Hidden Expenses Nobody Tells You | Moving to Germany | Germany Honestly Ep 5

Описание: If you’re planning to move to Germany (or you just landed), you probably made a monthly budget—rent, groceries, transport, insurance… sab set.
But Germany has a few “silent” / hidden costs that don’t come every month, yet they can hit your pocket hard when you least expect it.

In this episode of Germany, Honestly., I’m sharing the real hidden expenses beyond monthly costs, with real numbers—so nothing feels shocking later.

What you’ll learn in this video

✅ Apartment move-in reality: sometimes you may need to buy a kitchen (yes, really)
✅ Kaution/Deposit: how much money gets blocked upfront
✅ ARD / Rundfunkbeitrag: the “TV tax” you pay even if you don’t watch TV
✅ Residence permit costs: application + renewal + temporary paper (Fiktionsbescheinigung)
✅ SCHUFA: credit record document landlords often ask for
✅ Liability insurance (highly recommended): cheap but life-saving in Germany
✅ Legal insurance (optional but useful): especially for job/contract situations
✅ Surprise health bills: dentist fillings, cleaning, and even root canal costs
✅ Annual utility adjustments: electricity/heating/water can come as a year-end bill
✅ Car ownership costs: insurance, fuel, road tax, parking, loan
✅ Family + integration costs: German classes, tutors, switching schools, etc.

💬 Tell me in comments: Which hidden cost surprised you the most?
📌 If you’re new here, subscribe for calm, honest Germany life videos every week.

Links:
📌 Kleinanzeigen: https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/
📌Insurance Comparison: https://www.tarifcheck.com/99fG1z6
📌Learn German: https://tinyurl.com/2p86e46y

📌 Episode 1 of Germany Honestly:    • The Truth About My Salary in Germany | €12...  
📌 Episode 2 of Germany Honestly:    • First Week in Germany Explained | A Realis...  
📌 Episode 3 of Germany Honestly:    • Is Germany Worth It Long-Term? The Honest ...  
📌 Germany Honestly:    • Germany, Honestly. | What Life in Germany ...  

Chapters:

00:00 Hidden costs in Germany beyond monthly expenses
00:33 Why these costs shock most newcomers (Germany Honestly)
01:36 Apartment reality: kitchens, move-in setup & first expenses
04:13 Kaution / deposit: money blocked before moving in
05:39 ARD / Rundfunkbeitrag: the TV tax nobody explains
07:12 Residence permit & paperwork costs (first time + renewal)
08:36 SCHUFA: credit record landlords ask for
09:12 Insurances in Germany: liability & legal (what matters)
10:48 Surprise medical bills: dentist & public insurance gaps
12:24 Real example: my unexpected root canal bill
14:31 Year-end utility bills: electricity, heating & water
15:10 Car ownership in Germany: real monthly costs
16:36 Family & integration costs: German courses & schools
18:00 Final takeaway: budgeting with a buffer in Germany


#GermanyHonestly #LivingInGermany #MoveToGermany


If you watched my monthly cost of living episode, this one completes the picture. Germany isn’t always “expensive”… but it’s definitely predictable only when you know the system.

If you’re new here: Hello, I’m Eri — and this series is for anyone who wants an honest, grounded view of life in Germany (especially Indians & internationals). 🌿

Subscribe for the next episode in the Germany, Honestly series ❤️

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Disclaimer: Please note, all the information shared on my videos are based on my experience and research. There can be changes in the real world so please confirm any rule or regulation on your own related to Germany. Because my advice and suggestions are just to guide you