Registering with the utilities: If your landlord does not take care of setting up your electricity, water, or gas services, you will need to arrange these yourself. The landlord will likely be able to provide you with the contact information of your regional utility providers, making the process easier for you. It’s a good idea to contact the provider early, as it can take a few days or even weeks to get everything set up and running.

Arranging for telephone, internet, and (cable) television service: Germany offers a wide range of telecommunications providers for telephone, internet, and television services. With so many options available, it’s smart to compare them and choose the one that fits your needs best. Online comparison portals can help you easily find the best deals. Many providers also offer discounted packages that bundle services like phone and internet together, so you can save money by getting everything from one provider. If you use a lot of mobile data, there are also options specifically for mobile use, such as those using UMTS (3G) technology.

One important tip: Setting up your telephone and internet connection can take several weeks, especially if you need to install new equipment. So, it’s a good idea to contact the provider before you move in, if possible, so that everything is ready by the time you arrive.

Fees for television and radio use: In Germany, there are mandatory fees for radio, television, and internet. You must register with the Gebühreneinzugszentrale (GEZ), either online or at post offices and banks. Even if you don’t own a television, the fee applies if you access media content via the internet. Be sure to register to avoid fines. Mailbox and doorbell: To receive mail, ensure your name is on your mailbox and doorbell. If not, it’s your responsibility to add it, as the postal service may not deliver your letters. Registering with the post office is not necessary.

Change of address order: If you’re moving from another country, don’t forget to forward your mail from your home address to your new one in Germany. The German post office offers a mail forwarding service. If you go away for an extended period, you can also request them to forward your mail abroad, so you never miss an important letter.