While Germany is famous for its countless FREE things, there are small things that are not free in Germany. While high-value items such as tuition fees for study programs for foreigners are completely free, many foreigners are shocked to learn about the unexpected small fees. So what are the things that are not free in Germany? And why is that so, let’s find out!
Studying and living abroad is certainly an interesting experience in everyone’s life. But before living and studying in a new country or land, everyone always wonders how to quickly integrate into the new living environment, adapt quickly and have many advantages when living abroad.
The answer is to learn carefully about the culture, customs, traditions, and laws of the country you live in. For our students living in Germany, URIAH always shares with you the reality of life in Germany, the skills you need to practice, and things to keep in mind.
And here are the things that are not free in Germany that you need to know to avoid losing money!
Plastic bags and plastic bottles are not free in Germany
In supermarkets, you have to buy bags, not free in Germany like in Vietnam. In July 2016, Germany signed an environmental protection agreement and started to impose higher taxes on the use of plastic bags, a move that hopes people will reduce the indiscriminate use of plastic bags.
The same goes for plastic bottles. If a bottle of drink costs 1.75 euros on the shelf but you pay 2 euros at the checkout, 0.25 euros is the deposit for the bottle. However, for products with a logo, you can take them to the supermarket return machines to get a ticket and get your money back at the cashier.
If you are in Vietnam and still have the habit of carrying a backpack, congratulations, you will be able to maintain that good habit in Germany.
Go to the toilet at the mall
Shopping malls in Vietnam often have free toilets and are still extremely clean. However, in Germany, remember to prepare coins to put in the automatic machines at the toilet door, then the machine will open for you to use.
And when you put 0.5 euro into the machine, you will receive a voucher of the same value, which can be used to pay at the stores in the shopping mall listed on the ticket.
Some places will not have automatic machines but have “Automatic pay boxes”, 0.5 or 1 euro is the amount you should pay each time you use a public toilet in Germany.
This is also a very normal fee for us to solve our own essential needs, and contribute to improving the general system, right?
Download movies/games
In Vietnam, watching free movies is very easy, downloading free movies is also a snap. But if you come to Germany, you must immediately give up this habit if you do not want to pay a high price. A movie downloaded via torrent can very likely result in a fine of up to 800 euros and you may not see the fine immediately, but a fine letter will come after 1-2 months, which is obvious in Germany.
Listen to the radio/watch TV
In Vietnam, with basic state-run TV channels, people only need a TV and a receiver or antenna to watch for free.
In Germany it is not so simple, when you register your address in a city you will be asked to pay for the use of TV, radio or any other device that can receive signals. This fee is called GEZ.
People exempt from GEZ fees include: students, people receiving unemployment benefits, people with high levels of disability and people with very low vision.
Drinks
Do you remember the steaming pho restaurants in Vietnam where you can freely drink iced tea for FREE? But not in Germany, drinks in Germany in restaurants and cafes are quite expensive, so it is very familiar to see Germans buying drinks at supermarkets and enjoying them on the lawn, parking lots, parks. Many people will not forget to bring the bottle back to get back the bet.
Above are 5 things that Germans do not do for free. They may sound very small, but they contribute greatly to protecting the environment and creating a culture of respecting common social issues. It is certainly not that Germany is “stingy” but very smart in calling on people for the common good.
International students coming to Germany should pay attention to these things!
See more: Tips to avoid losing money when taking the bus or subway in Germany
See more: Tips to go to the supermarket in Germany ?like a local?
