Germany is a high cost of living area so you may wish to prepare as much as you can, as soon as possible. Start with a basic spending plan of your current income, expenses and debt payments. There are many tools available to help you such as the Office of Financial Readiness Managing Your Money and PCS Financial Tips for Military Families. There are many out-of-pocket expenses associated with making a permanent change of station move. Consider additional savings for lodging costs while awaiting reimbursement of temporary lodging allowance, upfront moving-in expenses and potentially a rental vehicle while awaiting your shipped vehicle. Use the tools available or visit your local Airman and Family Readiness Center to start your PCS moving fund and spending plan.
Personal Financial Management
Personal financial readiness counselors at the M&FRCcan assist you in preparing a personalized financial plan. Financial services include information about your entitlements, FICO credit score and report, basic savings and investing education, consumer rip-offs, insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, credit and debt management and more.
Local Currency
The monetary unit in Germany is the Euro. The exchange rate to convert dollars to Euros fluctuates daily. Many on-base facilities will accept Euros and U.S. dollars.
Community Bank and Service Credit Union are full-service financial institutions located on Spangdahlem Air Base. Each financial institution offers checking and saving accounts, foreign currency exchanges, personal loans, certificates of deposit, bill-paying services, 24-hour automatic teller machines and a variety of other services. On-base ATMs allow customers to make withdrawals in dollars or in Euro.
Most items purchased on the German economy are subject to a 19% value added tax. In general, U.S. forces personnel may, if the merchant agrees, obtain tax relief with a VAT relief form which are available at the 52D Force Support Squadron VAT/utility tax avoidance program office. Ensure you carry one along when you're out shopping. The goods or services purchased must be for personal use only.
Money Matters
Car insurance is expensive in Europe. USAA, GEICO, Atlantic Trust and AIU are available. Everyone needs renters insurance, too. Ask about discounts for renters and auto insurance as you shop around. If you are going to drive a vehicle, consider ADAC emergency roadside assistance. AAA is not valid outside of the continental U.S.
If you have a car that has a warranty, please check with the dealer/manufacturer to ensure that the warranty will be honored in Germany. In some cases when the car is shipped to an overseas location, the warranty is voided.
Take advantage of programs and resources designed to ease the stress of making a permanent change of station move. The Air Force Aid Society's child care for PCS provides 20 hours of free child care within 60 days on either side of your PCS via the Family Child Care homes. The Airman's Attic, open to all ranks, is a valuable asset to the Saber Community by providing free items that include kitchen essentials, electronics and a wide variety of donated items.
When you receive PCS orders, you probably will be issued a government travel card. The Government Travel Card – similar to a credit card – comes in handy when paying for moving expenses, but it also must be used wisely to avoid running up extra expenses.
Follow these steps to manage your travel card:
- Use your card only for authorized move-related purchases; pay for personal items with your own moving fund.
- Keep the receipts for any items purchased with the travel card; you will need this paperwork when filing for your reimbursement.
- File for reimbursement promptly and elect split disbursement to pay off the government travel card bill immediately.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
Termination of motor vehicle leases – Section 535 of the SCRA states that leases of motor vehicles used for personal and business transportation may be terminated, without penalty, if the person, after executing the lease, enters military service or receives notice of a PCS outside of the continental U.S. or deployment for a period not less than 180 days. To effectuate a termination, the member must deliver a written notice of termination and copy of their orders to the lessor. Additionally, they must return the vehicle.
Termination of telephone service contracts – Section 535a of the SCRA states that a service member, without penalty, may terminate their cellular phone contract if they receive military orders to relocate, for a period not less than ninety days, to a location that does not support the service. To terminate the contract, the member must deliver written or electronic notice of termination and military orders to the service provider. The service provider must allow the member to retain their telephone number if the relocation is less than three years and the member resubscribes within ninety days of relocating to an area where service is provided.
If you have any questions regarding the SCRA, contact your local legal service office or visit the U.S. Air Force Legal Assistance website.
