Otto

Try Pingo - www.pingo.com - am not connected with them in any way (of course except I use them).

Easy to use - pretty good rates to most countries (I really only pay attention to Germany so can't say about others). Done via the web - enter as many telephone numbers that you will be calling from as you like - call the 800 number from one of these phones and dial your number..easy as that. (Can set up automatic recharge with a CC to make it a snap.)

Plus can print reports on calls - number, date/time etc and length of call.. so a little proof too.

Up

Just my opinion...

What you can do and what you should/shouldn't do are two different things.

Me...I wouldn't jeopardize anything by visiting during this process. Remember, you have petitioned the government to grant a visa that it does not have to give. Am no expert or a lawyer but I would not want to be in the chair in Frankfurt (or any other embassy) explaining how I have a US port of entry stamp in my passport and my petition says something different. Not saying it's impossible, just saying I wouldn't risk it over a cheap ticket.

Hope it works best for you guys..

Too Funny - Howerd Stern was talking about this (on Sirius) and I wondered what the site was..

There are 35,996 people in the U.S. with the first name Karin.

There are 26,997 people in the U.S. with the first name Otto.

Thanks

Hey....that is a hard one.....who is the german one??? Karin or Otto??? and where are you from??

Embassy frankfurt filer here

Diana

Hallo Diana,

ich - Karin bin aus Deutschland (Wuppertal) und leider immer noch hier, warte noch auf mein Visum. Otto, mein Verlobter, wohnt in Texas. Woher kommst du denn?

Lieben Gruß Karin

Dec 01 I129-F

Dec 06 NOA1

We check the government site only about once a week or longer - signed up for the email anyway - and going there too often makes my head hurt.

Good Luck to us all

Happy Valentines to Everyone, especially those that are apart - it won't be long now..

Karin I love you....

Hey guys!!!

I was really disappointed when I found out, through the Immigration website, they are still processing files from jun/jul 06..which means we´d have to wait at least 5 more months. But it seems that information is not really accurate.

Good luck everyone!!

Lucelia

The date shown on that site is for the Oldest I129-F they are processing - not the most recent or even close. I think they do this to hedge their bets, but as you can read, November filers are being approved. Don't be alarmed with this date. (Unless it's YOURs they are working on from July - can you imagine???)

Although my husband and I aren't planning on moving to the US until June, I thought I'd put this question out there to gather information ahead of time: anyone know the best way to move a small amount of things to the US? We thought about renting a container, but we don't have enough to fill a container. We'll most likely just have some books, clothes, pots and pans, one arm chair, another wicker chair, CDs, and a few framed pictures. I'm especially curious whether any of you have used any moving companies here in Germany, and if so, if you know which one's cheapest. We want to make sure we allot enough money to pay for all our moving costs.

Thanks,

Mary

Hi Mary,

I am moving to the US too and my friend found quirx international. They ship small amounts too. here is the link http://www.quirx.net/Seefracht/Umzug_Beila...htm#Nordamerika . I started a Preisanfrage on sunday, but still waiting for an answer.

Kood luck Karin

Trolling/Troll

A troll is a person who enters an established community such as an online discussion forum and intentionally tries to cause disruption, often in the form of posting messages that are inflammatory, insulting, or off-topic, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others

Lurker/Lurking

A lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely participates.

Oxymoron

A person who purports to complain about trolling while trolling him/herself.

Tip:

Go back to lurking

Same in Arizona - but maybe getting better now.

Speaking from Germany to America just jotted down some things that might be helpful to keep in mind.

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Speaking from Germany to America

Food

* Don't need to bring bags with you to the grocery store.

* Make a list of things you love to eat/cook with - may not be available here. You will miss some things.

* Bread is much different (for the most part)

* Shopping carts don't require 1Euro to use

* Cheeses are much different (mostly swiss and chedar)

People

* While there is not an 'ampt' for everything, we're still not as 'free' as you would think

* Even if you've lived here your entire life - some Americans are hard to understand.

* Some people will try to take advantage of you if they think they can.

* If you're a soccer fan - Get Cable - (ask for Fox Soccer channel)

Driving/Cars

* Parking is usually free - like grocery stores, malls, etc (I know, not everywhere, but mostly)

* People do not get out of the left lane

* People drive incredibly huge cars

* Gas is cheaper and is by the gallon, not liter (4 liters/gallon)

* Radar detectors are legal in most states

* Car inspections are no where near as tough

* Drivers License doesn't cost nearly as much

Money

* Credit/Checking Cards accepted almost everywhere - cash/geld not required to have on hand

* Telephones are usually flat rate for local

* Prices usually do not include tax - you'll need to add it to know what the actual cost is.

* Most bills (utilities, etc) are monthly

* Renting a home/apartment is done with a contract - usually 6 or 12 months

Miscl.

* Things are open on Sunday

* TV has little nudity/foul-language, but lots of violence (pay tv not included)

* Beds (usually) are higher/taller off the ground

* Toilets are smaller (so I've been told)

Working

* Applying for a job does not require your life's history

* Not uncommon to work 45+ hours per week

* No government insurance - it's on you/your employer (excluding Medicare)

* Pay Day/Salary is usually paid weekly or every two weeks..monthly is not typical

Thats about it for now.. just my experience..does not apply to everyone am sure.

Great Information - I know the Topic is dated but in case anyone is still following it...

Any insight into Sparkasse for the same reasons as stated above? (Transfers, exchange, online banking, future purchases in Germany, etc..) We have an account with them and Chase here in US.

Thanks..

p.s.

Any noted restrictions for US Citizen opening account in Germany? And/Or German National in the US?

Not sure if this is the correct forum but.

My fiance has a diploma (Social Work) in Germany - Does anyone have information/ideas how to find out how to equate this education to a US diploma?

The German education system, while good, is different from the US. Seems I can't find much information on this topic.

Thanks in advance for any help...

Hello All,

Not to sound pushy but would all you November Filers please hurry up?..us December 01 filers are waiting.... (Just kidding - congrats - sounds encouraging.)