Sunday, July 28, 2013

Help with Trip to Germany?

Help with Trip to Germany?
Okay, my girlfriend and i are planning a trip from Nashville to Germany. IT will be the first two weeks of august 2011. Now, she proposed the idea that we buy our plane tickets soon. I think this is a great idea. The only problem is that i am a jobless college student with $230 to my name. However, i have a summer job that will help me make enough money to go. My question is: Is there a way i can reserve a ticket for a flight to Munich now, and pay for it when i have made enough money? also, how long is the process for getting a passport? but more importantly about the ticket. Please help. $1000 is a lot of money to charge to a credit card with no job. so. How expensive would tickets be if bought within say 3 months of the trip? 1 month?
Other - Europe - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It takes 6-8 weeks to get a passport. As far as the tickets go.... WAIT! Not only is it stupid to buy them when you cannot afford to pay for them but ticket prices have been very inflated the last 5-6 months. I would wait until January after the holidays hopefully tickets will go down and you will be better off financially.
2 :
You are right. That IS a lot of money to charge to your credit card without a means to pay it off promptly. With interest, that $1,000 ticket will easily become a $1,400 or more ticket if you carry the balance very long. I strongly advocate travel, but not when it leads to digging yourself into a hole, which is exactly what I did when I did my first backpacking/Eurailing trip around Europe. (It took me about four years to pay it all off.) Next year's flights and fares are probably not even posted yet. While it is a good idea to book in advance, especially for travel during the peak summer travel season as you propose to do, booking in January or February will probably be far enough out to assure a seat, though not a cheap seat. Check a random airline, say, Continental, to assure how far out they post flights and fares. All the airlines mimic each other so you know how soon to start looking. See if you can grab a pair of the very few cheap seats available when a flight is first posted. How stuck are you on traveling the first two weeks of August? If you can wait until after peak travel season, airfares drop appreciably. I love Europe in late September and early October, and Germany is just gorgeous at that time, and tourist season has mostly wound down so you can get in to see things without the huge lines. Unfortunately, airlines want their money up front, so you have to pay, usually within 24 hours of making your reservation if not immediately upon booking. I hope you have started your travel fund by now. Each week stash a little away. Now is a good time to make some lifestyle adjustments to save for travel. Do you or your GF smoke? Just quitting can save you up to $100 between you a week. Do you eat out, even if it's fast food? Eat in and save more. Get a part-time job, even if it's a work-study position at the library. Stash that money in the travel fund before you do or buy anything else. The good news is, you don't need your entire travel money now. You can buy your plane tickets first, then work on paying them off while saving up for your next expense, which will be your German Railpass (visit www. raileurope.com to learn about railpasses). Again, pay that expense off while saving your daily expenses, which will be about $65-75 per day for each day of your trip, assuming you will be staying in pensiones or hostels and eating inexpensively. (For example, in Munich, stay in the awesome Gasthaus across from the train station in the suburban village of Grub. It even has its own beer garden and playground! Take the commuter train from Grub into Munich to explore. Buy your dinner at the Viktuelmarkt in Munich, then eat it in the Englischer Garten park and people-watch.) Getting a passport does not take long. Generally you can have it in hand within a month of sending off your application, photos etc. Visit www.travel.state.gov for complete details on getting your passports. Good luck!
3 :
There is no reason to go ahead and purchase your airline tickets now. Take time in planning your trip, where you want to fly into and from, how long you want to stay, where you want to go, etc. Check into packages that include airfare, rail tickets or car rental, and possibly hotels. A travel agent has lots of brochures to help you out with your planning. Also, they can check on consolidator airfares for you. And never go into debt to go on vacation.





Sunday, July 14, 2013

Why is everything more expensive in Germany?

Why is everything more expensive in Germany?
I am moving to America from Germany next year and I am very excited. I visited there for one year as student and love everything about America! Everything is big and there is much more opportunity to get job and make much money. It is unbelievable how much cheaper things are in America. Petrol costs $2.58 USD per gallon but here in Germany it costs roundabout $7.18 USD per gallon! Also milk costs $2.99 USD per gallon in America but $5.60 USD per gallon here! I found one computer of the same model everything the same here in Germany it cost $2 200 USD but in America only $1 050 USD and a full DVD sound system from BOSE cost $3 480 USD in Germany and only $1 199 USD! That is no mistake. Hello? And people are more happy in America and friendly! Everyone in stores say sorry when we have accident but not in Germany. Naja. So why is this so? Why does everything cost so much more here in Europa. France it is even worser. Before I came to America I only heard how good it is but now I know!
Immigration - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I don't know why, but WELCOME to the USA! :o)
2 :
I love the USA but don't put Europe down all the way. It has its moments. The history, the culture and definitely the night life is quite nice in Germany. I lived there 31 months and I loved it. I guess the prices are extremely high compared to USA but the life has a very good quality there. I love traveling to Europe when I can. I Cr 13;8a
3 :
Yeah.. it's true.. I had been there two years ago on a family vacation.. I was shocked when I saw the price of the souvenirs that sold in German was more expensive than it was sold in America... I came back to US without nothing I bought for my friends.. I just bought a couple of things for myself.. lol My mom told me to buy the souvenirs in US coz it's cheaper than in German..
4 :
because the USA operates on "true free market" principles- dog eat dog, every man/women for themselves. "cut throat" capitalism. no lazy trade unions artificially pushing up prices! it is great unless you fall off the "rails", there is NO SAFETY NET.most US personal bankruptcies are due to medical expences.GET INSURANCE & keep your fingers crossed!!
5 :
To put it simply American pay slightly less tax but gets a lot less for it, they then have to spend more to get the same services give to Europeans but they can choose whether they want to or not. Each state decides on its sales tax in America and this price difference is also throughout the USA. Most items in American shops do not add Tax to the price until point of purchase, unlike Europe where it is already added. This can add up to 10% on the listed price, this annoys the hell out of me. Europe is more expensive for a few other reasons: - The dollar is extremely weak and as such the Euro is worth more, most corporations try and place prices to similar levels it the currency was equal. - European tax goes to social projects, like health care. Americans pay out a similar amount although it's labelled differently. - Americans have very few employment right compared to Europeans and are paid hire wages to compensate for this. Don't expect things like, Holidays (most employees don't receive a holiday in the first year and then only 5 days in the second), Sick pay, Maternity pay, etc. Lots of states are at will which means they don't even have to give you a valid reason for making you unemployed and were my fiancée work you can be fired for having 5 days of sickness in a year. - Europe funds public transport and road ways. Do not expect to find any public transport that is worth while out side of big cities. Also not all road are in good condition and very few meet with European standards. American shop worker are more polite but they can be sacked for not being so, and people do complain if they haven't met the standard. In most European stores this is seen as more annoying. The European attitude is that you came in to buy a drink not to spend 20 minutes chatting, I still dread it when someone tries to start a conversation as I just want to buy the item. Most Americans see it as the friendliness is part of the experience and it's almost as if they feel cheated if they don't get it. Trust me when you sit down at a resturant and the waitress comes over every five minutes, or a bill is placed on the table before you've finished the starter you'll start to get annoyed. I've even had a waiter ask me when I was planning to pay as he wanted to go home, it was only 9pm and I had only just got the main course.
6 :
I think that the Germany cost more because of its income tax system and the social security tax system for the German citizens' pension and unemployment insurance benefits. A German engineer told me in the 80s: " Our government is stupid but good for the poor (for German nationality only)" after I asked him about social and pension systems in Germany. Further more, the German citizens need to contribute more in the pension plan. If a German workers whose income is at the professional levels, he or she need to pays more. Upon he has completed the full contribution, he can get the full pension for the rest of his life(exactly what is the last month's salary). The American systems in import and export, trading and finance are better than the Germany. The German technicians make up to average of 37 US dollars per hour is slightly higher than the Americans. America is the number one most competitive country in this world is most pertinent answer to your question. That's why everthing is cheaper in the US.
7 :
Try Swiss, like Zurich, it's even higher there
8 :
See my other answer.


Sunday, July 7, 2013

Why is everything more expensive in Germany?

Why is everything more expensive in Germany?
I am moving to America from Germany next year and I am very excited. I visited there for one year as student and love everything about America! Everything is big and there is much more opportunity to get job and make much money. It is unbelievable how much cheaper things are in America. Petrol costs $2.58 USD per gallon but here in Germany it costs roundabout $7.18 USD per gallon! Also milk costs $2.99 USD per gallon in America but $5.60 USD per gallon here! I found one computer of the same model everything the same here in Germany it cost $2 200 USD but in America only $1 050 USD and a full DVD sound system from BOSE cost $3 480 USD in Germany and only $1 199 USD! That is no mistake. Hello? And people are more happy in America and friendly! Everyone in stores say sorry when we have accident but not in Germany. Naja. So why is this so? Why does everything cost so much more here in Europa. France it is even worser. Before I came to America I only heard how good it is but now I know!
Other - Germany - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1) Because of the exchange rate. In the USA you get roughly the same for 1 USD as you get here for 1 EUR. Currently the exchange rate is 1,40 USD to 1 EUR so shopping in the US is cheap. 2) Cost of gas: the difference is made by taxation. Gas is heavily taxed in Europe, unlike in the US. Over 60 % of what you pay at the gas station in Europe is taxes. (Oekosteuer!) People in the US are only now waking up to the fact that energy does indeed cost money, something which Europe realised during the Oil crisis in the 70's. 3) The cost of gas affects consumer products prices'. Everything has to be transported somehow and lots of it is done by road. The higher the cost of gas, the higher the cost of transportation which finally results in higher prices. 4) Cost of milk: ever heard of "Milchquote"? 5) That BOSE sound system: BOSE is a German brand, they are well-known here and thus can ask higher prices. In the US they need to sell under the real value in order to have any business at all.
2 :
i agree to 1. answerer
3 :
Well, some things are cheaper in America. You are right. BUT you are also very young and I don't think you really have lived -I mean really lived- in the states yet to see that not everything is as "rosy" as you see it. Groceries for example are way more expensive in the states than in Germany. I am talking especially about fruits and produce. Wine is way more expensive than in Germany too. Once you will live & work in the USA for a few years you also will recognize that Germany has a lot of good sides too (and cheap sides too) I think you won't be able to tell it now. I couldn't when I just arrived in the US a long time ago..., but now I appreciate all the good things when I go and visit in Germany!
4 :
There is a saying here in the USA: "The grass is always greener on the other side" meaning it all looks pretty good when you visit, but reality shows you that not everything is cheaper in the US or is friendlier in the US. To rent a good place is more expensive (at least in my area where i live), groceries are more expensive that is true, taxes can be insane in some states.... Just stay realistic! But anyway..you will love to live here. I do. But I also love to go back to Germany and shop & buy like a maniac when I go there....
5 :
As a native German, I feel obliged to post this confirmation vote for t_maia. I have nothing to add to that; the arguements are very profound and true.
6 :
As for gas and transportation costs - the US has a large, domestic oil production - which keeps costs down. Europe and Germany have higher taxes built into the cost of everything Mehrwertsteur, Umsatzsteuer and such. The relative strengths of the economies have an impact too - when the US economy and dollar were relatively stronger - back in 01, Europe seemed pretty cheap to me (except for gas) - that has reversed since then due, in part, to the strength of the Euro. Back in the '80s, Japan was super expensive - but now seems much more reasonable. When the economy is good - there is more money floating around - and the prices seem higher to people from the countries that are in a relative downturn.
7 :
There is a lot of tax in German prices --- you don't see or do you really beliefe Hartz IV and general health insurance do cost nothing? Greetings from Hamburg, Germany Heinz
8 :
Da du ja Deutscher bist, kann ich ja genauso gut auf Deutsch antworten. Die meisten Punkte wurden ja schon beantwortet (Steuern, Höhere Transportkosten, Wechselkurse, etc.) Aber der Punkt das Bose eine Deutsche Firma ist, ist schlicht falsch !! Bose ist ein amerikanisches Unternehmen. Das beantwortet leider nicht den Preisunterschied. Ich kann es mir nur so erklären das Bose hier in Deutschland vielleicht einen anderen Ruf hat, besonders hochwertige Produkte herzustellen, und das wird mit dem Preis untermauert.
9 :
For one thing the present Euro/USD exchange rate favors American made goods. Another is the high Import duties European charge and the High taxes. As mentioned in the other responses the the highly regulated European Market is not condusive to the natural checks and balances of a free trade market. Bose by the way is an American Company, not a german one. http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/about/history/index.jsp
10 :
Yes you are right. In Germany is everything expensive. Also the Taxes, everything you are buying 7% and 19% taxes. Renting place, utilities and food are unbelivable. Right now all the milk products and meat prices higher again. About the high prices of energy that's crazy. Having car in Germany is nightmare, you are paying taxes and insurance this killing people also. But they are earning more than in US.
11 :
Supply and demand, trade agreements, and Government interference. It is also the volume of trade involved in the USA. Kind of the reason why Walmart can afford to sell at lower prices. Economy of scales.
12 :
The short form answer: 1-- America has economies of scale. Germany is not even close to what America needs and produces. 2-- America is the only true free economy in the world. Germany has enormous amounts of government interference. 3-- Taxes. Everything in Germany is taxed to death. A pair of Puma sneakers costs $110 Euros. The same pair can be attained for $65 USD. Even if the exchange rate was at parity (which it should given economics) and 1 EUR = 1 USD, the tax amounts to more than 50%. 4-- Taxes. Gas and oil are taxed to astronomical figures and everything requires gas- from tansport to plastic. 5-- Tarrifs. The German govenment is affraid other countries will take away business so imports are taxed to death as well. And unlike what others have said- there is NO LONGER FREE EDUCATION IN GERMANY, NO LONGER FREE HEALTHCARE, THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY GOOD SOCIAL SERVICES and some roads and bridges are being tolled to raise money as the infrastructure is old-- the east is even worse- need I say more? 6-- Money needed to rebuild the East. Over 1 Trillions dollars have been poured into the east to rebuild yet it remains decades behind and unemployment is over 14%. 7-- Poverty combatation. 8--Taxes. Taxes and more Taxes. Have they ever heard of the Boston Tea Party? Well you are not the only one trying to enter the US. Over 10,000,000 people per year apply for a green card, 45,000,000 apply for visas yearly and untold millions (estimated 20 mil ) yearly risk their lives to come in illegally. May you become rich and live a great life as most hard working Americans do. Remember--The sky is the limit. This is the land of unlimited opportunity. Welcome to America and God Bless.



Monday, July 1, 2013

can you help someone out in germany, if your in the u.s?

can you help someone out in germany, if your in the u.s?
this is really long, but i need help please. im freaking out, crying. and i have no idea what to do. my mom and dad divorced because he was cheating on her for 15 years, and she met this guy on line and they "fell in love" she went there to stay with him in december and hasnt came back since. he wont let her leave, she was supposed to come back in july before my birthday. she said that she couldnt because they missed a plane and would come out later, now i understand that hes going to try to keep her. she calls when hes sleeping crying to my grandma about how he beats her all the time, he wont let her leave, he fucking lets her starve, he kicks her out at night and makes her sleep outside for no reaosn, hes tried choking her in her sleep, hes fucking crazy. he played out a whole act the whole time they talked online; i know this seems like a movie, and fake. but its true,. my mom and i never got along and i "hated her" but i wouldnt be able to stand it if i lost her, i know she was always being fucked over her whole life, i feel so bad. she doesnt deserve to die and this guys a fucking creeper, hes going to do something and i need help now. i really want to know how i could talk to someone out in germany that speaks english, so they could understand me and help her get back here. i miss her, my family misses her, but nobody trying hard enough, this is my mother and i need to try, if it wasnt for her i wouldnt be here and please someone help me., i dont know what to do anymore, and i know i could probably never see her again, and i dont want to regret not trying, please help me someone. we cant even make enough money to get her back, but hse has a passport im just hoping there are the right people out there that can help her for now until we make the money, this guy thats hurting her, he doesnt understand what the fuck hes doing. its my mother he took from me, and hes trying to kill her. i hate him, i really do. i would risk my life just to know that i punched him in the face, i want my mom back here.
Family - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Take some more family members with you and you all go there with the police and bring her home.
2 :
tell the police in the us and they should tell german police
3 :
please i sent you a email just take advice please please do it it will work i promise you will see your mom ONLY if you take my advice