Hello everyone. It's Minami.

Here are some apps that you might want to DL anyway during your stay in Germany.

There are a few apps that have been very helpful to me during my stay in Germany. There are also a few apps that I DL'd just to be in Germany. Sustainable services are also introduced to the extent possible. (Germany has a well-developed and convenient transportation system, so just using public transportation should be quite eco-friendly!)

To DL German apps, you must first have a form of German country setting If you're Apple, you have to have those settings. Be careful (I was stumped for a few hours here without knowing this fact...) It might be useful to do this at airports where there is Wifi! (Wifi is pretty much everywhere, but there are still places where it is easy to connect and places where it is hard to connect depending on the city, so I think it would be better to do it at the airport.

Transportation

DB

*Only valid for downloading in Germany. Not available outside of Germany due to legal differences.

If you want to get around in Germany, you should download this most powerful application, DB. DB stands for Deutsche Bahn, a privatized company that operates mainly medium- and long-distance trains and ICE (like Japan's Shinkansen). Although DB mainly operates medium- and long-distance trains, this app also allows you to search for local routes such as buses, so if you use public transportation, downloading this app will increase your peace of mind considerably.

By the way, if you have DB's app, it will know what area you are in via the wifi/data you are connected to and make recommendations about it on its own. That is also useful.

Good points The best and easiest to understand routes. If you are in Germany, this app is almost a must-have. It's also very useful when you want to go to Luxembourg, which is a neighboring country, because you can take a slow train to Luxembourg. It's a great companion when using public transportation because it tells you what platform to get on and off at and where to get off. The app is the fastest and most accurate way to get information about delays and cancellations. It's fast and easy to buy tickets on the app, and it's eco-friendly since you can use the QR code as a ticket. Bad points No map is displayed, so it's hard to understand (I wrote about it separately, but I used Googlemaps to compensate for it). Sessions expire too soon (a few days or so) and it's a bit tedious.

By the way, here is the official website. https://int.bahn.de/en

As of 2024, you can also purchase the Deutsche Bahn's unlimited travel pass, known as the "Deutschland Ticket," for approximately 50 euros through this app. If you plan to move around a lot, be sure to get it! In Germany, whether you have a QR code (meaning you have a ticket) is periodically checked, depending on the city. While you can also purchase tickets at some stations through ticket machines, buying them through the app is easier to understand, available in English, and much more convenient. Be aware that if you're caught without a ticket, the fine is 60 euros, so be careful.

RMV and/or other local transportation apps

*Only valid for downloading in Germany. Not available outside of Germany due to legal differences.

RMV is an app for the Frankfurt region and the state of Hesse. Similarly, if you're in Munich, you'll want the Bayern Ticket, as each state in Germany has its own ticketing system. So, it's a good idea to first figure out where you want to go before downloading. You can also buy unlimited ride tickets for local areas, which may be cheaper than usual for shorter durations like 1-2 days. By the way, if you have the DB app, it can recommend options for you based on where you are, using the connected Wi-Fi or data. That's also handy!

Good aspects: You can purchase the Deutschland Ticket with Apple Pay (although you should also be able to buy it through the DB app). You can buy day tickets for local areas, roughly equivalent to state divisions. The DB Navigator app guides you on how to download what you need, making it easy to find the necessary items. Downsides: The route planning feature is personally considered somewhat mediocre; it tends to suggest routes that take more time (not necessarily incorrect). To cancel the Deutschland Ticket, you need to log in to the website each time, which can be inconvenient. As of 2024, the app is only available in German, so if you don't understand German, you'll need to take screenshots of the screens and translate them using Google Photos.

Google map

Google Maps does not provide very accurate transportation information in Germany, but transportation apps like DB (Deutsche Bahn) still don't display maps, so Google Maps is also necessary.

In fact, Germany has been particularly strict on privacy issues concerning Google within the EU. Local information was last updated around last year to this year, marking a ten-year gap in updates. In my own experience, even for the local bus lines I've used, there have been discrepancies between the routes displayed on Google Maps and the actual paths the buses take, suggesting that they may not always follow the known routes. (As of now, I haven't experienced cases where the bus stops are in different locations.)

Good points: It remains the most reliable map app for walking or when not using public transportation. The timetables are almost always accurate when services are on schedule. Drawbacks: Occasionally, the routes provided are not entirely accurate. It doesn't always indicate delays in public transportation services. For the latest information, checking apps like DB (Deutsche Bahn) is still necessary.

Flixbus

Flixbus is a budget-friendly bus company that you should definitely consider using when traveling within Europe. It's a German company that offers convenient services, allowing you to travel affordably not only within Germany but also to neighboring countries by bus. It's quite handy for those who want to travel outside the coverage area of DB (Deutsche Bahn).

It's cost-effective and user-friendly. For those who already have the DB Deutschland Ticket, it's financially efficient to use FlixBus for the parts not covered by the Deutschland Ticket. This allows for seamless transfers and maximizes cost efficiency.

Good aspects: Affordable fares Provides access to a wide range of destinations, both domestic and international Drawbacks: Delays are common (especially concerning when catching the first departure) Occasionally suggests longer routes, so it's advisable to double-check if it's the most time and cost-effective option Sometimes it's better to purchase two separate tickets due to the reasons mentioned above

Omio

Omio is an app that allows you to search for transportation options, much like DB, but it's an app usable across the entire EU. So, it's like Skyscanner but for land transportation. Though it does include options for flights, it's primarily focused on land routes. It helps you determine the best method of travel by considering various factors.

nextbike

Nextbike is an app for bike-sharing services available in cities. I've seen bike and scooter sharing services in Germany, characterized by a light blue (or rather a mix of blue and green) color scheme. While I haven't personally used it, I've thought it would be convenient for mid to long-term stays. However, during winter when there's snow or icy roads, it could be dangerous, so prioritizing other modes of transport like buses might be wise. Plus, with options like the Deutschland Ticket available, there are alternative transportation choices as well.

Good points: It's a highly convenient and eco-friendly service. You can usually find bikes around if you're walking in the city center, and they're often available within the range of bus routes. Downsides: It might not be as useful during winter. Depending on the situation, using public transportation might be more cost-effective. Some vehicles like scooters require a battery, and if it's not available, you can't use them.

Finance

Paypal

It's used casually among friends, similar to PayPay in Japan. In recent years, occasionally, you can even use services like DB for transportation with PayPal, which adds to its convenience.

However, some transfer and receipt services may not be available unless you undergo identity verification beforehand. It seems advisable to take care of this when you're in Japan or in the country where the service is based. Keep in mind that identity verification may take several days.

Tomorrow

*Only valid for downloading in Germany. Not available outside of Germany due to legal differences.

Tomorrow is a sustainable online account originating from Germany. A portion of its proceeds is allocated towards sustainability-related initiatives. If you're considering opening a regular online account under similar conditions, creating one here would be eco-friendly and beneficial! You might think it's easy to make payments from a Japanese bank account using PayPal. However, occasionally, you may need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Without an IBAN, you would have to use overseas transfer services like Revolut or Wise.

I attempted to open the account for my mid-term stay of a few months but couldn't proceed (I'm thinking of writing a separate diary detailing my struggles with the Tomorrow account). Therefore, I would recommend it to those planning to stay for about a year. However, since there is a monthly fee of 3 euros just for holding the account, I suggest using this service only when it seems worthwhile. (It seems like just owning an account costs money these days.)

Revoult

Some people around me are using services for overseas transfers. Personally, I haven't had the opportunity to use them much, but I've only used Wise. However, either one could be a good choice, depending on your needs.

It seems convenient for receiving money from Japan or for making overseas transfers. However, since you need to verify your identity using a phone number, it's advisable to complete the process in your home country (for example, Japan if you live there) before departing. Registering with a local SIM card might complicate the identity verification process in the future.

It's certainly a great feature that there are no running costs even if you have an account.

Translations/Interpret

Google translate

The good thing about Google Translate is that it can be used offline. Additionally, it's very convenient that you can easily translate unknown signs and other text by taking a photo.

However, it's important to note that its accuracy is not always perfect.

Deepl

Indeed, DeepL has gained fame for its high translation accuracy. Unlike Google Translate, DeepL doesn't offer offline data download, which can be a drawback. However, its accuracy is widely acknowledged and respected.

Communications

Whatsapp

This is a popular app in Europe and the US, similar to Japan's LINE. With Wassup, hotel information can be easily shared, and it's also convenient for exchanging contact information with acquaintances or friends made locally for communication purposes.

Absolutely it's highly recommended for building friendships with people from Germany or other EU countries.

Indeed, some businesses, such as hotels for reservations, provide customer service through WhatsApp occasionally. So, it's a good idea to have it installed for necessary inquiries or assistance.

Linkedin

For those who frequently meet people for work-related purposes, LinkedIn is arguably the most convenient social networking platform. It offers a more professional alternative to exchanging personal contact information, akin to exchanging LINE IDs. If you prefer not to share personal contact details but still want to stay connected, downloading LinkedIn and exchanging contact information through the platform would be a good choice.

ALDI TALK / ALDI aktivitaten

*Only valid for downloading in Germany. Not available outside of Germany due to legal differences.

This is an app that some people may not need. It's a SIM card app provided by ALDI, a well-known supermarket chain in Germany, similar to Japan's Don Quijote.

The Tegut supermarket located at Frankfurt International Airport is the most accessible supermarket when you first arrive. It's similar to Japan's high-end supermarket, Seijo Ishii, where you can also purchase prepaid options like Vodafone's SIM cards.

Indeed, there are various manufacturers available, but many Japanese people may feel familiar with Vodafone. However, most people tend to choose Vodafone.

Other

ImmoScout24 – Immobilien

If you're looking for a house in Germany, apparently this app is the one to use.

Kleinanzeigen – without eBay

If you want to buy used items, this flea market app is the way to go. Pretty much everyone uses it. It's similar to Japan's Mercari app.

It might be useful when you want to buy a bicycle, for example. In Germany, you can find unwanted items placed on the roadside or flea markets held on Saturdays. However, utilizing the internet for large second-hand purchases can be convenient, so it's good to use it as needed!

Amazon

Amazon is also available in Germany.

Conclusion

How was it? I hope I was able to be of assistance.

For other articles about Germany, including environment, culture, stay and travel, please check other articles byClicking here.