You have roughly 30 kg and a cabin bag to start a new life. Indians tend to over-pack clothes and under-pack the things that are actually expensive or hard to find in Germany. Here is a packing list that has survived contact with reality.
Carry-on: never check these in
- Passport with visa, admission letter, blocked-account proof, insurance papers.
- APS certificate, original degree/transcripts and several attested copies.
- Passport photos (German biometric spec if possible).
- Essential medicines with prescriptions/doctor's note, plus a basic kit.
- Some euros in cash for the first days, and a working card.
- Phone, laptop, chargers, a universal/EU adapter.
Worth bringing from India
- Spices and masalas: your mother's mixes, specific blends, some pickles (sealed). Cheaper and better than buying there, see groceries.
- Prescription medicines for a few months (with documentation) and Indian OTC staples you trust.
- A pressure cooker and one or two key utensils if weight allows.
- Formal Indian outfit for events, plus comfortable everyday clothes for layering.
- Spectacles/contact lenses spare pair, eyewear is pricier in Germany.
- Small gifts for new friends/hosts, and a few comforts from home for the hard days.
Leave it, buy it there
- Heavy winter coats and proper winter boots: buy in Germany, local gear is built for the actual cold and often cheaper on sale than you think. Bring layers for the journey.
- Toiletries and detergents in bulk: cheap at German discounters; do not waste kilos.
- Bedding, towels, crockery: cheap at IKEA and discounters once you arrive.
- Books: heavy; use digital.
- High-voltage Indian appliances (irons, kettles) that may not suit German sockets/voltage well, buy local.
The clothing reality
Bring versatile layers, not your whole wardrobe. German weather rewards layering, and you will want to buy a proper jacket locally before the first real winter. See culture shock and your first weeks for what those early days look like.
Shipping the rest
If you have more than your baggage allowance, do not pay airline excess; send a box separately. Estimate it first with the shipping estimator.
FAQ
Should I bring winter clothes from India?
Bring layers for the trip, but buy your main winter coat and boots in Germany, they are made for the real cold and often cheaper on sale.
Can I bring Indian food and spices?
Yes, sealed dry spices, masalas and packaged items are fine and worth it. Avoid fresh/perishable items and check airline and customs limits.
What must stay in my carry-on?
All documents (passport, visa, APS, degree, insurance), medicines, electronics and some cash. Never check these in.
Want a packing sanity-check from someone who just did it? Ask a mentor for ₹500 →
