Essential Packing List for Nurses Moving to Germany

What to Bring from India for Your First 6-12 Months

Moving to Germany for your nursing Ausbildung is an exciting step! However, certain essentials from India will help make your transition smoother, especially during your initial months. Here’s a list of things you should carry before departure, as they may be harder or more expensive to find in Germany.

1. Documents and Important Papers

• Passport and Visa (ensure both are valid for your stay)
• Admission letter from the nursing school or hospital
• Health Insurance documentation (proof of health insurance coverage)
• Educational and professional certificates (translated if required)
• German language proficiency certificate (e.g., B1/B2)
• Medical records (vaccination history, TB test, etc.)
• Emergency contacts list (family, friends, embassy)

📌 Tip: Keep physical copies and digital backups of all important documents.

2. Nursing-Specific Items

• Nursing shoes (comfortable and slip-resistant for long shifts)
• Nurse watch (waterproof, simple design for work)
• Thermometer (digital thermometer for personal use)
• Notebooks and pens (for clinical training or classes)

📌 Tip: Comfortable footwear is a must, as shifts can be long and tiring.

3. Clothing

• Season-appropriate clothing (including warm winter gear like a jacket, gloves, scarves, hat, beanie, winter socks, thermal wear)
• Comfortable footwear for walking and casual use
• Formal attire (for professional settings or interviews)
• Ethnic wear (to wear on festivals, cultural gatherings, etc.)
• Socks and underwear (enough to last a few weeks)
• Laundry bags (for separating dirty laundry)

📌 Tip: Germany can get extremely cold in winter, so invest in good quality thermal wear.

4. Health and Personal Care

• Prescription medications (carry a sufficient supply and the doctor’s prescription, especially for long-term medications)
• Over-the-counter medication (pain relievers, cold meds, etc., that you are familiar with)
• Personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorants—though available in Germany, you might prefer familiar Indian brands for the first few months)
• Feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads, tampons, etc.)
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
• Sunscreen, coconut oil, and moisturizer (for dry winters)

📌 Tip: Some medicines available in India may require a prescription in Germany, so carry what you need.

5. Electronics and Gadgets

• Laptop (for studying and communication)
• Smartphone (make sure it’s unlocked for use with a German SIM card)
• Power bank (for backup charging during travel or long shifts)
• Adapter plug and voltage converter (Germany uses Type C/F plugs, 220V, 50Hz)
• Headphones/earphones (for leisure, studying, or calls)

📌 Tip: Carry a universal adapter, as Indian plugs won’t fit in German sockets.

6. Money and Banking

• Euros (a small amount for immediate expenses like transport and groceries)
• Debit/Credit card (Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted in Germany)
• Bank account details (for your German or international bank account)

📌 Tip: Germany is still a cash-friendly country, so always carry some cash.

7. Food and Kitchen Essentials

• Spices/Herbs (for cooking Indian food like garam masala, turmeric, etc., if you’re particular about cooking your meals)
• Utensils (stainless steel flat-bottomed pressure cooker, since most places in Germany have induction hot plates to cook)
• Instant foods or snacks (instant noodles, dry fruits, biscuits, etc., to tide you over in the first few weeks)
• Tea or coffee (Indian brands if you prefer those over German options. Tea available in Germany does not taste the same as in India. If you are a tea person, carry enough to last till your next visit.)

📌 Tip: Some spices and Indian food items are available in Indian stores in Germany, but they may be expensive.

8. Miscellaneous Essentials

• Backpack (for carrying essentials during training)
• Umbrella (for the rainy season)
• Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated, especially during long shifts)

📌 Tip: Many public places in Germany have drinking water refilling stations, so a reusable water bottle helps save money.

9. Small Items for Social Integration

• German language learning materials (books, apps, or flashcards for practice)
• Small gifts or souvenirs from India (to exchange or share with new friends or colleagues)

📌 Tip: Having small souvenirs from India can be a great conversation starter and help you bond with new people.

Conclusion

These are the key things you should carry with you from India, as they might be harder or more expensive to get in Germany initially. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to purchase other items, but having these essentials on hand will make your transition smoother.

✅ Plan ahead, pack wisely, and start your new journey with confidence!
Safe travels and best of luck in your Ausbildung! 🚀