Frankfurt, Germany Report of what it's like to live there - 07/17/25
Personal Experiences from Frankfurt, Germany
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Virginia. There are direct flights, it is easy to travel home.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are two housing choices: either live in the city or on the compound. Off-compound housing generally received better reviews, but the commute can be long. The compound was stressful while we were there. A lot of it was under construction. On top of that, it felt like living in a fishbowl without any privacy. The soundproofing was non-existent.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Reasonable.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are plenty of dining options, and two take-out apps.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mice.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO or DHL.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Unsure. I don't know anyone who employed help.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, it is easy to walk and bike throughout the city. Frankfurt has several parks, many of which have public outdoor gyms.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Local gyms tend to be expensive. There is a community gym available at a reasonable price, but it could use some improvements.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No. Many places only accept cash. ATMs are safe.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Several.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Almost none. Frankfurt has a big expat community, and most people in the city speak English.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
A vehicle isn’t necessary, but if you do bring one, go with something small. Charging isn't available for electric vehicles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it is available upon arrival.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Pets don’t need to be quarantined. There are plenty of qualified vets around. In Frankfurt, all dogs have to be registered with the city, and some breeds are restricted. If you’re thinking about adopting, be prepared because it’s not easy here.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most EFMs work in the consulate.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Same as any Western city: be aware and use common sense.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Legionella was present in the water supply on the housing compound. Several people got sick.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality was fine for a city.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Seasonal allergies are common.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Yes. SAD was common.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather’s fairly average with wet and gray winters and mild summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a good number of school options in Frankfurt. Most kids go to FIS.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Local preschools are called Kitas. There’s also a preschool run by the community association at post.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, there are many options.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The Community Liaison Office (CLO) lists local clubs in the newsletter, and there are a few English-speaking organizations around.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It’s easy to make friends with other expats. Making German friends is a lot tougher even if you speak the language. Germans have a reputation for taking their time to let new people in, but once they do, being very loyal. The challenge is, most people aren’t around long enough to build those kinds of relationships.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Same as most Western cities.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Getting around Europe is easy.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Salzburg, Austria, especially the lakes around the area is a place I’d recommend.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The bike paths.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I’d known to live in the city instead of on the compound.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
large vehicles.
4. But don't forget your:
rain gear.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Many but here are a few: Stasiland: Stories from behind the Berlin Wall, In the Garden of Beasts, All Quiet on the Western Front, Slaughterhouse-Five, The Glass Bead Game.
6. Do you have any other comments?
I wouldn’t recommend living on the housing compound. If we could go back, we'd choose off-compound housing.
Hazing was a problem and not just with the kids, but with some of the adults too. First-tour families were made to feel like they had to earn access to the fieldhouse and prove themselves to the more senior residents and show they were “cool” enough to be included. My spouse was told that first tour EFMs should be seen and not heard.
My spouse came home almost in tears more than once after volunteering and attending events due to comments flung at her and other first tour EFMs. Eventually, we stopped participating altogether.
Until the bullying is addressed, I can’t recommend this post in good conscience.
