Expat insights to the state capital of NRW An eBook of articles to complement your online city guide Amazing Dusseldorf Life as an expat in one of the world’s great expat destinations is unique. International business professionals live in Düsseldorf, thrown by design or by fortune into a new culture, new language and new routine full of surprises Preamble The perpetual expat A selection of assorted stories covering the exciting world of international residents relocating to and residing in Düsseldorf, one of the world’s great expat destinations. Life as an expat is unique. We are thrown by design or by fortune into a new culture, new language and new routine full of surprises. Your publisher has experienced life in various countries including an extended period living in Germany. Contacts within diplomatic and administrative circles led to the birth of a first location guide specifically for international employees. Eleven years later, international business professionals are on the move in ever greater numbers. Düsseldorf has changed much over time. So too the expat definition. The demands and requirements of foreigners have not. This eBook offers many insights, along with a few light-hearted tales to complement Amazing Dusseldorf, the unique, popular eGuide for expats in Düsseldorf. This is the state capital of powerhouse North-Rhine Westphalia viewed through the eyes and mind of “one of us”. My mission? Empowering international residents by providing online insights and relevant local knowledge. Discover and enjoy! First published in the UK in 2018 by Garry R Hurskainen-Green New articles, some content on AmazingCapitals.com/Dusseldorf Text & photos © Garry R Hurskainen-Green 2018 !2 Opening Insights Numerous aspects Chapter 1 - The Location A Fine City ...........................................................................................................................................5 Diverse Aspects ................................................................................................................................... 6 First Impressions .................................................................................................................................7 Friendly Residents ..............................................................................................................................8 The Mayor ...........................................................................................................................................9 Society and Folk ................................................................................................................................10 Sleeping Over .....................................................................................................................................11 Popular Districts ...............................................................................................................................12 Oberkassel, Niederkassel, Heerdt & Lörick ...............................................................................................12 Pempelfort & Derendorf .............................................................................................................................13 Unterbilk & Harbour ..................................................................................................................................13 Flingern .......................................................................................................................................................13 Zoo & Kaiserswerth ....................................................................................................................................13 Getting Around ..................................................................................................................................14 Cycling in Düsseldorf ........................................................................................................................15 Public Transport ................................................................................................................................16 Planes or Trains .................................................................................................................................17 Diverse Surroundings .......................................................................................................................18 Eastern Attractions ...........................................................................................................................19 Ruhr Meeting ....................................................................................................................................20 International Business ......................................................................................................................21 The Harbour ......................................................................................................................................22 Düsseldorf Consulates....................................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 2 - Things to Do Gastronomic Delights .......................................................................................................................24 Street Food ..................................................................................................................................................24 Vegetarian & Vegan ...................................................................................................................................24 Sashimi, Sushi & Eastern ...........................................................................................................................25 German Breweries .....................................................................................................................................25 Düsseldorf Stars .........................................................................................................................................25 Bistros and Blends ......................................................................................................................................26 Fast Food ....................................................................................................................................................26 Coffee Shops ................................................................................................................................................26 Ice Cream Parlours ....................................................................................................................................26 Cultural Landscape ...........................................................................................................................27 Invigorating Interaction ..................................................................................................................28 Joyous Occasions ..............................................................................................................................29 !3 Diverse Themes Informed internationals Movie Nights ......................................................................................................................................31 Fashionable Shopping ......................................................................................................................32 Chapter 3 - Expat Life Relocation Hints ................................................................................................................................33 Residency in Germany...................................................................................................................... 34 Registration in Düsseldorf ................................................................................................................35 Meeting Others ..................................................................................................................................36 Telecommunications .........................................................................................................................37 Language Schools .............................................................................................................................38 International Schooling ....................................................................................................................39 English Church ..................................................................................................................................41 Health Insurance ..............................................................................................................................42 Utility Providers ................................................................................................................................43 Jobs in Düsseldorf .............................................................................................................................44 Employing Expats .............................................................................................................................45 Serving Internationals...................................................................................................................... 46 Chapter 4 - Experiences Lucky translation ..............................................................................................................................47