Temporary loaner furniture is available at most installations. This includes tables, chairs, sofas, beds and dressers. In addition, major appliances like washers, dryers, and some transformers are available to borrow for the duration of your tour. Schedule delivery of loaner furniture as soon as you’ve found a home.

❏ Schedule a delivery date for your household goods as soon as you’ve found a home. Dates book quickly during the peak summer PCS season.

❏ During delivery, monitor all items being unloaded and mark them off your inventory list.

❏ Submit a notice of loss within 75 days of delivery and file your claim within nine months.

• Claim any missing or damaged items. Include pictures or purchase receipts if possible.

• Note any damage to your home caused by movers.

• Keep all paperwork until the claim is processed.

The Utilities Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) helps to offset the taxes added to German utility bills and is available through most installations in Germany. Water, electricity and natural gas can be included in UTAP; garbage, cable/satellite TV, sewage, telephone, Internet, heating oil or propane gas deliveries cannot be included in UTAP (see VAT office for exceptions). Signup at your on-installation UTAP office.

u Be sure to bring:

❏ Copy of Orders

❏ Valid ID Card, contractors will also need a valid blue SOFA card.

❏ Copy of your lease and any documents relating to the house/apartment.

❏ Meter readings and serial numbers of meters. We recommend taking pictures with your phone, so nothing gets lost in the translation of handwriting.

❏ German Banking Details: Bank and IBAN Number.

❏ Email address—your U.S. Government one is applicable.

❏ Power of Attorney (if you are not the sponsor).

❏ Unit name and address as well as the phone number and name of your supervisor.

❏ $99 for payment in cash/credit/debit/check.

❏ Any documents or letters sent by the supplier (if applicable).

Savings

• Electricity: 19 percent VAT and energy tax

• Natural gas: 19 percent VAT and energy tax

• Water: 7 percent VAT

• Deposits waived

Utility billing

• Billed monthly.

• Adjusted annually based on actual meter readings.

• Representative may come to your home to read meters.

• You may be required to submit readings online or by mail.

If you live on-installation, your internet choices may be limited to the one that the installation has a contract with. Also, if you live in a smaller village off-installation, you may only have one or two choices for internet.

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): Many providers offer plans with flat-rate monthly fees based on transmission speeds.

• Cable internet: Offers high-speed access and continuous connectivity but is not as widely available as DSL.

AFN (American Forces Network)

• Provides programming from current U.S. networks and prime channels.

• You can use a decoder and satellite for AFN when living on the German economy, or sign up for the AFN Now streaming service.

Satellite

• Visit www.sky.com.

• You will need a satellite and a decoder.

Streaming services

• Examples—AFN Now, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, etc.

• Show variety and availability may be limited because you are outside the U.S.

• Some offer a unique German option with the internet suffix .de

The value added tax (VAT) program can help you save up to 19 percent off purchases in Germany. In order to use the program, visit your local VAT office to purchase VAT forms. The forms are then used when making purchases at German stores. You can purchase up to 10 VAT forms at a time.

Acceptable uses

• Available for many products, services, hotels, vehicles, furniture, clothing, food and electronics.

• Businesses are not required to participate, so ask if VAT forms may be used before planning purchases.

Unacceptable uses

• You cannot use a form once a product or service is ordered.

• Home renovations, major house repairs, cell phone contracts and internet services are not part of program. n

Welcome to Germany