Salvatore Musina - Expat in Berlin, Germany

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: I’m half Italian, half Polish and grew up in Belgium (French-speaking part). I’ve been living more than 10 years in Brussels.

 

Q: In which city are you currently residing?

A: In Berlin.

 

Q: What do you do in your new city?

A: I’m working full time: Operations Manager at SponsorPay and I’m also the co-founder of myGermanExpert.

 

Q: How is the quality of life in your new city in comparison to that of your home city?

A: The life in Berlin is much more relaxed than in other European capitals. It’s a very green city with a young, dynamic and international community. It is still possible to live very well with little money. It’s easy to find a job, however it’s very difficult to find a well-paid job if you don’t speak German, especially in start-ups.

Q: How would you rate the healthcare system in which you are currently enrolled?

A: 8/10, I can’t rate it higher as I luckily didn’t really had to use it, except for the dental care, but I’m just hearing positive feedbacks.

 

Q: How does the cost of living compare to that of your home city?

A: I would say that the cost of living in Berlin is the lower one amongst the Western Europe capitals concerning housing, studies, night life, food & drinks. Taxes are a bit lower than in Belgium. The train/tram/metro system & the health care contributions are expensive but efficient!

 

Q: Did you use a relocation company to help you with your move?

A: I didn’t use any relocation company because I was used to travel a lot.

 

Q: How easy or difficult was the relocation process?

A: I moved in Berlin thinking that it would be easy like in other countries (In the past, I’ve been living in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Ireland, UK & Australia). Big mistake!!! Luckily, I got some help from my girlfriend, who is German, and managed to settle in here. From that moment on, my Irish flatmate, my girlfriend and I thought that it would be a excellent idea to create myGermanExpert and help foreigners like me with the German bureaucracy, especially the address registration process.

 

Q: Did you move here with any family members?

A: No

 

Q: What is your favourite mobile app which you use to aid you in your expat life?

A: The Google Maps app is the best one because Berlin is very extended.

 

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new expat in your new city?

A: Learn German and get a metro map! :-)