Relocation Assistance

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offer 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log in details, visit Moving Your Personal Property.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometime emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Welcome to Wiesbaden. 

Relocating can be a stressful time. especially when moving to a new country.

Below is a list of resources to use as you prepare to move.

For all the Newcomers information and resources please click/cut and paste the following link:  https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/newcomers

The ACS Relocation Readiness Program has a myriad of services readily available to support all incoming and outgoing service members, family members and civilians who are undergoing a Permanent Change of Station Move.

The program provides services that include but not limited to:

• One-on-One Relocation Counseling
• Weekly Host Nation Orientation (Service Members, Civilians and Family members are welcome to attend)
• Welcome Packets digital copy is also available
• Walking Tours
• Computer Lab for internet access
• English and German Language Classes
• Lending Closet
• Unit, Civilian, Spouse and Youth Sponsorship Training
• Smooth Move Trainings that cover all aspects of your move
• Spouse Sponsorship Program
• Spouse Orientation for newly arrived spouses/partners 

The Relocation Readiness Program is located in the Hainerberg Housing Area, Building 7790, Army Community Service.

Please contact us at DSN 314-548-9201/9202 or 0611 143-548-9201 or 9202. Hours of operation: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and on Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please check your Relocation Program at the following link:

https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/relocation-readiness-program

or email the main ACS mailbox at: usarmy.wiesbaden.id-europe.mbx.mwr-acs@mail.mil

Exploring your new Home - the following link will bring you to the official City of Wiesbaden website in english.

The contents of which are topics we usually discuss during our weekly Host Nation Orientation.

Website :  https://www.wiesbaden.de/en/living-in-wiesbaden/index.php

Please see our Virtual Walking Tours - please copy and paste one of the following links: 

•Caution https://youtu.be/NMfaEOCVo3I

•Caution https://www.wiesbaden.de/en/tourism/virtual-tours/index.php

* Not accessible on Government network.

LENDING CLOSET

The following items are available: dishes, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, glassware and mugs. Specialty items (limited quantity) include: irons with ironing boards, coffee pots, toasters, high chairs, pack n' plays, and GPS/navigation systems.

Please note that navigation systems are available within the first 15 days of arrival.

Please check out the Relocation Program link below and get a list of the items we have available.

https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/relocation-readiness-program

ATTENTION: Please note linens are NOT available through the lending closet and the selection is limited to the PX (German linens may not fit your American bed size). Consider packing these items in your unaccompanied baggage or mailing essential linens in advance. The community Thrift Shop often carries these items for sale as well.

The Housing Office has both a furniture and appliance branch from which furniture can be borrowed until your household goods arrive and appliances for the duration of your assignment. Your washing machine, dryer, deep freezer, etc. will not work here.

Electrical voltage
An essential point to remember in bringing electrical items is that the German electrical standard is 220 volts and 50 hertz while the U.S. uses 110 volts and 60 hertz. Although many government quarters have been renovated with both 110v and 220v outlets, electrical appliances made for use in the U.S. must be used here with a transformer if 110v outlets are not available. Some appliances, such as clocks, do not work properly when plugged into a transformer. Others, such as microwaves, stand mixers, vacuums, etc. may deteriorate when returned to 110 voltage use. Many appliances are now available in dual voltage; they simply require an adapter which can be purchased locally. Don't discard your lamps. If your quarters are wired for 220v, all you need is an adapter, which can be purchased locally for a nominal cost and a 220v light bulb to use the lamps here.

Important documents you should hand carry
Your orders- have multiple copies

Medical Records- Immunization records and medical/dental history for yourself and each family member

Legal Documents:

• Marriage certificates and/or divorce decrees
• Passports- both "No-fee" and tourist passports (all travelers must have a passport, regardless of age)
• Birth Certificates and Social security cards
• Wills, Powers of attorney
• School records
• Car documents- Title, Shipping documents, Registration, Insurance policy, Valid Driver's License your driver's license must remain valid for the duration of your tour in order to get a valid USAREUR driver's license- regardless of your state's military exemptions.
• Household goods shipping inventory
• Employment records
• Credit cards
• Copy of your last leave and earnings statement

Privately-owned vehicles
U.S. Customs requires personnel to have a copy of the title to their vehicle when shipping it overseas. The title must include the vehicle identification number (VIN) or, if the vehicle does not have a VIN, the product identification number. If there's a lien on the vehicle, there must be written approval from the lien holder. Contact your lender as soon as you get orders to prevent last minute problems.

Vehicles are shipped to the Mainz-Kastel Vehicle Processing Center, a ten minute drive from Wiesbaden Army Airfield. It's important that personnel notify the transportation office upon arrival. Additional information about shipping your vehicle can be found at the PCSmyPOV website.

Your car must pass an inspection for safety, condition and reliability. It is recommended that any needed repairs be completed prior to shipping your car to Germany. Labor and parts are very expensive and parts may take extended time to arrive in Germany. Check vehicles for rust, chips, cracks in the windshield and oil leaks. Inoperative lights, horn, speedometer, window tinting and other items can prevent your car from passing inspection. You are required to have an authorized first aid kit in your car at all times. Be sure to purchase this kit prior to your car inspection- your car will pass inspection without it. Kits are sold at the AAFES shopettes and at local auto supply stores. Seek assistance from your unit sponsor or vehicle registration for additional information.

Car Insurance
Germany has a high cost of living. Prices for auto insurance are especially expensive. Variables include your age, the car's age, engine size, make, model and weight. German liability insurance, which is mandatory, ranges from 400 to 1,000 Euros per year. Shop around when purchasing insurance.

Driver's licenses
The minimum age for driving in Germany is 17. Service Members, U.S. Civilian employees, and Family members must have a stateside license or a country license to obtain a USAREUR license. Prior to departing the U.S., ensure your stateside driver's license is current and not near expiration- your USAREUR license is only valid with a valid, non- expired stateside driver's license. Personnel must hold a USAREUR POV Certificate of License in order to operate a private automobile. Individuals are no longer permitted to use a military license in lieu of a valid state or country license to obtain a U.S. Forces POV Certificate of License for any class. Prior to arriving, it is recommended that you study for the driver's license exam. Download the Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany or USAREUR Practice Test and Study Guide. The laws and street signs are different than in the U.S. and can be confusing. Personnel requiring child care during the driver's orientation and test may utilize hourly slots at the Child Development Center on a space available basis; however, children must be registered through Central Enrollment in order to use hourly care. If you do not have a valid license you will be considered a "novice" and must go through German licensing procedures to obtain a license. The process is very lengthy and expensive. A German driver's license costs approximately 2,000 Euros.

Child safety seats
Car seat requirements are different in Germany than in the U.S. All children under 12 years of age who are smaller than 4'11" or weigh less than 50 pounds must use an approved child seat or booster seat. Children up to 36 months or up to 40 pounds must use a car seat. Children ages 3 to 11 or 33 to 80 pounds must use a booster seat. Failure to use these devices may result in a fine and/or loss of your driving privileges. Please bring these items with you as the lending closet by regulation is NOT able to loan these items.

Gas
Gasoline is a rationed item in Germany. Depending on how many drivers and vehicles are registered with your family will determine the amount of gas you can purchase from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Gas is good quality and purchased in liters instead of gallons. Although there are two AAFES gas stations that service the community, you will be issued an ESSO card to be able to purchase gas at specific gas stations on the economy. The ESSO card allows you to pay the same AAFES contracted rate that you would pay on post. Without, you could pay up to $5 a gallon at a German gas station. Your ESSO card is only valid in the country in which you are stationed. Personal travel outside of Germany will require you to pay local gas prices. ESSO cards are available for rental cars by visiting the MP station for initial approval.

Pets
In Germany, there is an import ban on specific dogs that are considered dangerous or "fighting dogs." Due to dog attacks on humans, the German state and federal governments have banned the following breeds from being brought into Germany: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier. Dogs of other breeds may also not be imported from another country if they are considered dangerous by the regulations where the dog will primarily live. Although each state in Germany maintains their own regulations on what dogs are banned, the most popular breeds that regularly appear on these lists include the American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff and Pitbull Bandog.
Germany does not quarantine animals but requires a health certificate which cannot be more than 10 days old. Rabies vaccinations must be at least 30 days old and not more than one year old. Your local veterinarian can provide information and the USAG Wiesbaden Veterinary website has essential PCSing with pet information.

Exceptional Family Member Program
Everyone on orders to Europe must complete an Exceptional Family Member Program screening before dependent travel will be authorized. For information regarding the EFMP screening, contact your local medical facility or EFMP Coordinator at your local ACS. Click USAG Wiesbaden EFMP for local information.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

When calling a civilian number from the United States, dial the international code (011), country code and drop the first zero. e.g. 011 49 611 XXX-XXXX

From other countries dial the international code (00), country code (49) drop the zero. e.g. 00 49 611 XXX-XXXX

334-2XXX (06134) 604 + LAST 3
334-4XXX (0611) 508 + LAST 3
335-5XXX (0611) 4080 + LAST 3
336-XXXX (0611) 816-XXXX
337-XXXX (0611) 705-XXXX
338-7XXX (0611) 380-XXXX
347-3XXX (06155) 603-XXX
537-XXXX (0611) 143-537-XXXX
546-XXXX (0611) 143-546-XXXX
548-XXXX (0611) 143-548-XXXX
570-XXXX (0611) 9744-XXXX

Value Added Tax Office

The Value Added Tax (VAT) Office is located in Bldg. 1023 East, Clay Kaserne, DSN: 314-548-9107 COM: 011 49 611 143-548-9107, hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) is located in Bldg. 1023 east, Clay Kaserne. Appointments only: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays open for walk-ins. The Germans pay an additional 19% on items purchased on the economy. Military ID card holders are entitled to forgo paying this tax by using the Value Added Tax Form available at the Value Added Tax Office. These forms must be presented to the merchant as the purchase is made.

For general groceries items the tax is included in the price and cannot be deducted by a value added tax form. The 19% tax mostly pertains to bigger items like cars, furniture, travel media items etc. The merchant can, but does not have to accept the tax form. It is advised to ask before you make the purchase to see if the business accepts the VAT form.

United Service Organization (USO)

Wiesbaden/Mainz USO Cottage Location: 07748 Washington, Hainerberg Telephone: 314-335-5103; local 0611-71202880-Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Hainerberg Store Location: Hainerberg Shopping Center Telephone: 314-548-5106; local 0611-143-548-5106, Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

USO Clay Kaserne Location: Welcome Center, Telephone: 314-337-5806; local 0611-7055806 Hours: -M, W-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The USO offers many classes and tours for newcomers to help them adapt to their new community.