Real experience of people from chats on «Shopping» in Germany — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
German debit cards (EC cards, formerly Maestro) may have limitations for online payments, including services like DB (Deutsche Bahn) tickets or other e-commerce. This issue often arises if the card is solely an EC card without co-branding with Visa or Mastercard. Users report success with co-branded cards or by enabling specific online transaction settings within their banking app. Alternatives include using PayPal or switching to modern neobanks like Revolut or DKB, which generally offer more versatile debit cards for online transactions.
Chapman brand cigarettes are not available for purchase in Germany. Users suggest obtaining them via acquaintances bringing them from outside the country.
Chapman cigarettes are not officially sold in Germany. They are a British brand and may not be available through standard retail channels. Availability might be limited to specific import shops or duty-free stores, if at all.
Chapman cigarettes, although labeled 'Made in Germany', are prohibited for sale within Germany. Individuals seeking them often inquire about ways to obtain them, implying potential interest in illicit import or purchase from unofficial sources. Their availability is linked to their manufacturing location rather than legal distribution channels within the country.
Smartwatches are generally not a standard product category at Kaufland supermarkets in Germany. They might appear during specific promotional periods with a very limited selection. For a wider range of options and consistent availability, it is recommended to visit dedicated electronics retailers such as MediaMarkt.
In Germany, the Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting contribution) is typically paid by the resident of the property. If the landlord is not living in the apartment, they generally cannot pay the contribution from their account using their Beitragsnummer unless they are registered at that address or it's a special rental agreement. The tenant should clarify the arrangement with the landlord and may need to complete an exemption form if the landlord indeed pays.
Retail stores in Germany are closed on Sundays and public holidays (Feiertage). Essential supplies can only be found at large railway stations (Bahnhof) or petrol stations. Always check the state-specific holiday calendar when planning travel.
For imported food products in Hesse, Germany, consider:
* **BG Balkan Kiosk**: Located at Aschaffenburger Str. 3, 64739 Höchst im Odenwald, Deutschland.
* **Deals**: This store frequently offers deals via the TooGoodToGo app.
Importing used consumer electronics like the Marshall Acton II speaker (customs code likely 8518) into Germany from Russia may require verification of its compliance with EU standards and potential customs duties or taxes, even if the item is not listed on the European Commission's prohibited items list. Declaring the item accurately and checking current customs regulations for personal belongings is advisable.
Popular German souvenir and gift ideas include:
* **Food & Drink:** Riesling wine, Federweißer (new wine, seasonal in autumn), various nuts (e.g., from Kaufland), canned sausages, Lindt chocolates, marzipan (especially marzipan cakes), and regional cookies/gingerbread (e.g., Nürnberg gingerbread from Bavaria).
* **Non-Food:** Local souvenirs found in city hall gift shops or specific stores like Talie (in some city centers). Branded items such as Falke socks/slippers are also recommended as quality German products.
Users from Russia cannot register on Kleinanzeigen (a German classifieds website) from outside Germany. The platform implements strict security measures that block foreign IP addresses, and VPNs are ineffective. Even with a foreign SIM card (e.g., Estonian), registration is not possible. The site is Germany-internal, and attempts to bypass these restrictions will result in a ban. Be wary of individuals offering to help with registration for a fee, as these are likely scams.
In Germany, cashless payments (card, Apple Pay) are accepted in approximately 95% of locations. Exceptions often include public toilets (though some major train stations/malls now accept cards), small kiosks, and certain ticket machines. Be aware that some bank accounts (e.g., historical HASPA tariffs) might charge a micro-transaction fee (e.g., 50 cents) per outgoing payment. Advise users to carry some cash for small purchases and confirm their bank's transaction fee policy.
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.
Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) has an extremely strict anti-fraud system. Registration or usage from outside the EU, via VPN, or using virtual phone numbers will trigger an immediate permanent ban. Even new accounts registered within Germany on local SIM cards may be flagged and suspended upon sending the first inquiry. Unblocking via support (Kundenservice) requires identity verification and can take up to 3 weeks.
Large Euro banknotes (500 EUR) are often rejected by standard supermarkets (e.g., Kaufland) despite purchase amounts. Large retailers like IKEA and TK Maxx typically accept them. Banks will exchange them, but daily usage is inconsistent.
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.
The primary platform for classifieds (used goods, furniture, etc.) in Germany is 'Kleinanzeigen' (formerly Ebay Kleinanzeigen). Alternatively, for new low-cost items, platforms like Temu or Amazon are commonly used.
German citizens, especially late repatriates or digital nomads, must be aware of health insurance and tax residency rules. Compulsory health insurance is mandatory for residents. Private health insurance costs range from €350-€800/month for a 40-year-old and requires an annual gross income of approximately €74,000 to qualify. Switching from private to public insurance is difficult after age 50-57. ADAC offers medical insurance.
Residency is typically established by spending over 180 days per year in Germany, which mandates registration (Anmeldung), GEZ payments (broadcasting fee), and tax obligations. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties from the Finanzamt. Registration is also required for purchasing and registering a car in Germany to obtain German license plates. Cash payments for cars from dealerships are usually limited to €10,000; private sales might be more flexible but pose risks. 'Incoming-Versicherung' (temporary insurance) for €80-€100/month is an option for temporary stays (up to 5 years) but not for German citizens or for extending residence permits.
When importing sweets to Germany from Russia, 'Chudo' gingerbread (watermelon and melon flavors) are mentioned, though some find Nuremberg gingerbread more to their taste. These 'Chudo' gingerbreads are considered suitable as gifts. Additionally, specific brands of marshmallows and marmalades are also imported.
In Germany, the sale of flavored cigarettes, such as 'Chapman,' is prohibited due to regulations concerning additives and flavorings in tobacco products.
For preparing sushi-grade fish, coarse or rock salt is preferred for preservation. Look for it in larger supermarkets like Marktkauf and Edeka in Germany. If coarse salt is unavailable, a simple recipe for curing fish using fine salt involves a 2:1 ratio of salt to sugar per kilogram of fish fillet, with curing times of 24-48 hours. Japanese or specialty food stores might offer specific 'sushi-grade' salts, though often at a higher price point.
Flavored cigarettes (like certain popular brands from CIS countries) are prohibited for sale within the European Union due to strict regulations regarding flavor additives in tobacco products.
Non-EU citizens (e.g., Israeli) can claim Tax Free on purchases from stores like MediaMarkt in Germany.
1. Request a Tax Free form at the point of purchase.
2. At the airport, present the filled form to customs for a stamp.
3. Proceed to the designated refund company's (e.g., Global Blue) counter for the refund.
4. Opt for a refund to a credit card rather than cash to minimize commission fees.
5. Exercise caution if traveling to Russia with a single booking, as this might involve additional considerations for Tax Free.
When listing an item on Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen), it may not appear immediately in your profile or search results. Listings usually become visible after a short verification period or may be subject to categorization and display algorithms. Check the 'My Ads' section for confirmation and allow some time for visibility.
Popular online perfume retailers in Germany include Douglas, Flaconi.de, Notino, and ParfumGroup. Flaconi.de is often noted for competitive prices and discounts, and usually includes samples. Selling counterfeit products is prohibited in Germany, so reputable online stores generally guarantee authenticity. Always verify the website's legitimacy to avoid phishing.
When traveling to Germany, it's common for people to bring Russian sweets and snacks for themselves or as gifts. While some Russian products like 'Belevskaya pastila', 'kozinaki', or 'halva in chocolate' can be found in Russian or Turkish stores in Germany, availability and price can be issues. Children who grew up in Germany might not initially appreciate these sweets as much as those who grew up in Russia, but their taste can develop with age. For specific items like 'B.Yu. Alexandrov' chocolate-covered cheese snacks, an insulated bag might be needed for transport due to potential temperature sensitivity. It's advisable to check local Russian stores or consider bringing them from Russia if specific brands are desired.
Kleinanzeigen restricts registration to German-based IP addresses and phone numbers. Non-resident attempts to register result in immediate account suspension. Users should be warned that third-party offers to facilitate registration from abroad are typically fraudulent.
User in Germany wants to know if they can place an order on Ozon (a Russian online marketplace), have it delivered in Moscow, and pay with a German bank card. The response indicates that a German card cannot be used to pay for orders on Russian websites.
When bringing gifts from Russia to Germany, meat and dairy products are prohibited. Confectionery items like small almond cakes (without cream) are generally permissible, provided they can withstand travel conditions, especially in warm weather. Specific Russian candies like 'Mishka na Severe' are often acceptable. It's advisable to avoid items that might raise concerns with customs officials.