The Texas comments were for me! Lol we’re stationed in El Paso, TX and certainly have no need to heavy winter clothes. We’ll stock up before moving to Germany!
We’re from Texas too haha that’s why I always use it as an example 😆 most definitely stock up on winter clothes because Germany winter is a whole new world compared to Texas hahaha
We are pcsing in January to Germany from Texas. We've already bought good winter jackets from Columbia to be prepared lol. Before Fort Hood we lived in Houston so I feel the Texas comment and I know I'll miss HEB
That’s so exciting! I’m glad y’all got your winter coats already because I’m sure they’re cheaper in TX where they don’t need them 😆 HEB is awesome! I miss it too!
We can ship non-perishable food? Cause if so that's a huge life saver. My son only eats the maruchan brand Ramen and I might just stock up for the next few months so we can bring some over to last him until his grandparents can send some over
You don't need water filters in Germany. Tap water is highly regulated in Germany. It is at least as good as bottled water, most of the times it is better.
Could you talk about the pay being overseas? Like the oha, oconus, utilities pay, and the one time pay? If we live on post do we still get them or is it only for off post families? Thank you!
It depends if you have dependents and if you're a Reservist on Active Duty or full-time Active Duty. Check the DFAS website for specifics that apply to you.
OHA will only be given if you live off post. COLA is given whether or not you live on or off post. We do not pay Utilites on post where we live, but I am not sure if that applies everywhere overseas! Most times living on post means you won’t be able to get any type of housing allowance! Our post does not allow us to live off post either, but some posts here in Germany do allow you to live off post. It all depends on where exactly you’ll be living for the allowances you’ll receive!
About the car parts: So if I got it right you had your american car being shipped from the US to Germany. Back in the days (35 years ago) I served some time in a military camp that had embedded american facilities. Most of the american soldiers bought their car in Germany (I'd say in about 50% of all cases it was a BMW) just for the time of their stay and sold it again when leaving. Is that not a thing any more or is that something only soldiers at some locations do?
It is something people do, but we had my car from our previous duty station. We had it shipped over here for us for free so it was worth it for us to keep! I’d love to trade in my Hyundai for a VW here but unfortunately the market is not ideal for us right now.
The no-fee passport is your visa! You can only use it to travel from the US to Germany and back. The tourist passport is used if you want to travel outside of Germany!
It all depends on where your stationed and what kind of car you have. We are able to find my oil on post and my filter at a shop on the economy. If you are stationed in K-Town though, you should be able to find everything much easier!
