70173 Brosch_fingertips_titel_E 18.04.2007 7:24 Uhr Seite 1 Invest in Bavaria Facts at Your a quick guide to your Fingertips new environment Please contact us Area Munich Greater the for manual Orientation for more information. Contact Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology www.invest-in-bavaria.com Dr. Markus Wittmann Dalaine Bartelme Address Prinzregentenstrasse 28 and Liz-Ann Lawton D-80538 Munich Editors Phone (+4989)2162-2642 Erika Swedberg and Leonne Francot +4989)2162-2803 Consulting Editors Fax ( [email protected] Copyright © 2007 E-mail Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Internet www.invest-in-bavaria.com of Munich International School Invest in Bavaria—a joint project between the Bavarian Schloss Buchhof Ministry of Economic Affairs,Infrastructure, Transport Bavarian Ministry of Economic 82319 Starnberg, Germany and Technology and Bayern International Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport Publisher: Bayern International GmbH, Print: Mediengruppe Universal, München and Technology 70173 Brosch_fingertips_titel_E 18.04.2007 7:24 Uhr Seite 2 Preface Dear Ladies and Gentlemen The State of Bavaria is one of the strongest, most advanced and dynamic economic regions in the world. Considered by many as the Silicon Valley of Europe, Bavaria enjoys the reputation of a world-class high-tech center. With over 1,200 foreign high-tech companies from 30 countries located in Bavaria, international business has become an integral part of the Bavarian economy. These companies have chosen Bavaria because of its excellent business environment, good infrastructure and a healthy mix of high-tech companies and traditional industries. Erwin Huber But there are even more very convincing reasons for coming Bavarian State to Bavaria. Apart from its beautiful scenery, Bavaria also offers Minister of culture of the highest international standard as well as enormous Economic Affairs, leisure and recreational value. Lederhosen, beer gardens and Infrastructure, Oktoberfest—all over the world Bavaria is synonymous with Transport joie de vivre, hospitality and openness. and Technology In order to make it as easy as possible for you and your family to live and settle down here in the south of Bavaria, the Munich International School in cooperation with the Bavarian Internatio- nal School has put together some of the most important tips for you in this manual “Facts at Your Fingertips” based on their own experiences. The more familiar you are with all the characteris- tics of a country or a town, the more you feel at home. We are glad to support this project and hope that this guide will offer you some valuable help in your daily life: Welcome to Bavaria! 70173 Brosch_fingertips_titel_E 18.04.2007 7:24 Uhr Seite 2 Preface Dear Ladies and Gentlemen The State of Bavaria is one of the strongest, most advanced and dynamic economic regions in the world. Considered by many as the Silicon Valley of Europe, Bavaria enjoys the reputation of a world-class high-tech center. With over 1,200 foreign high-tech companies from 30 countries located in Bavaria, international business has become an integral part of the Bavarian economy. These companies have chosen Bavaria because of its excellent business environment, good infrastructure and a healthy mix of high-tech companies and traditional industries. Erwin Huber But there are even more very convincing reasons for coming Bavarian State to Bavaria. Apart from its beautiful scenery, Bavaria also offers Minister of culture of the highest international standard as well as enormous Economic Affairs, leisure and recreational value. Lederhosen, beer gardens and Infrastructure, Oktoberfest—all over the world Bavaria is synonymous with Transport joie de vivre, hospitality and openness. and Technology In order to make it as easy as possible for you and your family to live and settle down here in the south of Bavaria, the Munich International School in cooperation with the Bavarian Internatio- nal School has put together some of the most important tips for you in this manual “Facts at Your Fingertips” based on their own experiences. The more familiar you are with all the characteris- tics of a country or a town, the more you feel at home. We are glad to support this project and hope that this guide will offer you some valuable help in your daily life: Welcome to Bavaria! 70173 Brosch_fingertips_E 18.04.2007 8:29 Uhr Seite 1 Preface Welcome to Munich! Ranking tables confirm the fact again and again: The city that hosts the largest expatriate community anywhere in Germany remains uncontested as the most successful and attractive city in the country. And no wonder! A potent and diversified economic structure, a broad spectrum of growth industries, a healthy mix of global players and vibrant SMEs, an excellently trained work force and a superlative infrastructure truly put Munich in a class of its own. Acknowledged as a hive of creativity and a hub of science and knowledge, Munich is also home to two of Germany’s three elite universities. No fewer than eight international schools are avail- Dr. Reinhard Wieczorek able in and around the city, as are numerous foreign-language City Councilor kindergartens and elementary schools. Department of Labor and Economic By no means least, Munich is also a pulsating cultural metropolis, Development boasting more than a hundred museums and art galleries, three City of Munich world-class orchestras and a phalanx of theaters. The English Garden on the River Isar, traditional beer gardens, the famous Oktoberfest and countless lakes and castles paint the perfect back- drop to an unrivaled choice of sporting and leisure activities. 70173 Brosch_fingertips_E 18.04.2007 8:29 Uhr Seite 2 Preface The Parent Teacher Organization (“PTO”) of the Munich Inter- national School (“MIS”) warmly welcomes you and your family to Germany. MIS was founded in 1966 and is an International Bacca- laureate World school which offers English language instruction for students from early childhood through grade 12. MIS serves both the international community in and around Munich, as well as those from the local community who wish to take advantage of the unique educational experience MIS offers. The student popu- lation is currently represented by 48 nationalities. The PTO is a group of parents and teachers whose main goals are to develop a closely-knit MIS community and provide volunteer Liz-Ann Lawton support to MIS. In 1996, the PTO decided that some type of guide PTO President should be developed to help new families at MIS adapt more School Year quickly to their new environment. Thus, “Facts at Your Finger- 2006–2007 tips” was born. The PTO is pleased to produce this year’s “Facts at Your Fingertips” in conjunction with the Bavarian International School (BIS) and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology. This guide will help you and your family to find useful information about shopping, the health care system, public transportation and much, much more. We wish you and your family the best of luck as you start your new adventure here in Germany. When the Bavarian International School (“BIS”) was founded back in 1991, MIS generously provided advice and support to help our school to take root and grow. Today, BIS serves Munich’s expatriate community by providing an international educational program to school age children of all nationalities. Our PTO was delighted to be invited to collaborate on this new edition of “Facts at Your Fingertips,” and thus continue the tradi- tion of offering a helping hand to newcomers to the Munich area. Dalaine Bartelme PTO President School Year 2006–2007 70173 Brosch_fingertips_E 18.04.2007 8:29 Uhr Seite 3 Facts at Your a quick guide to your Fingertips new environment Disclaimer: V.i.S.P. Any and all company names used through- Dalaine Bartelme and Liz-Ann Lawton, out this manual are provided solely as Editors examples and do not and are not Erika Swedberg and Leonne Francot, intended to represent all the providers in Consulting Editor a particular sector. Goods/services of equivalent quality can also be procured Copyright © 2007 from other sources. The Yellow Pages of Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) the Telephone Directory can always be of Munich International School used to find alternative addresses that Schloss Buchhof may even be closer. Absolutely no guaran- 82319 Starnberg, Germany tee is made for the content or for the services offered by these companies. Inclusion in the manual does not imply any recommendation or valuation of the provider. No conclusions can be drawn from a company not being included. This collection is, of course, also available to other companies offering appropriate services. 70173 Brosch_fingertips_E 18.04.2007 8:29 Uhr Seite 4 Chapter I A Taste of Munich 06 Introduction 06 1 The City 06 2 The North 07 3 The South 07 4 The West 07 5 The East 07 Chapter II Housing and Relocation 09 Introduction to Real Estate Market with Facts and Statistics 09 1 What to Expect from your Accommodations 09 2 Practical Help in Finding a Place to Live 09 3 The Contract I The Rent 10 I The Deposit 10 I Rights and Obligations as Tenant 11 I The Landlord’s Obligations 11 I Moving Out 12 4 The Move I Parking 12 I Tips and Food for Movers 12 5 Utilities: Obtaining Gas, Electricity, Water, TV, Radio, Telephone, 12 and Internet Services 6 Banks and Banking 14 7 Registration I Local Authorities 16 I Residence Permit 16 I Work Permit 17 I Tax Card 17 I Child Benefit (Kindergeld) 17 I Pets 17