Transport & Travel

Questions on this topic

Can I get a car lease or loan without a Schufa record?It's possible but difficult; companies look at your Schufa record, the length of your residence permit and your employment contract. You can try a higher deposit, a guarantor or car subscription models; compare all costs carefully before signing.
Can I use a phone bought in Germany with my Turkish SIM in Turkey (IMEI, 120 days)?You can use a phone from abroad with a Turkish SIM for 120 days without IMEI registration. On short visits you may not need to pay the fee, as the period can reset when you return to Germany.
Can I use an eSIM for internet when I travel to Turkey?Yes. Airalo, Turksim and the eSIMs from N26 and Revolut are common choices. Install and activate the eSIM while you are still in Germany, before you fly, as activating it in Turkey can cause problems.
Can my child fly to Turkey alone, and what do they need?Younger children can fly with the airline's paid escort service. For this you fill in a few forms at the airport counter. Do not forget the other parent's consent letter.
Can my pet fly between Turkey and Berlin with someone else?Yes, with a flight volunteer or someone you know. At check-in the documents matter most, so the pet passport and vaccinations must be in order. If you cannot be at the airport, the person flying may need a power of attorney.
Can you suggest a central, affordable hotel in Berlin for my visiting family?For a central, affordable hotel, look at the Premier Inn on Kurfürstendamm. Hotel Sylter Hof and Ibis Budget are at Wittenbergplatz, and Numa Berlin Weinmeister and The Social Hub are in Mitte.
How do I buy and cancel a Deutschland-Ticket for my visiting family?The Deutschland-Ticket is a monthly subscription. If you do not cancel by the 10th of the month, it renews automatically for the next month, so you can cancel straight after buying. Some apps take credit cards, while DB asks for an IBAN.
How do I send parcels or belongings between Turkey and Berlin?For a few boxes, your flight baggage allowance is the easiest option, and some student tickets allow more. For many boxes, ask international shipping companies: they usually quote by the cubic metre.
How does the new electronic entry system (EES) at Berlin airport work?If you arrive on a visa, you scan your own passport at a machine before passport control and give your fingerprints and a photo. The machine is not compulsory, but without it you wait longer at the check.
How long can I use my Turkish driving licence in Germany, and how do I convert it to a German one?A Turkish driving licence is valid for 6 months after you settle in Germany. To convert it to a German licence you need to pass both the theory and the practical test; there are no compulsory driving lessons.
I have a student residence permit. Can I get a Tax Free refund at Berlin Airport?No. With a German residence permit you count as living here, so you cannot get Tax Free on things you buy in Germany.
Is there a limit on carrying cash or gold between Turkey and Germany?You must declare cash of 10,000 euros or more per person at customs. Gold coins such as çeyrek or tam and gold bars count towards this amount. Jewellery does not count as cash, but you may need to declare it as goods.
Is there a new check when flying from Berlin airport to Turkey, and how early should I get there?There is usually no extra check on flights to Turkey: everyone goes through the same passport control. If you arrive 3 hours early, you are often through in 20 minutes.
My child's ears get blocked on planes. What can I do?During take-off and landing, chewing gum, a dummy or bottle for a baby, drinking through a straw and blowing up a balloon all help. If the nose is blocked, a doctor may suggest a nasal spray.
What is the liquids rule for hand luggage, and has it changed at Berlin airport (BER)?Each container can hold at most 100 ml, with 1 litre in total, all in one clear bag. At BER, some security lanes with new scanners let you keep liquids in your bag, but not every lane.