are some things you should know BEFORE you PCS and before you can talk with us face to face.

    Why did my dryer burn up?

    Finally, we'll throw in some handy tips and lessons learned, sometimes the hard way, about an overseas PCS and your first few months over here. Many of these tips reflect the opinions and experiences of the authors, not necessarily the divine truth. We will also list a bunch of issues you will probably need to deal with at some point, and who to contact about them. Knowing whom to call is half the battle.

    Things to know before you PCS

    PCS Benefits

    If hired from the CONUS to OCONUS, the government is probably paying for your travel and that of eligible family members, shipment and/or storage of household goods, temporary quarters and meals on either end of the move, and shipment of your car. In order to do any and all of this you must have PCS orders. Your gaining personnel office usually issues PCS Orders, and either mails or FAXs them to you. In any event, you need the orders to start most things going for your move.

    How long does that take? Well, that depends. No office can do orders until they get the fund cite - the fund cite is the account number of whomever is paying for the move. It can take anywhere from a day to several weeks to get a fund cite, depending on where the personnel office has to go to request one and what time of year it is. Toward the end of the fiscal year (30 Sep) there is often a delay in getting fund cites, because money is getting very short then. Some personnel offices won't cut orders until you receive your official passport since travel dates can't be confirmed until then. It takes a minimum of 45 days or so from the time you are offered the job until we can reasonably expect you to report for duty. Sometimes, 60 days is allowed. Rarely does an employee need more than 60 days. If you want more time for personal or mission reasons, you need to work that out with your gaining supervisor.

    Please see the PCS Checklist for more information on your move.

    Real Estate Expenses

    When PCSing overseas, establishing a household can be VERY expensive. Expect to pay a security deposit of 3 months rent. This could be as much as $4500 depending on your home. You are NOT authorized real estate expenses to cover costs associated with selling your house when you PCS overseas. If you choose to sell your current residence now, you will NOT receive any government reimbursement of any costs of sale.  If you keep your residence, you may, however, be authorized real estate expenses when you return to CONUS, if you return to a geographic area that is different from the one you left when you moved overseas. Details will be provided to you individually when your return assignment is known. Any expenses you incur on your own relating to property management may not be reimbursed.

    Shipping of Cars

    See PCS Checklist. There are restrictions on shipment of autos to some overseas areas. Most of Europe has no restrictions, except that the car will have to pass a safety inspection to be registered in the overseas area. You may ship only one car at government expense.Check with your local Traffic Management Office for details.

    Should you ship your car or not and when? The answers to those questions depend on the car you own, and where it will be easier for you to be without the vehicle. If your car is old or unreliable, it may not be up to an overseas experience. In Germany, for instance, the roads are excellent but an American junker isn't going to be able to take autobahn speeds or winding mountain roads. Good mechanical condition, including good brakes and tires, is essential for your safety. Repairs, even from the exchange garages, are expensive overseas and parts and tires, especially for American cars, may not be readily available. Anything can be ordered, but if you need tires or brakes or whatever, get it done in the states before you ship the car, and make life a little easier for yourself. You see many full-sized vans and other bigger cars over here these days, some even owned by Europeans, so the old wisdom about not bringing a "yank tank" over here is probably out of date. Just be ready for some challenges in the parking and maneuvering areas.

    Unleaded gas is the rule in Europe these days, to the point that you cannot find leaded gas anymore in many European countries. See GAS CARDS. There is no longer the requirement, therefore, to remove your catalytic converter before shipment. You may be shocked by what overseas car insurance will cost for your car (See CAR INSURANCE) especially for some specialty automobiles or sports utility vehicles with large engines. If you can get an insurance quote before you decide to ship or not, you will know what to expect once you get here.

    So you've decided to ship your car. When should you do that? It can take six weeks or longer for the car to arrive at your overseas destination. It is usually cheaper to rent a car in the U.S. than overseas or you may have a second car to drive in the U.S. that you can't ship but can use until you leave. Public transportation is an option for bases in Germany or most other European locations. Many people split the difference and plan on being without a car for a little while on either end. Your sponsor and others in the overseas location are usually good about giving you a ride for a while, at least until you get your overseas driver's license and your bearings in your new country. However, they aren't looking for second jobs as chauffeurs. Unfortunately, government payment for a rental car while your car is in transit is not authorized.

    You will pick up your car there, have it inspected, and register it, at the same facility. You must have proof of insurance, a warning triangle and a first aid kit (both may be purchased in the Post Exchange - PX) to pick up your vehicle. SEE CAR INSURANCE. Note: Bring a screwdriver to install your license plates, when you pick up your car. If you ship your car, keep and bring with you your stateside vehicle registration. Also, KEEP your shipping documents for the duration of your overseas tour, even if you replace the vehicle. If you do not ship a car, you should be able to arrange for purchase of a new or used vehicle pretty easily once overseas. Before you buy that Porsche that's calling to you, remember that a foreign-made auto must meet American specifications if you want to take it back to the CONUS. For details, contact your Traffic Management Office. But if you just want to drive that hot foreign car overseas and sell it before you come home, that's okay too.

    Any car you purchase or bring overseas has to pass vehicle inspection to be registered. This inspection is a basic safety and emissions inspection.

    Car Insurance

    Of course, you must have car insurance to register and operate your vehicle in Germany. It is VERY expensive. Many CONUS insurers will not write policies for overseas. Check with your current insurer before you PCS. You must show proof of insurance to pick up a shipped car, or register any car. If you can't arrange coverage before you PCS, there are a number of insurance agents in the Wiesbaden area, many American, who write overseas car insurance. Most advertise in the Stars and Stripes and the base newspaper. If you subsequently cancel the insurance, USAREUR is notified and then your commander, so don't even think about it. A useful tip - be sure to verify the accuracy of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the insurance paperwork with the one on your car. If they don't match, you will not be able to pick up your car. Errors are fairly common, so don't wait until the last minute to check. Another tip - many insurance carriers don't provide coverage on your car if driven to former eastern block countries, such as the Czech Republic or Poland. Read your insurance papers, especially the green card used as proof of insurance and carried in your vehicle. It usually indicates where the coverage applies.

    Conditions of Your Tour

    The length of your initial tour in Germany is ordinarily three years. Tour extensions are NOT automatic nor are they an entitlement. The first extension, to the five-year point, must be requested by your supervisor and agreed to by you. The extension may be done for a shorter period of time than 2 years -- some benefits do not go with shorter extensions such as Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT). DoD policy on rotation of civilian employees restricts any tours beyond five years for most civilian employees, other than those employed as family members. ALL DoD appropriated fund employment in the overseas area counts toward that five-year limit, regardless of agency. The requirements for extension beyond five years are mission related.

    Pay

    First, salary advances. You may take one advance of your salary, of up to three months (pay period's) salary in conjunction with your move overseas. You may request it either within 30 days of your PCS or once you arrive overseas. DFAS will start repayment of the advance immediately. You decide how you want to pay it back, within the limits that it all must be paid back within 26 pay periods. Your advance is paid with your regular paycheck, not as a cash or check payment on demand. Therefore, it could take as long as 2-1/2 to 3 weeks to receive the advance. We advise you to take your advance before you leave CONUS so you will have access to the money for the initial expenses you will incur coming over here, and in case there is a delay in receiving your regular pay. This advance is interest free. Bad news - no locality pay in overseas areas, by law.

    Good news - many other pay features not available in the CONUS are authorized in most overseas areas. Most employees receive a post allowance, designed to compensate in part for the higher price of many goods and services in overseas areas. Post allowance is based on your salary, number of dependents, and the category for your duty station. It is not a simple percentage of salary but rather an index against your "spend-able income." Bottom line is the more money you make and the fewer dependents you have the lower proportion of your salary you get as post allowance. Changes in exchange rates also raise or lower the post allowance, since exchange rates affect the cost of goods and services bought on the economy. Post allowance is not taxable.

    Most employees hired from the CONUS receive LQA (Living Quarters Allowance) to pay for most of the cost of housing, heat, electricity, water, and sewer service. Maximum allowable rates depend on location of your duty assignment, your grade, and whether you have dependents living with you or not. LQA is a reimbursement, based on your actual expenses. It is adjusted periodically and automatically for changes in exchange rate. Once a year, you will need to show us receipts for your actual expenses to adjust your payments. If you have major changes to expenses during the year, you may also ask for an adjustment at that time to avoid under - or over - payments. LQA is also not taxable.

    Most employees hired from the CONUS will receive Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) to help offset the expenses of temporary lodging, meals, and laundry expenses for up to 90 days, until you move into your permanent quarters.

    Employees at some remote or dangerous locations or locations where living conditions are markedly different from those in the CONUS may receive Post Differential and/or Danger Pay Allowances. No one assigned in Germany receives either of these allowances, except for extended TDYs to areas for which these payments are authorized. These payments are subject to Federal income tax.

    Paychecks

    Nearly all-regular payments made to you will be paid through the DFAS payroll office, to include basic salary, post differentials and allowances, LQA, and TQSA. Most payments must also be made via Electronic Funds Transfer to your banking account (See BANKING SERVICES).

    Leave

    You will continue to earn annual and sick leave at the same rates as when you were in the CONUS. We suggest that you keep your last Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) from your old duty station handy so you can show it to your gaining civilian pay customer service representative. That way, you can be credited with your annual and sick leave balances right away. There is a form, SF 1150, Record of Leave Data, which is sent from your old pay office to your old civilian personnel office for transmittal when your official personnel record is requested by us. But that process may delay crediting of leave. If hired from the states, you should be eligible for two special features of overseas employment -- Home Leave & 45-day Annual Leave Accumulation. Home leave is special leave earned in one-day increments (rather than hours like annual or sick leave), at a rate depending on the post allowance classification of your duty location. In most of Europe, eligible employees earn home leave at the rate of 5 days per year. You must serve 24 months continuously at your overseas post before you can use your home leave. You must take your home leave in the U.S., its territories or possessions. That's why it's called home leave. You also may use it only if you will return to duty at an overseas area. In other words, you can't take home leave in conjunction with a PCS back to the US. You can take it, in the U.S., in conjunction with a PCS from one overseas area to another overseas area, if other service requirements are met. Your home leave balance shows on your Leave and Earnings Statement.

    The 45-Day Annual Leave Accumulation allows certain overseas employees (usually those hired from the CONUS) to carry over from one leave year to another, up to 45 days, or 360 hours, of annual leave before getting into a use or lose situation. In the CONUS, the maximum leave carry over is 30 days or 240 hours. Once you return to the CONUS, you retain the higher amount of annual leave carryover, UNLESS you ever drop below the 360 hours. If you drop below, that lower figure or the usual 30 days becomes your carryover limit, whichever is higher. But try not to hoard your leave just because you can - there's too much to see and do over here.

    Base Privileges

    An overseas assignment gives civilian employees additional privileges at base facilities. In the CONUS, you were probably able to use the fitness center, library, and other recreational facilities. Overseas, you are also able to use the Commissary and Base Exchange, including the theaters, gas stations (see GAS and GAS CARDS), and auto repair facilities. You must have your ID card to use these facilities. Can you buy gifts for Mom from the exchange? Of course. Can you buy all of Mom's gifts for the entire family, neighbors, and her small shop? No. Facility privileges are for your personal use and that of authorized family members - abuse can result in loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and trouble with the German tax authorities. Items sold in those facilities are free of both German VAT and any other form of sales tax.

    Deciding what to Ship

    • Appliances and furniture

    You are probably eligible for loaner furniture and major appliances from the Furniture Management at the Housing Office. The full weight allowance of the Joint Travel Regulation is authorized for assignments to Germany. Many people store some furniture - houses, apartments, and the rooms themselves are often smaller here than in the U.S. so you may have more than you need or have space for here. Think before you put items in storage. If you can do without these items for 3-5 years, are you better off selling them now? A five year old TV you store won't be worth as much when it's a ten year old TV. Save yourself some hassle and the government some money (for storage expenses) by selling or donating your unneeded possessions before your move. In any event, your sponsor should advise you NOT to bring major appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, stoves, or microwave ovens. Due to the difference in cycles of the electricity, U.S. appliances that use timers of any sort do not work properly here, even if they use 220-volt electricity. (See ELECTRICITY). Also, many German houses have neither adequate size to handle U.S. washers and dryers nor the proper water hookups. German washers and dishwashers heat their own hot water so only need cold water hookups. You will be issued a washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove, and (when available) a microwave if you need them, plus at least one transformer for your use during your tour. Another feature of German living quarters is the lack of closets. Furnishings Management will also issue schranks (wardrobes) for your use. The number you are authorized depends on the size of your family. If you have a lot of clothes, you might consider purchasing portable wardrobes, under-bed chests, or similar storage units to augment the schranks.

    • Electronics

    The electrical current in Germany, and all of Europe, is different than that used in the U.S. For one thing, it is 220 volts versus the 110 volts used in the U.S. for everything except some major electric appliances. In addition, the cycles are different which means devices such as clocks, washing machines, turntables, or any electrical appliance with a timer will not operate properly, even with a transformer. Finally, the plugs and wall outlets are different. Does that mean you have to leave all you electrical appliances in storage and start over? No. Major appliances should be stored (see APPLIANCES AND FURNITURE). Other appliances can be used with the aid of transformers to step the electricity down to 110 volts, and plug adapters. Transformers will cost between $40 - $195 depending on the wattage. Lamps are the easiest of all -- all they require are different light bulbs and plug adapters, both readily available in the Base Exchange for nominal cost. Obviously, store those miniature Christmas tree lights and get replacements here unless you have much more patience than most. We understand, however, that U.S. Christmas tree lights are absolutely beautiful with the stronger voltage -- until they all explode. You will need new electric clocks, which you can buy here. Most people find it much more convenient to also replace small appliances you use every day, such as hair dryers or coffeepots, with 220-volt appliances purchased over here, either in the Post Exchange (PX) or on the economy. You will get better performance than with so-called dual voltage versions and with much more convenience than if you have to use a transformer all the time. In addition, transformers use lots of electricity when plugged in, even if the appliance connected to it is not in use. Many electronics (TV sets, computers, VCRs, stereo equipment, etc.) are now made to switch voltage automatically. That makes life easier, but be sure to check before you plug in. You will still need plug adapters. Just to make life a little more interesting, the European nations have not agreed on what electrical outlets should look like, so you will need a universal plug adapter or assortment of adapters for your travels. These adapters may be purchased in the U.S .or over here, usually in luggage departments of large stores and the PX.

    • Firearms

    Based on recent negotiations with the Host Nation, HQ U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army (USAREUR) has directed that soldiers and civilians will be allowed to ship, transport or hand-carry privately owned firearms to Germany. USAREUR and the German Federal Ministry of the Interior procedures enable personnel assigned to Germany and their dependants to obtain a German weapons possession card (waffenbesitzkarte) through the USAREUR central registry. Click here for more information.

    Mail & Postal Facilities

    You are authorized a Post Office Box at one of the base postal facilities. You will be assigned one, based on the location of your office. Your sponsor can reserve a box, and give you the address, as soon as you send a copy of your PCS orders. This will enable you to do your change of address cards. As with any move, it takes a few weeks for any change to take effect with your correspondents and magazines, so the sooner you send in your new address the less delay you will experience. Don't forget to put in a forwarding order with your CONUS post office too. Under the Military Postal System (MPS), you and your correspondents use U.S. postage stamps and rates. The MPS moves mail to and from designated CONUS locations so you do not pay overseas mailing charges -- a first class stamp gets letters to and from an overseas APO just as if you were still within the CONUS. You will still receive any magazines, catalogs, and packages without having to pay international rates which is a big cost (and time) savings. Customs forms are required to send packages to and from APOs.

    State Income Tax

    Some states have no income tax, period. Other states don't tax income earned overseas. Many states, however, do expect you to continue to pay state income tax while you are assigned overseas. The JAG Legal Assistance Office at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, or at your local kaserne, can provide advice on these matters. Most states require quarterly payment of estimated taxes to be due, if taxes aren't withheld from your salary. State income tax forms are not available generally from JAG Legal Offices. You are now able to arrange for state tax withholding from your check. See the payroll Customer Service Representative for details.

    Value Added Taxes (VAT)

    Most European countries, including Germany, levy what is known as Value Added Tax (VAT) on all goods and services. It is somewhat like a super sales tax, except that the VAT is included in the marked price of whatever you are buying. Under the NATO SOFA, members of the forces and their families can often be exempted from payment of the VAT. On large purchases, this exemption can make a big difference - the VAT can be as much as 19%. The procedures described here apply to Germany only.

    In Germany, many utility companies will exempt members of the U.S. forces from payment of the VAT on power or other utilities. The VAT Office can sign you up for this program, called the Utility Tax Avoidance Program. There is a one-time nonrefundable fee for this service. You may also purchase, for a nominal fee, VAT Forms, which can be used to save the VAT on purchases of less than Euro 2500. Most merchants won't take VAT forms for purchases of less than Euro 50 - it's voluntary no matter what the size of the purchase but you can certainly take your business elsewhere if the merchant doesn't want to bother with the paperwork. If you are going to purchase furniture, cars, or other big-ticket items, over Euro 2500, contact the VAT office for procedures. Now the bad news - many stores in tourist areas advertise "Tax Free for Tourists." The tax is VAT but the process is entirely different than for use of VAT forms - with VAT forms you never pay the tax whereas with the tourist program, you have to file for reimbursement. Plus, if you are buying in a member country of the European Community, you have to leave the EC to get the refund. Since Germany is a member of the EC, you will not be able to use this program in most cases.

    Voting

    Most units will have a unit-voting officer who can help you obtain absentee ballots from your state of residence. It's an easier way to vote than when you are home but it does require some advance planning. If you can't find a voting officer, contact the JAG Legal Assistance Office at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield or at your local kaserne.

    Things to know and do right after your arrival overseas

    ID Cards

    One of the first orders of business you will take care of when you arrive at your overseas assignment is to get your ID card. This card is required to get you on base, into the commissary and exchange, pick up packages at the post office, and for numerous other day-to-day tasks. Civilian employees and their authorized family members over the age of 10 are issued an ID card different from what you may have had in the CONUS. The employee support office verifies your and your family members' entitlement to the card, then completes and signs your application. You and your family should carry your ID card wherever you go. If it is lost or stolen, contact the Military Police as soon as possible.

    Ration Cards

    Because of host nation tax laws, some items are rationed in the commissaries and exchanges. Gas is a big one - see GAS and GAS CARD. Other rationed items in Germany include cigarettes, distilled liquor, and coffee. You will be issued a ration card by the Employee Support Office. You will need your ID card to obtain the ration card and must present the ration card and ID card anytime you buy a rationed item. Separate cards are issued for each adult family member authorized privileges and should be more than adequate for your needs. DO NOT abuse the privilege. Using your ration card to purchase items for someone not authorized privileges, except as a bona fide gift, is a violation of both military regulations and German tax laws. A result of abuse may be loss of privileges, fines, and disciplinary action. It's not worth it so don't be tempted.

    City Bus System

    Your first week with Europe District you will be ferried back and forth to work from your hotel by our relocation assistant while you attend In-Processing. Part of the in-processing briefings will be "how to use the local bus system" and how to purchase a ticket. The public transportation system in Germany is easy to use, organized, and efficient. We have attached for you the line map and the city bus schedule book. The closest bus stops for Wiesbaden city buses by the Wiesbaden Army Lodge at Hainerberg base are 5, 15, and 37. For buses 5 and 15, the bus stop would be Berliner Str to Paulinen Klinik. The bus 37 would be Berliner Str to Wieland Str. Busses, S-Bahns, and trains are easy and fun to use. You can get to anywhere from Wiesbaden!

    City bus schedules [16.1 MB]

    City bus map [1.12 MB]


    Driver's License

    Current USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe) rules require all members, including civilian employees and family members, of the U.S. Forces to have a USAREUR driver's license to operate ANY vehicle over here. That includes rental cars and friends' cars. You can obtain this license ONLY from an USAREUR or USAFE driver testing facility, not in the states. An international driver's license will not do. ESO will provide you with the driver's handbook so you can study for this driver's test. Only a written test is required if you already have a valid driver's license from any state. BE ADVISED, however, this written test will be the most challenging driver's license test you have ever taken. You must study. The test is a combination of road sign recognition and a multiple-choice test on a variety of driving and safety topics. Go to "Useful Links" to access the current driver's manual. ESO will also schedule you for your test.

    The Status of Forces Agreement requires all U.S. drivers to hold either a valid state driver's license, a military driver's license or a German driver's license, in addition to the USAREUR license. German driver's licenses are VERY expensive. If you or any of your family members plan on driving in Europe, obtain a valid driver's license before you leave the states or be prepared to spend a couple thousand dollars (that's right) for a German one. If you have children who aren't eligible yet, but will become eligible to drive while you are over here, it will be more cost effective to send them home for the license than do it here.

    Housing office & Contracts

    The Housing Office can help you with your search for suitable quarters on the economy. The Housing Office can also assist you in case of any problems or complaints you or your landlord has, once you have moved in. There is adequate, good quality housing available within a reasonable distance of Wiesbaden. Depending on the time of year and your needs and preferences, your search may take a few weeks or significantly longer. Some landlords accept pets, many do not. ESO and LM's Housing assistance can help you in your house search, in addition to the Housing Office.

    Utilities

    Your utility arrangements will depend on where you live and how your landlord handles it. In some cases, heat, water and sewer, and trash pickup are included in your rent. Be sure you understand what your rent covers. You will usually be billed separately for electricity and always for your basic telephone service. The easiest way to pay is to have your charges automatically deducted from your checking account. Such arrangement often eliminates the need to pay any deposit. You will need an account with an on-base banking facility or local German bank. Most utilities bill throughout the year on an estimated basis and then adjust for actual use once per year. If you choose to pay utilities directly, you may pay in cash (Euro) at a German post office (Bundespost) or bank. There is a Bundespost Wiesbaden Army Airfield. The Bundespost now charges a small fee for accepting payment.

    Childcare

    The base Child Development Center (CDC) is your best source of information on and assistance in finding suitable childcare. There are several military-operated Child Development Centers in the area. Waiting lists, if any, depend on the facility, demand, and age of your child. Cost varies with your grade. The CDC can also help you find a trained and registered family day care provider in the community. The Youth Activities Center also offers after-school programs for many children.

    Schooling

    Your school age children are eligible for registration in one of the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS), on a space-required, no fee basis, if you were hired from the CONUS. Look at the DoDDS web site for more information on the school in your area. Your child's school will depend on where in the local community you live and your child's grade. DoDDS-contracted bus service is offered in some communities. If you have school age children, be sure to get information on bus routes before you commit to a house, unless you or your spouse is willing and able to provide your own transportation.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Employees with school age children with special needs and/or children who will start school during the sponsor's tour and who have special needs must contact Mr. Jann Williams, DoDDS - European Area Office, CMR 443 Box 125, APO AE 09096, for information on DoDDS services and specific school requirements. Contact with the DoDDS-Europe Area Office is critical if a child has special needs or exceptional requirements. The employee sponsor must obtain required school documents from the child's U.S. school prior to departure for the overseas location. Mr. Williams is also available via email (jann.williams@odedodea.edu), FAX: DSN (314) 338-7575, Commercial 49-611-380-7575; and phone: DSN (314) 338-7614, Commercial 49-611-380-7614.

    Gas & Gas Cards

    Gasoline is VERY expensive on the economy in Europe. The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) allows the rationed sale of fuel to authorized members of the NATO forces free of German taxes, on a controlled basis. When you register your vehicle, you will receive an AE Form 190-1A, USAREUR POV Registration/Title Certificate that also conveys your gasoline allowance. Take this to the PX Service desk and you will recive a Gas Card. In this area, you may purchase up to 400 liters per month. You must present your gas card & registration document every time you purchase gas at AAFES gas stations. Gas cards may be used to pay American prices when purchasing gas on the economy. In Germany, these cards may only be used at ESSO stations. (Maps showing ESSO stations throughout Germany can be purchased at all ESSO stations.) The gas cards work like debit cards, where the owner of the vehicle puts a certain amount of money on the card. Money is then deducted from the card with every gas purchase. This is a privilege for U.S. forces and can be taken away with misuse. For more information about the gas card, click here.

    Banking & Money Exchange

    Due to electronic banking, most of the conveniences of home are available to you on base and in most large European cities. You may keep your CONUS checking account or establish one at the base bank or credit union. Some people keep one in the CONUS and one overseas. Just keep in mind the mail delay in deposits made to CONUS banks. You may consider opening an account over here to pay your monthly household bills. This is common practice with many landlords. Your paycheck has to be electronically deposited and most travel payments and other payments from the government can be electronically transferred. But other deposits may have to be mailed. An ATM card (automatic teller machine card) is very useful here, as everywhere, and can often be used in foreign banks in most European countries. The ATMs and banks/credit unions on base can give you both dollars and Euro, plus a number of other foreign currency. ATMs in the community will give you whatever the local currency is. You will find you will use cash much more on the economy than you probably did in the CONUS. Although many stores and hotels take credit cards, they are not as commonly accepted as in the U.S. You can arrange either a German checking account with a local bank or get Euro checks from the base bank but they are not commonly used. If you need a check in a currency other than dollars, say to buy furniture, the base bank or credit union can provide one for you for a nominal fee. The base bank can change currency for several European nations. If you want large quantities or something other than Euro, you may have to order the currency a few days in advance. Generally, you get better exchange rates in the country of the currency so it's often a good idea to wait to buy pounds in England. It's easy to find currency exchanges, in airports and train stations, banks and offices specifically for money exchange. Depends on where you're going however and how much time you will have - it's always a good idea to get some currency in advance, for the cab driver, cup of coffee, or whatever before you have a chance to hit the exchange facilities.

    You cannot buy currency for many of the former Eastern Bloc countries until you get there since there is no international trade at this time in Czech, Polish, Russian, or similar currencies. Whoever is changing your currency is not doing it for nothing -- avoid buying too much and converting back because you will lose money in the process. It's common advice but still good -- DO NOT exchange money with street money changers. There is an excellent chance you will be cheated or worse. They are scam artists, pure and simple. Be particularly careful of these folks in the eastern countries.

    Telephone Service & Long Distance

    Phone service isn't much different from what you are used to in the states. Touch-tone service is not as common. On the other hand, some newer German houses are pre-wired for FAX and modem lines in addition to telephone. As in the U.S., you may buy your telephone or rent it. If you plan on being here a few years, it is cheaper to buy the phone. The phone company in Germany, Telekom, requires you to use German instruments, including answering machines, on their lines. Long distance rates for calls to the U.S., through Telekom, are very high. If you plan on calling the U.S. on a regular basis, look into various long distance services available over here. Most are advertised in the Stars and Stripes and base newspapers, on a regular basis.

    If you have an American cellular phone (called handies here), you will not be able to use it here -- the frequencies are different from those used here for such service and can interfere with other uses.

    Things to help you enjoy your tour & prepare for your return to the US

    Host Country Orientations & Language Classes

    The USO offers several local area orientation programs and introductions to the German language. Also, the Education Office can enroll you in conversational German (and other language classes) at several levels of difficulty and also college credit language courses. Please contact these offices directly for details and watch for recurring publicity on offerings and registration procedures. You can survive in Germany will little or no German but your tour will be more enjoyable and you will feel more comfortable in the community with at least a little familiarity. Germans appreciate an effort to speak their language - it is their country after all - and are very accepting of less than perfect results so don't be afraid to give it a try.

    Newspapers, Television, Radio, & The Movies

    Since most of us are not fluent in German, we are dependent on English language media for information and entertainment. If you have come from an area with 100 cable channels, you are going to suffer some withdrawal symptoms. Just remember that there are other things to do in Europe besides watch TV. The Stars and Stripes is an English language newspaper published for members of the U.S. Forces, seven days per week. You will find it a very comprehensive, balanced source of international, U.S., and local area news with regular features such as comics, advice columns, classified ads, etc. In fact, the main item missing is advertisements. There are some, but unlike in U.S. newspapers, the news stories predominate. The Stars and Stripes is sold by AAFES bookstores, in machines on U.S. installations, and is available by home delivery in some communities.

    American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) offers, in most of Germany, two radio stations (one AM, one FM) with rotating formats to try to serve all listening interests. There is also one TV channel. These offerings are commonly called AFN (American Forces Network). Plans are in the works to expand the number of TV channels. The TV channel also tries to address all viewing tastes, with a good variety of network series, TV and other movies, sports, and news. There are no commercials. AFN also broadcasts segments of interest to local communities, including weather, exchange rates, community events, and other items. AFN is only available via an antenna and, because of the hilliness in the Wiesbaden area, may be received in one house in a neighborhood but not another. Some people purchase satellite dishes or, where available, subscribe to cable services. Both have some English language offerings such as MTV, CNN, ESPN and similar channels. You will probably need a multi-system TV to receive cable or satellite, in addition to other hookups and equipment. European broadcasts are in a different format from that of the U.S. and cannot be received on a plain old U.S. TV. AFN can be received on U.S. TVs, but only via antenna. Multi-system TVs are available for purchase in AAFES and can often be bought second-hand. All military installations have video rental outlets, sometimes several. There are often English video rental stores in the local community. Most military installations also have at least one movie theater, plus there are often cinemas in the local community - or kinos as the Germans call them - which show English language films.

    Passports, SOFA Stamps, And Birth Registrations

    You and your eligible family members may already have official, "no fee" passports when you arrive in the overseas area. You will need tourist passports for personal travel. If you have taken our advice, you will have obtained them before you leave the U.S. If not, we can help you obtain them, at your expense, through the passport office on post. All documents will have to be mailed stateside. You should have a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) stamp in your passports to verify your official status with the U.S. forces while living in Germany. Finally, if you have a baby while assigned over here, you must register the child's birth with the consulate to avoid problems with citizenship and to obtain a passport for the baby. All of these issues may be handled through the Passport Office on Post, by appointment.

    Family Member Employment

    You come over here with a job. Usually, your spouse does not. What are the possibilities for her/his employment while you are here? As anywhere, the skills, experience, and desires of your spouse have a lot to do with the likelihood of employment. There are some special complicating factors in an overseas area, however. First and foremost is the supply of family member job seekers versus the number of positions available. There are many more family members than full-time positions. Since employment on the local economy is usually not possible, the competition for on-base jobs is very stiff. Second, civilian spouses are not eligible for military spouse preference so have lower standing on most referral lists. If your spouse or other eligible family member has Civil Service status, lack of military spouse preference has much less impact. Many family members will be unable to find employment which meets their desires for work schedule, salary, or level of work. We suggest that any family members seeking employment attend the workshops offered by Army Community Services (ACS), to find out about local job opportunities, then go from there. If your spouse is on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) from a Federal Civil Service position, she or he should contact the local Human Resourdes office for procedures to be considered for positions.

    Adult and Higher Level Education

    There are a variety of educational offerings available at most installations in Germany. They range from adult education courses in areas such as computer skills, languages, and recreational pursuits to college credit/degree programs through Master's level. Most programs are designed for working people so classes are held evenings and weekends.

    Medical Care for Civilian Employees

    As a U.S, civilian employee in an overseas area, you may be eligible for medical care in military medical facilities in the overseas area only, on a space-available basis and for a fee. What treatment is available will depend on where you are assigned, but our priority for care is always the same and that is AFTER active duty military members and their families. In most locations, you will not be able to obtain routine dental or optometry care. Depending on patient demand and care availability, other types of care will not be available from military facilities. Military medical facilities do not provide itemized statements of charges and care, nor do they file with your medical insurance carrier. You or your family members will probably need to use medical and dental providers on the economy at some point during your tour. In Germany, at least, the level of care provided will be similar to what you are used to in the U.S. Referrals can be obtained from the Tri-Care office of your local military medical facility or from co-workers who have providers they have used and recommend. Most German doctors and dentists don't require payment before you are allowed to leave and this would be cash, not credit for your first few visits. Most won't file with your insurance either. Obviously, you will still need health insurance over here. DO NOT count on whatever care you need being available on base. Most insurance carriers are more flexible regarding what kinds of receipts they will accept from European providers. Contact your health insurance carrier for specific forms and instructions on filing overseas claims.

    Legal Assistance

    JAG Legal Assistance Office at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, or at your local kaserne, can help you with claims resulting from damage to your car or household goods in shipment, with income tax questions and form preparation, obtaining a will or power of attorney, and similar issues.

    Pet Care

    Your pets are eligible to use installation veterinary clinics for routine, scheduled care such as immunizations, checkups, and scheduled surgeries such as neutering and spaying. Appointments are required. The base vet clinics DO NOT provide emergency care. You will have to use local vets for any emergency services. The base vet clinic can recommend sources. There are also a number of dog kennels in the area if you need to board Fido. Boarding facilities for cats or other creatures are much more limited. A full range of pet care items and foods are available through the commissary and post exchange.

    Due to several serious incidents of unprovoked dog attacks culminating in the death of a 6 year old boy, all German states have implemented new, very strict laws on dangerous dogs.

    The state of Rheinland-Pfalz has adopted a new law that took effect on 11 July 2000. The law prohibits breeding and trade of "dangerous dogs." Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and any crossbreeds thereof are automatically considered to be "dangerous dogs."

    The state of Hessen prohibits breeding, trading and obtaining the following canine breed: American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Stafford Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Bandog, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Bordeaux Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal (Karabash), Cuacasion Owtscharka, Mastiff, Mastin Espanio, Mastino Napoletano, Toso Inus.

    The dogs must be registered and marked, pass a "temperament" test and always kept on a leash and muzzle. Breeds must be sterilized and castrated respectively. The fine for violation is up to $5,000. Please check with your local sponsor before shipping a dog to find out the restrictions for the any area outside of Wiesbaden.

    Travel Opportunities

    If you don't take advantage of all the wonderful travel opportunities available in Europe, you might as well have stayed home. Germany is centrally located so most of the continent is easily (and relatively cheaply) accessible to you. USO offers a wide range of organized tours, Outdoor Recreation Center has a full schedule of day trips, local travel offices abound, and everyone in your new work site can provide advice, recommendations, and tips on how to see Europe. The opportunities and choices are unlimited -- you will have more trouble deciding where to go next than what to do. Civilian employees are not eligible to use military flights for vacation travel. The only travel authorization through AMC is space-available travel to the nearest CONUS port of entry, in the case of emergency travel needs.

    Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT)

    RAT may be authorized when you sign another tour agreement. For personnel assigned to most of Europe, except Turkey, the initial overseas tour is three years. Subsequent, or renewal, tours are two years in length. In areas such as Turkey or other remote locations where the initial tour may be one or two years, renewal tours are usually only one year in duration. When you sign a renewal agreement to stay another tour, you may become eligible for RAT travel. Generally, employees hired from CONUS will be eligible for RAT. Locally hired civilians need to check on an individual basis.

    So what is RAT? RAT is a free trip back to the CONUS, usually the location from which you moved, for you and your eligible dependents. You may take your RAT after you sign your renewal agreement, for a period six months before the start of the tour up to 12 months before the end of the tour. That end date is important - you must take your RAT no later than 12 months before the end of the tour. If you wait longer, you lose the entitlement, with few exceptions. You will be issued orders to obtain your RAT tickets. Please allow at least two weeks from the time you request the orders until you receive them. Except for emergencies, we need some time to cut your orders especially if you want to travel over school vacation periods when everyone else does too. You must take home leave or annual leave for the time you are in the U.S. Your travel time to and from your home of record or other single authorized point is not chargeable to leave.

    Educational Travel

    Full-time college students, under age 23 and in undergraduate school, may be eligible for one round trip each twelve-month period from the overseas area of your assignment to their college location. They will need travel orders for each trip, cut by the Employee Support office. Please allow sufficient time for us to cut these orders. Orders CANNOT be cut after travel.

    Return To CONUS And Placement Options

    When the time comes for your return to the CONUS, the options available to you specifically, at that time, will be explained in detail. Placements are usually made in one of three ways. First, you may be selected for another position in the CONUS through normal merit promotion or reassignment action. That's easy and will work similarly to how you came over here to start with. Second, you may exercise Return Rights. In most cases of someone hired from the CONUS you will have some form of return rights to either a specific position you left, to an installation, or to a geographic area. These entitlements should have been explained to you when you were preparing to leave the CONUS and will be discussed with you when you are preparing to return. Third, you may be eligible for registration in the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP), often called the Stopper List. If you do not have return rights when the time comes to go home or if your return rights are to a grade lower than that you have reached overseas, you will probably be eligible for registration in PPP for jobs back in the CONUS. There are many details about this program, which will be explained to you when the time comes to go home, or make an appointment with your servicing affirmative employment specialist in the CPF.

    PCS Checklist

    Before you leave CONUS

    • Get copies of birth certificates with raised seals for all family members and yourself.
    • Go to local Family Support Center for information on your new base and check the SITE web site for location information. Also ask for PCS checklist. Although some of the information is specifically for military members (especially in the entitlements areas), general information about moving is useful to anyone.
    • Obtain official and tourist passports for you and family members.
    • Ensure your stateside driver's license is current. If not, have it extended.
    • Get PCS orders.
    • Call Traffic Management Office (TMO) for Household Goods (HHG) counseling appointment and information on shipping a car, if applicable.
    • Decide what to store and what to ship. Donate or sell excess items.
    • Decide whether to ship car or sell it. Obtain necessary repairs.
    • Call car insurance carrier reference overseas coverage.
    • Get routine medical and dental treatment. Bring at least one month's supply of prescription medicines.
    • Clarify your state's position on paying state income tax while employed overseas. Obtain necessary forms.
    • Notify correspondents of change of address. Do change of address card for losing post office.
    • Collect important papers to carry with you. DO NOT ship in HHGs or Hold Baggage since you will need them upon arriving in overseas area. Examples are birth certificates of all family members (certified copies with raised seals), marriage certificate, divorce papers, adoption papers, citizenship documents, state driver's licenses, insurance policies, wills, vehicle title and registration (if shipping car), current bank statements, lists of credit card, savings, checking, other important account numbers and addresses, past income tax records and returns, home ownership documents, social security cards, education certificates/diplomas/transcripts for family member employment applications or school registration, children's school records, copies of SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, if spouse has Civil Service status for employment applications to show status, highest grade held, last salary, etc.
    • If a pet owner, contact airlines regarding shipment requirements. You will need a health certificate for each animal, in English and German, to bring the animal into Germany. These forms are available at veterinary clinics. You will have to use a private vet to exam your pet(s) and complete the form. There is no quarantine period for domestic pets entering Germany. Have your sponsor make kennel arrangements if your temporary quarters do not accept pets. Many off base quarters do accept pets but no on-base facilities do.
    • Strongly consider getting the salary advance before you leave CONUS. It may take two pay periods or more to resume regular paychecks once you move.
    • Bring your latest Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) with you to expedite transfer of leave balances.
    • Allotments from your paycheck stop if you change payroll offices. Review any direct payments made from your check and be sure you have the correct information to resume allotments/direct payments from the new payroll office. Prepayment to avoid problems during any processing delay may be advisable.

    As soon as you arrive overseas

    In-process with the Employee Support Office (ESO).

    • Check into temporary quarters, take a shower and maybe a BRIEF nap to recover from your long trip. Try to stay up until normal bedtime, to get adjusted to your new time zone as quickly as possible. The first day is the hardest -- after a few days, you should be sleeping normally and will have beaten jet lag.
    • Attend Scheduled In-Processing Week
    • Obtain ID card for you and eligible family members. Application is completed by the ESO, card is issued by Pass and Identification Office of Security Police.
    • Obtain ration cards for yourself and eligible family members from ESO.
    • Start your Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) with the HRO, if applicable, to help pay for temporary quarters and meals.
    • Open a banking account on base, unless you plan to do all banking from CONUS. A local account is highly recommended for utility payments and sometimes rent payments paid automatically, in Euro, from your account.