BEFORE ARRIVAL

What to bring along with you and what to avoid?



  • Pressure cooker (with vessels, idli pan, extra gasket) or electric rice cooker if preferred.

  • Rolling pin for chapati or electric roti maker

  • Flat-bottomed kadai (vaanali), one non-stick frying pan are basic necessities

  • Coconut scraper

  • Small crusher for garlic, ginger, cardamom, etc.

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  • Pet bottles for salt, spices, etc.

  • Basic spices like mustard, jeera,etc. are available here. However, it is advisable to get minimal amounts for the initial days. Those who prefer homemade pickles and spices like sambhar powder, rasam powder, puliodgare mix, etc. please do not hesitate to bring sufficient amounts.

  • Tea/coffee – if you prefer Indian brands.

  • Maggi

  • Aataa, pickles, tamarind, jiggery, papad, ghee (made in UK, though not as good as Amul or Aavin), grater all are available here at the Indian markets. No need to carry them from India.

  • Clothes – as many sets as possible, especially casuals and undergarments which are expensive here. It is definitely nice to fit in one or two sets of traditional Indian wear.

  • Winter clothes, however, are better purchased here unless you are arriving sometime between October and April.

  • One thick blanket

  • Medicines – Please be informed that one cannot buy medicines without prescriptions from a medical practitioner in Germany. Hence, if you are taking chronic medication, please get along your medicines. Some common medicines recommended – Paracetamol, pain killers, Vicks/Amrutanjan/Zandu balm, Iodex/Moov, Coldarin, Saridon, Gelusil/Digene, Pudinhara/Hajmola, Eno, Ointments for burns/cuts, Electral powder, any others which are of personal preference.

  • Electrical equipments – Electric power supply in Germany is 220V/50Hz. Most electrical equipments like TV, CD/DVD players are easily available at almost comparable prices. Some equipments that are not available here are mixer grinder, food processor, Laptop power adapter for Europe. In any case, do not forget to get the India →Europe adapter plug.

  • Music CDs/DVDs

  • Books are expensive here. So, bring along with you essential books.

  • Spectacles are much more expensive here. So, it is recommended to get one or two extra pairs of spectacles.

  • Sewing kit (not machine ;)) will any day find its use here.

  • Indian Calendar

  • Your driving license

  • Money (1000 - 1500 Euros) for the first month