Real experience of people from chats on «Safety» in Germany — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
If a Ukrainian citizen loses all their documents (Ukrainian and German IDs, Ukrainian biometric passport) while in Germany, the priority is to obtain a police report (Verlustanzeige) detailing the lost items. This report is crucial for subsequent procedures. Next, approach the local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) with the police report to obtain a temporary identity document (e.g., Duldung or Fiktionsbescheinigung). Contacting the Ukrainian consulate is also necessary for passport and ID replacement. Free legal and social counseling services are available; reach out to relevant organizations, even if they are located in other German states, for guidance.
To find local Telegram chats for specific cities in Germany, users should check the pinned messages or 'za_krepe' section of relevant larger community chats. Alternatively, using Telegram's search function with city names or common community keywords (e.g., 'Berlin Russians', 'Germans in [city name]') can yield results.
Individuals planning to travel from Germany to Kazakhstan and then to Russia with 2400 EUR are concerned about export limits and potential confiscation. Advice shared includes: the possibility of checks is selective, not total. Confiscation and fines are risks if checked. Amounts up to 10,000 EUR were mentioned as a possible limit by some, but others emphasize it's at the customs officer's discretion. Carrying USD is suggested as a safer alternative, though it may involve exchange rate losses and scrutiny on banknote quality in Russia. The distinction between individuals with Russian citizenship vs. those with Russian citizenship and a third-country residence permit (non-EU/non-RF) is highlighted as a potential factor in customs decisions. German citizens travelling to Kazakhstan are reportedly not subject to these restrictions on Euros.
When registering for appointments at Russian consulates in Germany, always use a Russian email address (with the `.ru` domain, e.g., Yandex or Mail.ru). Foreign email providers (like Gmail or web.de) often block confirmation emails, resulting in missing confirmation links and queue codes. Some consulates, like Bonn, may accept walk-ins for notary services, but checking beforehand is recommended.
Hamburg is generally safe for short walks, even with a layover. Luggage storage facilities are available at the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and bus station (ZOB). It is advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas late at night.
When exporting electronics (e.g., laptops over €750) from Germany with a Russian passport, be aware of sanctions. To mitigate risks during border checks, remove items from original packaging and activate them to demonstrate personal use. Failure to do so may lead to confiscation, fines, or criminal charges. The origin of ownership (personal vs. company) does not exempt individuals from these regulations.
Travelers departing from the EU to Russia risk cash seizure. While 1000 EUR is often cited as the limit for personal expenses, enforcement is inconsistent. Travelers should carry proof of purpose if possible, though legal recourse in the EU for confiscated cash is slow and expensive. Always diversify cash storage in luggage.
A common scam involves offers for 'remote work' or 'working visas' in Germany, often referencing cryptocurrency platforms like Bybit. Scammers typically request financial statements that they then deem unacceptable, offering 'assistance' which leads to data theft. They gain access to personal information (passport details, phone numbers) which can be used for fraudulent activities such as obtaining microloans. A more sophisticated method involves phishing emails timed to coincide with legitimate notifications from crypto exchanges, allowing scammers to gain access to accounts and funds. Users are advised to be highly cautious and verify all offers.
To locate relatives of a deceased friend in Germany when you are not a direct family member and lack contact information: send a physical letter to the deceased's last known address. Property sales and inheritance processes in Germany typically take a significant amount of time (e.g., 14 months for an apartment purchase, a year or more for inheritance), so a letter sent to the address will likely reach the relatives. Online services, such as easynova.de, allow sending physical letters within Germany for a few euros, with delivery in 2-3 days. Engaging an advocate or lawyer is also an option.
Travelers are permitted to bring personal electronic devices such as laptops and external hard drives containing personal files into Germany. Border controls typically focus on passports, and personal baggage inspection is infrequent for such items. There are no specific restrictions on importing personal electronics. However, users should be aware of German laws regarding illegal content and copyright infringement (e.g., illegal torrenting) once residing in the country, as issues could arise indirectly later.
Free legal and social consultations in Russian are available in Germany through specialized organizations with representatives in each federal state. If a local representative is unavailable, contact consultants in other states. For instance, Marina Shubina in Hesse (maryna.shubina.org) offers assistance, particularly for Ukrainian citizens, covering legal, social, and employment-related matters. These services can provide crucial guidance in difficult situations.
Clarify the process and potential issues of paying for the DE Ticket using a foreign bank card. Determine if such payments are automatically reported to SCHUFA (credit bureau) and investigate successful payment methods, referencing successful transactions on platforms like Immobilienscout24.
Be aware of common scams related to German National D work visas:
1. **Remote Processing**: German work visas are never processed remotely (e.g., via Zoom calls). Applications must be submitted in person at an official German embassy or consulate.
2. **Financial Deposits**: Legitimate visa applications do not require applicants to deposit significant sums (e.g., €3300) into an escrow or other account to demonstrate financial solvency for the visa itself.
3. **Suspicious Job Titles**: Beware of vague job titles like 'house administrator', which are often used in scam schemes.
4. **Official Information**: Always verify visa requirements and processes on the official website of the German embassy or consulate. They typically issue warnings about such fraudulent offers.
5. **Legitimate Agencies**: If seeking assistance, use reputable, vetted job placement agencies. One mentioned is 'Фирма Куранта' in Dresden, known to operate without requesting upfront payments.
Exporting EU currency from the EU to Russia is prohibited, regardless of transit country. If departing from an EU country other than Germany, customs may be less strict. Dollars may be an alternative for cash transport.
Travelers entering the Schengen Area must strictly adhere to the rules of the issuing consulate. Lack of proof of the main destination (e.g., hotel reservations, itinerary) when entering via a different country often leads to visa cancellation and a ban in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Having previous visas for the same country does not exempt travelers from carrying current supporting documents (tickets, accommodation). Once a SIS ban is issued, legal appeal is difficult and expensive, with success depending entirely on specific documentary evidence of the original travel intent.
Visa-free stays (e.g., 90 days for Georgian citizens) in Germany do not grant the right to work. Offers to pay a fee (e.g., 150 EUR) for 'registration' to enable immediate work upon arrival are scams. Engaging in unauthorized work can lead to the confiscation of earnings, significant fines, and a ban from entering Germany/Schengen Area.
Informal currency exchange offers (RUB to EUR) in chat groups in Germany are highly susceptible to scams. A common tactic involves two individuals: one 'recommends' a seemingly reliable exchanger (the scammer), who then defrauds the victim. It is strongly advised to avoid such offers and only use official, regulated financial institutions for currency exchange to prevent financial loss.
Drone operation in Germany requires registration with the LBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt), a remote pilot certificate, and third-party liability insurance. Use apps like 'map2fly' to identify no-fly zones (airports, military, nature reserves). Drones must be marked with the pilot's e-ID.
A common scam targeting expats involves fake job offers that require a 'visa deposit' or 'account opening fee' via crypto platforms like Bybit (e.g., 3000-3300 EUR). Legitimate employers in Germany do not demand advance payments for visa processing. Always cross-check job offers through official consular websites and avoid private, unverified 'lawyers' or recruiters asking for wire transfers.