Discovering Frankfurt

At Expat.com, we understand that taking the step to move abroad can be a scary one, especially when you have so many questions. In this article, we're going to give you an overview of the most important things you need to know about Frankfurt so that settling in this exciting city will be easier for you.

Of course, you could also ask any questions you might have in our active German forum – expats already living there will give you loads of advice!

Ten things to know before moving to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hessen and lies on the river Main (which is why it's sometimes called Frankfurt am Main) in the West of Germany. It's the birthplace of the famous writer Johan Wolfgang Goethe (whose former house is now a museum) and is made up of many different neighborhoods and parks.

#1 Lerne Deutsch (but English will help)

As you might imagine, the common language in Frankfurt is German. In many of the more traditional restaurants, companies, and cultural events, German will still be the main language used, and learning the basics goes a long way. Although it might be common for Germans to reply to you in English when they hear you struggling, they still appreciate you trying. Take a couple of German classes before arriving in the city and go to a language school once you're there. It's a great way to meet new people, too.

#2 Don't get turned away at the border

It might sound obvious, but getting all the paperwork done correctly before you arrive in Frankfurt is important. EU and EEA nationals can travel and work in Europe without a visa, but those from other countries will need to apply for one before entering. There are multiple types of visas available, including the Working Holiday Visa and the Work Visa. There are different requirements, and it's essential to inform yourself of them way in advance.

#3 Health insurance is a must in Frankfurt

Everyone in Germany has to have healthcare insurance. There are two main healthcare insurance types you can go for – public and private. Most employed people have public health insurance, which both they and their employer pay for. This covers checkups, accidents, treatments, therapies, hospital stays, dental procedures, and much more. You also make contributions to care assistance and a pension.

High earners and some freelancers may opt for private health insurance. Whichever you decide to go for, make sure you research it really well. Healthcare in Germany is usually excellent, and in the event you need it, you'll be in good hands.

#4 You've got two weeks to register your address

Really. In Germany, you must register your address with the local authorities (Bürgeramt). They'll ask you to bring your rental contract and a form of ID, and you'll need to fill out a form. If you don't wish to pay tax to the church, make sure you say you're not religious on this form. Otherwise, you'll have a nasty shock at the end of the year!

#5 Getting around is easy

Frankfurt is an easy city to move around in thanks to its great transport system and infrastructure. If you prefer going on foot, there are lots of great walkways around the city, and it's very pedestrian-friendly. Cycling is another popular mode of transport, and the city has lots of great bike lines to make it safe and easy. There are also buses, trams, trains, and the subway. Frankfurt airport is also one the biggest in Europe.

#6 Frankfurt is a seriously green city

Like nearly all of Germany, recycling is big in Frankfurt, and you'll be expected to dispose of your waste responsibly (don't worry, your neighbors will make sure you're doing it correctly). Not only is the city green in that sense, but it also has a huge Green Belt (Frankfurter Grüngürtel), which is a popular park that runs around the edge of the city. It's a great place to take your bike and have a picnic or relax under a tree with a book. It's also 80 square kilometers, so there's always space!

#7 Food and wine are big in Frankfurt

OK, so we all know Frankfurter sausages, but there are so many more amazing dishes and drinks in the city, too. One of the most famous is a green sauce served with boiled eggs and potatoes. The green sauce is made from several different herbs (borage, chervil, cress, parsley, burnet salad, sorrel, and chives) and is served in many dishes. Frankfurt loin ribs are another specialty which are pork cutlets served with Sauerkraut (a type of fermented cabbage salad).

Normally, when we think of Germany, we think of beer. However, in Frankfurt, apple wine (Apfelwein) is also very popular. You'll find pubs across the city dedicated to this light and fruity drink, and there's even a special festival in summer.

#8 There are neighborhoods to meet every taste and budget

Like most cities, Frankfurt is divided into several different neighborhoods that are popular amongst different people. Some of the most common neighborhoods for expats to live in are Bockenheim, Ostend, Kronberg, and Höchst. Bornheim is particularly popular because of its cafes, bars, and nightlife – but it's also very quiet, and there are plenty of open green spaces. Westend is also a nice area but pricier than others. In general, Frankfurt is a safe city, but it's still important to be careful in certain areas and at night.

#9 The Medieval City Centre is a must-see

Frankfurt Old Town is a beautiful place for expats and locals to go. The architecture dates back to the 14th century – but it's not original. Unfortunately, the historic old town was destroyed during WWII in a raid in 1944.

Seventy years later, the old town was reconstructed and consists of 35 beautiful buildings, 15 of which are faithful reconstructions of the original. It's a great place to go to, to visit a museum, have a coffee or even a glass of apple wine!

#10 Salaries are high, but so are costs

Overall, the cost of living in Frankfurt is good. As you might imagine from the finance hub of Germany, salaries can be very high. In fact, according to salaryexpert.com, the average salary in Frankfurt is nearly 55,000€. Rent, however, is high too, and you'll probably pay around 1,000€ for a one-room apartment (depending on the area you wish to rent in). There's a variety of eating options, including some very luxurious restaurants and cheap (but yummy) kebabs, too. Once you look, you'll be able to find everything you're searching for in Frankfurt!

Ready to make the move to Frankfurt?

Frankfurt is an amazing city with plenty for everyone to do. There's lots of nature to enjoy as well as culture, good job prospects, and nightlife. While Germans work hard, they also like to enjoy themselves, and it's common for people to take drinks and picnics down to the river during summer. Frankfurt is a welcoming city for expats, and you're sure to enjoy it!