Moving To Garmisch, Germany Guide

Have you recently learned that you will be moving to Garmisch, Germany? Do you have about 110 questions and are still wondering who to ask. Sound about right? I’ve lived in Garmsich, Germany, for the last two years, and I will break down everything you need to know before you move here. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments. I hope my blog post makes your move to Garmisch a little bit easier.

How to Find a House

This question has only two answers: 1. On base if you’re an active-duty military member, or 2. Out in town if you’re a civilian.

The Closest Towns To Garmisch, Germany

Schools

If you move with the government, your child will attend Garmisch Elementary School. (GEMS) which is K-8. If your child is in High School, they will attend Munich International School; if you’re moving with the government, you’ll want to call in advice to ensure that MIS has a room available for your high schooler; they don’t always have space. Then you’re going to want to call NDSP (Non-DOD Sponsored School Program). NDSP is the program through the government that will fund school for your child.

German School

The German school is another option that some parents choose; however, I did not select this option. If you’re looking for more information, go to your town’s Rathaus (Town Hall), which would be the place to find those answers. I have heard good things about the schools in Garmisch.

Munich International School. (MIS)
GEMS (Dodea School)

Sports

Ski Club- Ski Club is best for kids that already know how to ski. There’s different age groups and levels. You can opt-in for the “fun group” AKA non-racing group or the competitive racing team (If the child makes the team after trying out) Depending on what group your child is in they have 1-2 weekday afternoon ski trainings (You’ll have to pull from GEMS early and MIS students it would be impossible) 

Golf clubs there are many located throughout the Garmisch area. 

Grainau offers indoor badminton & several other indoor sports clubs. You can find out more information at the Rathaus in Grainau 

Soccer (futball Club)

Sports Stores

Hapfelmeier This is a sports store in town where you can buy cleats. 

Conrad Located downtown you can find name brand outdoor clothing (Patagonia, North Face, etc) 

What should I ship to my mailbox on base before arriving at Garmisch?

  1. Sheets
  2. Pillows
  3. Towels
  4. Blankets for beds
  5. Mattress protectors

When we move, it’s my chance to buy everything new for the next few years, including our beds. It’s a great way to make sure your stuff stays fresh!

What should I put in my UAB?

If this is your first move you might not know the acronym UAB- Unaccompanied  Baggage. This is a type of pack out that is “suppose” to arrive sooner than your HHG (Household Goods) This doesn’t always happen. I was actually recently told that if you go over 500 lbs that it will not be flown to your OCONUS (overseas location) it will be sent just like your HHG. I believe you’re authorized  1000 lbs but make sure to check out the JTR (Joint Travel Regulation) to make sure. 

  1. Kitchen (pots, pans, cooking dishes, etc.)
  2. Toys if you have children
  3. TV
  4. Vacuum
  5. More towels
  6. School supplies if you have children
  7. Work stuff if you’ll be working
  8. Pet supplies
  9. Winter clothing (heavier jackets, gloves, etc.) It starts to get cold in Garmisch at the end of September.
  10. Extra blankets (it starts to get cold!)

Where To Shop

These stores are the closest stores if you’re living on base or close. 

  1. Commissary is the closest grocery store. It’s located on the base, and it’s open Tuesday-Sunday.
  2. Aldi– Is about a 30-minute walk away
  3. Edeka– Is located next to Aldi and is also a 30-minute walk
  4. Edeka going into town is about 15 minutes walk away

Favorite Second Hand Shopping Stores

The Auction House: You can read my blog post HERE about everything you need to know before going to the auction.

The Thrift Store on base- Please be aware that the thrift store has some very random hours open, please make sure to check the Facebook page for the hours.

Prozent-Markt gGmbH– This is a second-hand store in town that sells clothing, dishes, and other items.

Loisachtaler Second Hand– This store specializes in German custom clothing second-hand items. If you’re purchasing a dirndl, I would suggest looking here first.

If I live on base what address can I use to shop online locally?

Breitenauer Str. 18 82467 Garmisch- Partenkirchen

When ordering online you can also select to have your item delivered to a mailbox at multiple locations.  

Where Can I Buy A Cake?

  1. You can preorder a cake at any bakery in town. You must give them a few days in advance. 
  2. Commissary- This is an a great option if you’re looking for a military promotion cake.  They can add a picture of the rank and customize it. 
  3. Edelwesis bakery on base can make you American style birthday cakes in any flavor (carrot cake, red velvet, etc) They are beautiful too. 

Shopping Differences

  1. Shopping stores are closed on Sunday
  2. You have to purchase your bags or bring your bags
  3. Bring a Euro coin for your grocery cart
  4. The food is rated on its nutritional value A-E, A being the healthiest and E being unhealthy.
  5. You’ll find that you will have to shop a lot more. The food goes bad faster than in The United States and your appliances might be a little bit smaller and won’t hold as much.

Hardware Store, Garden Shop

Hagebaumarkt It’s tiny but mighty! Has just about everything from garden supplies to hardware stuff.

Blumen Turpitz Flower shop (Cash Only)

Dry Cleaning and Seamstress

Textilreinigung Located right next to Tedi in Garmisch. It is expensive and they only take CASH!

Ayra Boote This is the local seamstress that can sew things on uniforms. If you’re looking to get something tailored he can do it too but mkae sure to bring examples of what you need. He speaks great English. This is a CASH ONLY Place. 

Health Care

Insurance Explained Tricare Remote Overseas (Active Duty & Dependents)

When you move overseas from The United States, you need to call Tricare within the first couple of days overseas and let them know that you need to switch your Tricare to Tricare Overseas Remote.

Garmisch, Germany, is considered a remote location with Tricare, and this will take a little getting used to because the system is set up much differently than how you use it in The United States. When you or your children become ill, you will need to call Tricare SOS and let them know; they will then authorize an office visit, and you will have to print the papers off or have Tricare send the documents to the doctor’s office to have them print it off for you. (This is what I do) You’ll have to sign the papers once you arrive at the doctor. (I know it’s a long process just to be seen by a doctor)

Prescriptions must be paid out of pocket, and then you’ll have to submit a reimbursement form with Tricare to get your money back. The medicine in Germany is generally very affordable, and I normally have no issues paying for it out of pocket and submitting a reimbursement form.

United Concordia is the dental insurance that you can use overseas. There is one approved dentist, and getting an appointment can take a few weeks, so call early.

What Doctors Are Tricare Approved?

Orthodontist

Pharmacy

Alte Apotheke– This pharmacy will file the medicine claim with Tricare. 

After Hours  Pharmacy- CLICK HERE to find the schedule for the after hours and holiday pharmacy in town. 

Automative Information

Car Insurance

USAA is the most popular option. The prices overseas are a lot more expensive, but this is because if anything happens it very expensive to fix an American specs car.

ADAC: This is a local supplemental car insurance that helps when you break down on the side of the road. They offer different types of services, but all are very affordable.

Car Repair

Places for Your Pet

Vet- Hans Peter Saur
Groomer- Paw Spa (Cash Only)

Traveling With Your Pet—If you plan to travel with your pet, you must ensure it has an EU Passport. The vet can provide this. When traveling to other countries, you must verify all the proper documentation. All the EU countries follow the same rules; countries outside the EU have their own rules.

How To Get Started Skiing

I’ll be honest this was one of the most confusing things to me about moving to Garmisch. I think because a lot of the things you read online are geared for tourists and not for living in Garmisch. I wrote a few blogs that you might find helpful on how to ski in Garmisch. 

  1. How To Ski In Garmisch, Germany
  2. Learning To Ski In My Thirties
  3. How To Dress Your Children For The Snow
  4. Sledding In Garmisch, Germany

Where To Eat In Garmisch

When you move to a new city, I find it hard to break away from the touristy restaurants immediately. If you’d like to get started eating like a local immediately, make sure to check out my blog post Eat Like A Local Garmisch, Germany.

The Must-Have Apps

EasyPark App—You can use this phone parking app to pay for parking instead of paying money at the parking meters. It connects to your PayPal account. I like using the app because I don’t have to have the correct change, and if I need to extend my parking, it’s easy because I can do it from my phone instead of trying to run back to my car.

DB Train AppIf you plan on taking a train to Munich or anywhere in Germany, this is the app you need. You can purchase train tickets from your phone and use the QR code to show proof of purchase.

Facebook Groups To Follow

Where Can I swim during the summer?

There are so many places to swim in and around Garmisch, Germany. 

Where To Swim In Garmisch, Germany

What are things that I can do during the winter?

There is so much to do in Garmisch, Germany during the summer and in the winter. Often times I think people automatically think that winter means you can only ski in Garmisch and that’s absolutely not the case at all. There’s so much more to do in Garmisch in the winter. 

My good friend Abroadwife wrote a great article on things to do in Garmisch in the winter. 

Things to Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Winter

Where To Sled in Garmisch, Germany

Culture Shock

Bathrooms you have to pay to use. If you have to use the bathroom when out in town. Sport Conrad’s has a bathroom in the basement that you can use for free. The next best option would be to go into a cafe and ask to use their bathroom. You’ll either have to buy a coffee or pay a Euro.

Germans are a naturally quiet culture. You’ll notice at the stores that no one is talking, or if they are talking, they aren’t speaking loud. Be mindful of your volume when at the store.

Garmisch Bloggers & Influencers

We have a little community of American Garmisch bloggers & Influencers. Make sure to check out their blogs & Instagrams for more information on things to do in Garmisch and in Europe! 

Brittany.McAnally: Make sure to follow me on Instagram for all the latest information. 

AbroadWife: Check out her blog & her Instagram

Journeyby_Jacq: Check out her Instagram.

I hope that this blog post helps make your move to Garmisch a little bit easier. Please comment below if you have any questions that I’m missing! I would love to update this post to help others in the future. Below you will find my Moving To Garmisch, Germany Google Map you should be able to click on the map below and save it to your Google Maps App on your phone. I’ve included everything, Tricare approved doctors, pet care and my favorite places to eat. 

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