ReloBerlin

By: Seku (Tour Guide & Relocation Agent in Berlin)
  • Summary

  • Are you planning to move to Germany and are you getting a headache with the bureaucratic system? Are you looking for a flat, but you are not being invited to viewings? Welcome to the podcast ReloBerlin, in which we will tackle all the questions that might arise when you arrive in Germany. Instead of taking hours to try to understand what would you do next regardless of booking an appointment, filling out paperwork, or finding a Kita, School or a permanent flat, with my step-by-step method you will be able to divide what it seems like a big problem into different tasks you can easily tackle to deal with at your arrival as well as for your new life in Germany! After years of living here and helping friends, learning German by making mistakes, and learning from them, I want to save you time, effort and anxiety to bring you the peace to know that you are not alone and if I COULD; SO CAN YOU1 I became a relocation agent to develop the guide I wished I had, that way we will make this process into a no-brainer! Join ReloBerlin every second Wednesday and never be alone again on this adventure! Get comfy, make yourself something to drink, and let's jump right into it! If you want to ask me anything, feel free to drop me a DM in https://www.instagram.com/reloberlin
    2023
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Episodes
  • Your Guide to Driving in Germany: International Driver's Permit and Flying Brooms
    Apr 24 2024

    Hitting the road in Germany? ReloBerlin keeps you in the fast lane with this guide to navigating German driver's licenses and International Driving Permits (IDPs) for our non-EU friends.

    Part 1: Gearing Up - Do You Need a German License?

    • EU Citizens: Cruise on your home country's license for up to six months. Afterward, or if you're not from the EU, you might need a German license, especially after becoming a resident (usually after 185 days).

    Part 2: Choosing Your Path - Translation vs. IDP

    • Translation (ADAC): Need your license translated if it's not in German and your country lacks reciprocity with Germany. The ADAC (Germany's AAA) offers translation services.

      • ADAC Translation Service
    • International Driving Permit (IDP): Acts as a translator for your license in multiple languages. Valid for one year (check validity period).

      • When You Need an IDP:
        • Your home country has no reciprocity agreement with Germany.
        • Your home country has a partial agreement, but you want to drive longer than allowed with just your license.
      • How to Get an IDP: Apply in your home country before you travel (not available in Germany for residents). Process varies by country, but typically involves submitting documents and a fee.

    Part 3: Hitting the Gas with Reciprocity

    • Check the official list of recognized countries on the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure website (https://bmdv.bund.de/EN/Home/home.html).
    • Anex 11
    • Full Reciprocity: Enjoy cruising on your original license for a set period (usually six months to a year) without needing an IDP or written/practical exams.
    • Partial Reciprocity: Use your original license with an IDP for a shorter period (up to a year).

    Part 4: The IDP Lowdown

    • Always carry both your IDP and your original license.
    • Double-check the validity period of your IDP.
    • Some rental companies might have additional requirements. Always check their terms and conditions before booking a car.

    Part 5: Annex 11 - Possible Exemption

    • Annex 11 of the German Regulations for the Licensing of Drivers might grant you exemptions from written and practical tests for a German license, depending on your home country.
    • Check the German Federal Ministry of Transport website for more information on Annex 11 (https://bmdv.bund.de/EN/Home/home.html) or contact ReloBerlin for further assistance.

    Important Reminders:

    • Refer to official government websites (.gov websites) for the latest regulations on driver's licenses and IDPs in Germany.
    • Happy Driving in Germany!

    Unveil the Dark Side of Berlin

    Embark on a spooky adventure with ReloBerlin's exciting Witch Hunting Tour! Explore the haunted corners of Mitte and delve into Berlin's dark history with our captivating storytellers.

    • Meeting Point: St. Nicholas Church
    • English Tour: Fridays at 6:30 PM
    • Spanish Tour: Saturdays at 5:30 PM

    Ready to join the hunt? Send ReloBerlin or UnGatoConPasaporte a direct message (DM) on Instagram to reserve your spot!

    Don't forget to check out ReloBerlin's website for more tips on navigating life in Berlin!

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    42 mins
  • Woofs, Meows & How-Tos: Your Guide to Adopting & Caring for Pets in Germany + Extra: Cats, Cauldrons, & Conspiracy: The El-Wises and the Rise of German Beer
    Apr 10 2024
    Hey fabulous folks, welcome back to Relo Berlin! Your host Seku here, slaying the bureaucracy beast and spilling the tea on all things Deutschland. Today, we're diving into a purrfectly juicy topic: pets in Germany. Whether you're a seasoned cat lady or a dapper dog dude, this episode is your guide to navigating pet ownership in Berlin like a pro. The Legal Stuff In Germany and Berlin, pet ownership is regulated by federal and local laws. Here's a breakdown of the key things to know: Legal Pets: Think cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, and fish – these are your furry and feathery friends you can welcome home without any trouble. But remember, exotic animals may require special permits.Small Animal Talk: For hamsters, guinea pigs, and birdies, being respectful of flatmates is key. Keep their habitats clean and odor-free, and ensure minimal noise. If you have your own place, you can pamper your little pals to your heart's content! Finding a flat that allows small pets might require some patience, but it's worth it for your furry friends.Owning Cats vs. Dogs: Cats are the cool cats of the pet world, doing their own thing with fewer rules. Dogs, on the other hand, require registration, microchipping, and even liability insurance – like VIPs of the pet club! Certain breeds might need extra paperwork or temperament tests. Landlord Permission Unsure if you need to tell your landlord about your feline friend? Let's break it down: One Cat: Having a single cat might be considered similar to a small pet. However, informing your landlord depends on your rental agreement and local regulations.Two Cats: Similar to one cat, check your rental agreement and local laws.Always Inform for Dogs: Dogs typically require informing your landlord due to their bigger size and potential impact on the property or other tenants. Taxes and Fees In Berlin, dog owners are subject to various taxes and fees: Dog Tax (Hundesteuer): An annual fee that varies depending on the number of dogs owned, breed, and if it's classified as "dangerous."Liability Insurance: Mandatory for dog owners, with costs depending on breed, coverage limits, and provider.Registration Fees: One-time fees for registering your dog with local authorities.Training Courses: Required for owners of specific dog breeds, with costs varying depending on duration and content.Veterinary Costs: Essential for responsible pet ownership, budgeting for routine care and emergencies is crucial. Owning a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide Thinking of bringing a furry friend home? Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate the process: Check Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with breed-specific regulations and tax requirements.Choose Your Dog: Decide on the breed and age, keeping breed-specific rules in mind.Liability Insurance: Get liability insurance before bringing your dog home.Register Your Dog: Register your dog with the local authorities. You'll likely need proof of ID, residence, dog details, microchip information (if applicable), and payment for registration fees.Pay Dog Tax: Once registered, you'll receive a tax assessment for the dog tax. Pay the annual tax to the local tax office.Training Courses (if required): Enroll in and complete necessary training programs.Veterinary Care: Schedule an initial vet visit for check-up, vaccinations, and microchipping (if not already done).Renew Insurance Annually: Don't forget to renew your dog's liability insurance every year. Monthly Costs The monthly cost of pet ownership varies depending on size, breed, health, and lifestyle. Here's a rough estimate: Cat: €30-50Two Cats: €50-80Small Dog: €50-100Two Small Dogs: €80-150Large Dog: €80-150 Interviews We'll be joined by special guests who will share their incredible journeys: Sandra from "El Legado de Nerón" - an animal rescue organization, where you can learn about adopting a furry friend. The previous answer was already in English! It summarized the cat adoption process from Spain to Germany and included additional notes for your podcast: Summary of the Cat Adoption Process from Spain to Germany: Quarantine and testing: Cats are kept isolated for 20 days.They are tested for leukemia and immunodeficiency.They are vaccinated against rabies and pentavalent disease.They are sterilized and dewormed. Preparation for travel: They undergo a comprehensive health check.They are issued a passport.They are microchipped (if not already). Travel: Cats travel in the cabin with a flight sponsor.They always travel with Iberia.The adopter pays for the cat's flight ticket (60 euros). Adoption: The adopter meets the cat at the airport.A WhatsApp group is created for the adopters to communicate. Funding: The association (El Legado de Nerón) does not charge for adoption.Only the cost of tests, vaccines, sterilization, deworming and transportation is charged.Funding is sought through "timers" (1 euro per month donations). Other: Cats that are not adopted stay at home with the ...
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    57 mins
  • Job Search in Germany: Your Ultimate Guide (from Cover Letters to Interviews) and some feminine witchy literature. Bonus: Exhibition in Halle
    Mar 27 2024

    This episode is packed with everything you need to dominate your job search in Germany! We tackled crafting a killer cover letter in the previous episode, and now we're diving deep into the interview process.

    Here's a quick recap of the cover letter episode:

    • Write in the same language as the job posting (German if required).
    • Aim for 250-400 words (1500-2500 characters).
    • Include relevant keywords from the job description.
    • Proofread and use resources like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
    • Tailor your cover letter for each position.

    Now, let's conquer those interviews!

    • The Process:
      • Application screening (CV & cover letter)
      • Phone/video interview (initial screening)
      • In-person interview(s) (final stages)
    • Tips for Each Stage:
      • Phone/Video Interview: Prepare in advance, test your tech, dress professionally, listen carefully, speak clearly.
      • In-Person Interview: Research company & interviewers, practice common questions (STAR method), ask thoughtful questions, show enthusiasm & confidence, dress appropriately, arrive early, greet with confidence, mindful body language, engage with the interviewer, express gratitude.
      • Behavioral Interviews: Provide specific examples from your past using STAR.
      • Case Studies/Work Samples: Showcase problem-solving & industry knowledge.
      • Final Interview: Discuss fit & salary, negotiate with confidence, ask about next steps, express gratitude (regardless of outcome).

    Additional Information to find some additional help to tailor your Cover Letter and CV:

    • La Red translates to "The Net" in Spanish. Local social group or gathering place specifically for Spansh-speaking listeners
    • Xochicuatl Made by and for latin women
    • WillkommensZentrum (Berlin) This is likely the Berlin Welcome Center, a great resource for tourists visiting Berlin.

    Bonus! We also covered how to prepare for and follow up after interviews, including sending thank-you emails and following up politely.

    Witches, Herbs, and Wild Experiments: A Spooky History

    This podcast episode dives into the mysterious world of witches, herbs, and the infamous witch's ointments.

    • We explore the historical belief that witches used these ointments to fly and experience magical realms.
    • The episode delves into the history of these concoctions, referencing a recipe from the famed book "Magia Naturalis."
    • We also get a glimpse into some dangerous 20th-century experiments attempting to recreate the effects of these ointments.

    Definitely don't try making these at home!

    Calling all history buffs and magic enthusiasts! There's a captivating exhibition waiting for you just a short train ride away from Berlin in the historic city of Halle.

    Exhibition Alert: Bewitching Halle

    • Exhibition Name: Verhext? – Magie im Mittelalter (Bewitched? – Magic in the Middle Ages)
    • Location: Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle (State Museum of Prehistory Halle) Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte Halle, Germany
    • Dates: Open Tuesday to Sunday
    • Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Admission: €12 (Discounts available for students and groups)

    Grab your coven, hop on a train with the Deutschland Ticket, and prepare to be transported to a world of wonder!

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    54 mins

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