24. What to Carry in Your Purse at All Times
I hate carrying sh*&, I hate it, I hate it! I hate it so much, I invented a purse that goes on your waist, so you don’t have to carry anything on your shoulder. In Germany, get ready to carry a very heavy purse. You must have at all times these items:
-Money
$50 Euros at least, your EC card will be rejected at many institutions in which you will feel embarrassed, upset, knowing there’s money in there and asking the cashier to swipe it again. Many don’t even accept this card, and because they don’t have checks here, you MUST carry cash at all times!
-Change
Carry lots of 1 and 2 Euros, and 50 cent coins. You will be needing them to pay for parking everywhere and using all public restrooms, no exceptions.
-Umbrella
It will rain and even if there’s not a cloud in the sky, it will rain. Carry one.
-Gloves
I can’t tell you how freakish cold it can get here, I used my leather gloves every single day in winter, all extremities MUST be covered. That means head, hands and feet, always!
-Pack of Tissue
Even if you normally don’t have one, your nose will run in Germany. Look around in winter, there will always be people blowing their nose here from the ice cold, or having a flu etc. Do it, you may even need it for the bathroom if you know what I mean.
-Map
Information is crucial at all times, if you’re new to the city (and good luck driving without Navigation!!!) you must carry a map to have a vague idea of where you are and where you’re going. If taking a tram/bus a schedule and tram map is useful too.
-Cel Phone or Handy
It is pretty “handy,” (if you don’t mind paying 25 cents per min. depending on the service) to have a handy or cel phone with you at all times.
-All phone numbers written down
There is no way your normal seven digit telephone memory will be able to remember 11-12 German telephone numbers!
-2 cloth bags
for groceries, stuff, I use them ALL the time!!
-pad of paper and pen
-keys
don’t laugh we just locked ourselves out of our apartment last week and paid 70 Euros/100 USD for the locksmith! All labor is very expensive here!
-Passport
You must carry your darn ID papers in Germany at all times, it’s not my rule, it’s theirs!
-Sunglasses
even though you might not be using them often in the winter if at all! When the sun does come out, it gets super bright here, so protect your eyes, it won’t be used to all that sunlight
-Drivers License
don’t even think about driving without your proper license, the car insurance will not cover expenses if you’re not legally allowed to drive