Anyone from Munich? Considering a move there...

[2careless]

I work for a German multinational with HQ in Munich. I've been told that I've been nominated for a transfer/delegation to HQ for 2-3 years, mainly this is their way of staff training, cross-pollination of ideas between branch office and HQ, etc etc. It is kind of a promotion as I have refused to become a manager.

Just want to know from folks living there, how expensive is it?
1. how much to expect for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment (furnished) per month - relatively safe suburb that one can walk through at night?
2. how much it cost to dine out e.g. main course/desert type ?
3. how much for tax and health insurance? I read that tax is like 50% gross income and insurance approx 20% of gross?
4. how difficult to live there if you don't speak German but only English?
5. Is there absolutely no Sunday trading? I lived in London in the 80s and absolutely hated it. Looks like I'll be going back to the Dark Ages.
6. how expensive is to maintain a car there?

Sorry, lots of questions. If there are expat web sites for Germany please point me to the right directions.

Thanks Kai

[TheVTCGuy]

Kai, I don't know any of your answers as it will be my first time in Germany, but if you take the position we're going out to celebrate our new promotions my friend!

[2careless]

Sure thing mate. What city will you be in? Paris/Frankfurt or something else?
I think my delegation will start in April 2010.

[figbo]

You guys have to remember that the euro is one of the strongest money in the world,be careful!

[sBmRnR]

Never tried google or google??

[esm]

Kai, I'm sure one of those expat forums will be more helpful than seeking answers here on a watch forum IMHO.

Congrats on the promotion mate. You are gonna miss the Aussie lifestyle.

[deserted]

Been to germany several times , it's a beautiful country..I can't tell you much about the cost of living etc, but the night clubs are great especially the disco circut!!!!

[2careless]

Thanks guys. I know I'll be in for a shock. All my colleagues are telling me how bad back home is compared to Australia...

[f-du-27]

I spent a year in Munich in 1972. Very nice city with almost no suburbs at the time. Very little industry but mainly offices from big companies. You could drive a mile away from the Ring and be surrounded by fields.
Dont worry about shoping on Sundays. The locals go to nearby lakes in sommer and go skiing in Austria in Winter.
I suppose your company will send you to the Goethe Institut to learn the language. After six month you make your way in German.
Munich is very centraly located in Europe so you'll have a lot to visit. Begin with the Alt Pinakotek in Munich.

[miked]

Ive spent some time in Munich. Its a very nice city. Germany seems relatively cheap compared to the rest of Western Europe, both in rent and food costs.
If its only 2 years I say go for it.....if your home base is Munich think of all of the places you can visit on a long weekend or a proper holiday....Do it.

[swatty]

Munich is a great city and so close to all the best parts of Europe. I say go for it Kai. I speak german, the last time I was there I found most people spoke english really well so I hardly got to practice my german at all. The cost of living is a lot higher than here but it will be a great experience, especially if you like to drive fast

[snowbird]

I've never lived in Munich so can't speak to the cost of housing etc., but have been there many times and love it there, it's a great city and I think it's a great opportunity to be able to live there for a while.