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Digital Nomad Guide to Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany because of its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, and vibrant culture. The best neighborhood to live in is Cologne, as it is the largest city in the region and offers a wide range of activities and attractions. The approximate population of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany is 17.9 million. The weather in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (2-13 Celsius). The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Nordrhein-Westfalen is approximately $1,500-$2,000 USD. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Nordrhein-Westfalen is approximately $800-$1,000 USD per month.

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How do I meet people in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

When we asked people living in Nordrhein-Westfalen about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I recommend joing a "fitness club". Joining a Gym is a good way of meeting new people; this mean that you would need to sign a contract, which in most cases automatically renews on a yearly basis," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nordrhein-Westfalen.

"In Nordrhein-Westfalen, there are a number of ways to meet people. You can attend local events and meet-ups, join clubs and activities, or visit local gathering spots such as bars, cafes and restaurants. You can also use online social networking sites such as Meetup or Facebook, or look for language classes or cultural activities such as dance and music. Lastly, expat groups can be a great way to meet people from around the world who share your interests," explained one person living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

What is life like in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

When we asked people living in Nordrhein-Westfalen what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"That's one of the things that I enjoy here. People seem to enjoy their free time more. BBQ's, garden parties or just generally getting together over a few drinks. Their are lot's of council run activities, Karneval, Kirmes etc, which involve, basically having a good time. These activities are also children friendly," explained one expat living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

"Nordrhein-Westfalen is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant cities, diverse culture, and excellent infrastructure. Expats and digital nomads in Nordrhein-Westfalen can enjoy a high quality of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the region's rich history and culture. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other parts of Germany, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in the country. The cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund are particularly popular with expats and digital nomads, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. The region is also well-connected, with excellent public transport links to other parts of Germany and beyond," said one person in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

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Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

Get Quote

Where should I live in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When looking for a place to live in Nordrhein-Westfalen, the first step is to determine where you would like to live. Consider factors such as ease of transportation, job opportunities, and cultural events when selecting a city or region. You can further narrow down the search area by exploring the different neighborhoods in each city. Once you've chosen the city and neighborhood, it’s time to look at the housing options. Research local housing listings online as well as through classified advertisements and real estate agents. Consider what type of housing would best meet your needs such as an apartment, single family home, or a furnished room. As you explore the housing options, consider if the housing is within your budget and if it offers the amenities you’re looking for. Finally, make sure that the rental agreement meets your needs and that you are allowed to stay for the stated duration," said one person in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

What do I need to know before moving to Nordrhein-Westfalen?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Nordrhein-Westfalen, they said:

"Nordrhein-Westfalen is one of sixteen federal states in Germany and is located in the western part of the country. It has a population of around 18 million and is home to some of the country's largest cities, such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Aachen. Nordrhein-Westfalen offers many tourist attractions, including the Rheinland with its castles and vineyards, the Sauerland with its forests and lakes, and the Eifel with its volcanic activity. You can also find many cultural and historical sites in the area, such as the Aachen Cathedral and Castle, the Zeche Zollverein Industrial Complex in Essen, the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe and the museum at Olpe. For retirees, Nordrhein-Westfalen is a great place with affordable housing, a diverse range of activities to enjoy, and excellent medical care. The cost of living and taxes are slightly higher here than in other parts of Germany. When you move to and live in Nordrhein-Westfalen, you will need to register with their resident's office and have your passport and residency papers. You may also need to learn some of the regional German dialects, just so you can communicate with the locals more easily," said one expat in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

"LEARN THE LANGUAGE!! Never move to a country where English is not the Mother tongue and expect it to be easy as English is the world language, because barriers will be faced on every corner. Ensure that you have checked out your qualifications, and determine their German equivalent. Accept culture differences and do not resist intergration. For English readers, stock up on OXO cubes, Cornish pasties, Scampi fries etc, etc... For American readers: Beware most German beer is 4.9% vol. Enjoy!," remarked one member in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

HomelikeHomelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.
Get Quote

What do people appreciate most about the culture in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

"Expats in Nordrhein-Westfalen appreciate the region's rich history and culture, its vibrant art scene, the wide variety of culinary experiences, the laid-back lifestyle, and the strong sense of community. They also enjoy the region's excellent transportation system and its many educational and cultural opportunities. Moreover, expats appreciate the various outdoor activities, from biking and hiking to skiing and sailing, as well as the abundant local festivals and events," said one expat in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

Get Quote

Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

Get Quote

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

"Moving to a new country can be a challenging experience for many expats. From adjusting to a new language and culture, to navigating an unfamiliar job market, expats often experience a steep learning curve in their new environment. Other challenges may include the high cost of living in certain countries, difficulties in assimilating into a new society, or a lack of family and social support networks. Managing the logistics of a big move can also be difficult, and many expats also find it hard to stay in touch with family back home," said one expat who made the move to Nordrhein-Westfalen.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Nordrhein-Westfalen for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Nordrhein-Westfalen for a while, you will need a residence permit. Depending on the purpose and duration of your residence, this can be a visa or a residence permit. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for either a visa or a residence permit before you travel. If you are an EU citizen, you can simply register for residency upon arrival in Germany," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nordrhein-Westfalen.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

We asked people in Nordrhein-Westfalen if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"In Nordrhein-Westfalen, it is generally considered polite to respect the personal space of others. Therefore, it is important to be consciously aware of one's body language and not to stand too close or to invade someone's personal space. It is also important to remember that activities or comments which might be acceptable in one's own culture may be considered offensive in Germany. For example, it is considered inappropriate to accept a compliment without acknowledging it. Furthermore, it is best to avoid criticizing or discussing religion or politics in public. Additionally, it is important to adhere to German dress codes and customs, even if one disagrees with them. Lastly, it is considered rude to use overly familiar terms with someone whom one has just met, as it is customary to wait until the other person has extended their permission to do so," explained one person living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

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Get Quote

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

HomelikeHomelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.
Get Quote

What are healthcare services like in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Nordrhein-Westfalen, they replied:

"Nordrhein-Westfalen offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public health system is funded by the state and provides access to a variety of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public system also covers the cost of prescription drugs and medical devices. Private health insurance is also available, which can provide additional coverage for services not covered by the public system. In addition, Nordrhein-Westfalen has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer centers, rehabilitation centers, and mental health centers, which provide specialized care for specific conditions," said one foreigner in Nordrhein-Westfalen.

HomelikeHomelike
Get Quote

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

HomelikeHomelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.
Get Quote

What are the pros and cons of living in Nordrhein-Westfalen?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Nordrhein-Westfalen appreciate the region's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant cities, and its excellent transportation infrastructure. They also enjoy the region's diverse cuisine, its many outdoor activities, and its proximity to other European countries. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Nordrhein-Westfalen to be relatively high, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak German," wrote one digital nomad living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

HomelikeHomelike
Get Quote

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

HomelikeHomelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.
Get Quote

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Germany
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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Germany
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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Germany
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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Germany
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Contribute to Germany Network Contribute
Help others in Germany by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Germany.

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