When moving to or visiting, there are many things you shouldn’t bring to Germany. We recommend leaving these five items at home, from anti-theft gear to winter parkas, to help you save space and money.

Things You Shouldn’t Bring to Germany

• 🛡️ 1. Anti-Theft Gear
• 🥿 2. High Heels and Stilettos
• 👖 3. Sweatpants, Yoga Pants, and Baggy Sweaters
• 🚗 4. Bringing Your Own Car
• 🧥 5. Heavy Winter Parkas
• 🧳 What Else Shouldn’t You Bring?

🛡️ 1. Anti-Theft Gear

When moving to Germany, you might think that anti-theft money belts, backpacks, or luggage are essential for safety. However, in my experience, these items are entirely impractical for daily life in Germany.

Times Have Changed

While anti-theft gear may have been more prevalent in the past due to safety concerns, Germany, especially in cities like Dusseldorf, is incredibly safe. The need for anti-theft measures has significantly decreased over the years.

Personal Experience

Initially, I was always prepared to wear a money belt, as many people advised me to do so. However, after living in Germany for several years, I’ve found that I don’t feel any less safe here than I did back home in Canada. The need for anti-theft gear is minimal in this environment.

Practical Considerations

While there may be rare situations where using anti-theft gear could be justified, such as when backpacking or traveling to certain areas, these items are unnecessary and impractical in everyday life in Germany. You can feel safe leaving them behind and enjoy the freedom of a more relaxed approach to security.

🥿 2. High Heels and Stilettos

When it comes to footwear in Germany, high heels and stilettos are things you shouldn’t bring to Germany, especially if you’re a heel enthusiast like I was. The cobblestone streets in many German cities, particularly in the old town areas, make wearing traditional high heels impractical and even risky.

Invest in Wedges

If you’re someone who loves the added height and style that heels provide, I recommend investing in a good pair of wedges. Look for sturdy and thick wedges that offer stability and comfort, ensuring you won’t risk spraining an ankle while navigating the cobblestone streets.

German Nightlife

When heading out for a night on the town in Germany, especially in the old town areas, it’s common to encounter cobblestone streets. In this environment, wearing high heels or stilettos can be impractical and even uncomfortable. Embracing a more relaxed approach to footwear, such as opting for wedges or flats, is not only acceptable but also the norm.

👖 3. Sweatpants, Yoga Pants, and Baggy Sweaters

When it comes to what you shouldn’t bring to Germany, it’s important to consider your wardrobe choices. While comfort is key, packing too many sweatpants, yoga pants, or baggy sweaters may not align with the fashion norms in many parts of Germany.

Dress Code Diversity

In larger cities like Dusseldorf, the dress code tends to lean towards chic and posh attire. However, it’s essential to note that this fashion standard may not apply to the entire country. In Berlin and smaller towns, a more relaxed approach to dressing is common, with yoga pants and casual wear being more widely accepted.

Cultural Contrast

Coming from North America, you may notice a distinct difference in how people dress in Germany. While comfort is valued in both regions, the general standard of dress in Germany tends to be more polished, even if it’s just wearing jeans. In contrast, wearing sweatpants or pajamas in public, which may be acceptable in North America, is less common in Germany.

Adapting Your Wardrobe

While pajamas, sweatpants, yoga pants, and baggy sweaters are undeniably comfortable, packing and buying a balance of comfortable and stylish clothing, such as jeans and nicer attire, can help you feel more at ease and confident in various social settings in Germany.

🚗 4. Bringing Your Own Car

When considering what you shouldn’t bring to Germany, bringing your own car is a debatable topic, especially if you live in a city with an excellent transportation system. In my experience, living in a larger city like Dusseldorf for the past six years, I’ve found that owning a car is often unnecessary, but there are good car rental options if you need one in the short term.

Public Transportation

Germany’s transportation system, especially in bigger cities, is exceptional when compared to North America. The extensive network of trains, trams, and buses makes getting around convenient and efficient, eliminating the need for a personal vehicle for daily commuting.

Parking Challenges

One of the main reasons I have yet to feel the need for a car in the city is the challenges associated with parking. Finding parking spaces can be time-consuming and expensive, and parallel parking, a common practice in Germany, can be daunting for those accustomed to front parking in North America.

Consider Your Lifestyle

While owning a car may be more practical if you live on the outskirts of a city or in a suburban area, for city dwellers, the hassle of parking and the availability of reliable public transportation often make owning a car more of a burden than a convenience.

🧥 5. Heavy Winter Parkas

When moving to Germany, the question of whether to bring a winter parka from a colder climate like Canada is a common dilemma. While a winter parka with a fur hood is essential in extremely cold temperatures, it may not be a practical choice for most parts of Germany.

Climate Considerations

Germany’s climate, especially in major cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Dusseldorf, typically doesn’t reach extreme cold temperatures that would necessitate a heavy winter parka. While regions like the Bavarian Alps or areas with heavier snowfall may require a down jacket for a limited period, it’s not a universal need across the country.

Practical Alternatives

Instead of investing in a heavy winter parka, consider opting for a good fleece-lined rain jacket to combat the prevalent rainy weather in many parts of Germany. Additionally, a pair of waterproof boots, such as fleece-lined or sheep wool-lined rain boots, can provide more practical protection from the elements than a heavy winter parka.

🧳 What Else Shouldn’t You Bring?

When it comes to packing for Germany, there are a few more items that you might want to reconsider bringing along, but these are some things I’ve learned you shouldn’t pack when heading to Germany.

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