Welcome to your quick resource guide, aka “cheat sheet” to the Kaiserslautern Military Community (K-Town) in Germany!
Need a local mechanic? New hair dresser? Yummy foods?
Oh wait… orthodontics for the kids right?
Don’t forget a pet groomer for your fur baby! 🐕
Table of Contents
Automobiles /// POV Shipping ||| Insurance /// Hotels/Temporary Lodging ||| Language & Culture /// Travel ||| Restaurants /// Banking ||| Transportation /// Real Estate ||| Health & Beauty /// Coming Soon
Local Community in the KMC Germany
Once you PCS to Germany, you have to completely rebuild your trusted local community.
The good news: We already vetted your list of options for you!
I understand how intimidating it can be to move to a new foreign country. Especially when you’re looking for a new “local spot” to take care of all your needs while living in Germany.
Kein Stress, “No Stress” as the Germans say.
I built this resource guide to provide you with a number of local businesses that will help you throughout your tour.
These are businesses that I literally use on a monthly basis.
In fact, we all do…
I’ve been living here since 2014, so over the years, I crowd sourced and cross referenced these recommendations in military spouse groups who have personally experienced them as well.
These are actual human beings that already have a personal investment in your well being while living in their country.
Each affiliate I recommend is hand selected.
I see them as “strategic partners”
Trusted by the community to provide you with a full range of products & services!
*Did I miss a business that needs to be shared with the American community? I want to hear about it!
Popular KMC Attractions:
Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet | Oktoberfest | Castle Hotel Schönburg | Maypole Fest | BBQ Party Boat | The Sausage Market | Bitche France | The Largest BX in the World! | KMC Food Tour
KMC “K-Town” Germany First Look
First off, let’s get you familiar with the basics.
Welcome to the mothership of all the bases in Germany!
The KMC = Kaiserslautern Military Community aka “K-Town” which makes up the USAG Rheinland-Pfalz.
USAG Rheinland-Pflaz has the largest presence of American Armed Forces outside of the United States.
Located in the southwestern German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, this community is split up into several different organizations to include:
Army facilities at Sembach, Kleber, Panzer and Daenner Kasernes, Landstuhl (Regional Medical Center), Miesau and Kaiserslautern Army Depots, Rhine Ordnance and Pulaski Barracks.
Air Force facilities located at Ramstein Air Base, Einsiedlerhof, Vogelweh and Kapaun Air Station.
Geographically separated units: Baumholder, Mannheim, Gruenstadt and Germersheim in Germany.
Are you new to the KMC and need a sponsor? Here’s how you get one!
KMC Transportation:
🚆 – The closest train stations are Ramstein, Miesenbach, Landstuhl, Vogelweh, Kaiserslautern Hbf, etc.
✈️ – The closest airports are Saarbrücken Airport, Frankfurt Hahn, Luxembourg Airport, Frankfurt International Airport. Most newcomers fly into Ramstein Air Base on the Patriot Express (Rotator) flight and then bus to their respective duty locations.
🚘 – Closest highway (autobahn) = A6
🏘 – Closest (big) city = Saarbrücken, Mannheim, Frankfurt
New to the train in Germany? Learn how to ride with my FULL video tutorial!
DoDEA Schools in the KMC “K-Town” Germany
– Kaiserslautern Elementary, Ramstein Elementary, Vogelweh Elementary, Landstuhl Elementary, and Sembach Elementary Schools
– Ramstein Intermediate School (3rd – 5th)
– Kaiserslautern Middle and Ramstein Middle School
– Kaiserslautern and Ramstein High Schools
– Child Development Centers (CDC): child care for ages 6 weeks – 5yrs old (pre-school)
See a list of all DoDEA Europe Schools by district here
Learn how to PCS to Germany with kids. Oh.. and this is what it’s like to go to school on base in Germany!
Adult Education in the KMC “K-Town” Germany
The KMC consists of a learning center, testing program, and four major colleges:
– Central Texas College
– University of Oklahoma
– Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
– University of Maryland Global Campus
The education center at Rhine Ordnance Barracks (ROB) is the hub for all education activity within U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz.
This hub supports those assigned to Sembach, Landstuhl, Baumholder, Miesau, Kleber and Panzer Kasernes and Army Reserve Soldiers in Europe.
KMC “K-Town” Germany Cheat Sheet
Below is your official KMC Germany cheat sheet categorized by industry.
Make sure to tell them DTV sent you! 😉
*Keep in mind, most of these companies speak English and accept VAT forms.
PCS to Germany: Cheat Sheets
Grafenwoehr | Vilseck | Hohenfels | Garmisch + Edelweiss L&R | Stuttgart | Ansbach | KMC + Baumholder | Wiesbaden | Spangdahlem
*Stay tuned for additional cheat sheet information
Automobiles
Tax FREE Vehicles! Custom Builds! Pre Order from the States!
Just imagine… a gigantic red ribbon on top of your brand new BMW, ready to hit the autobahn for your first family vacation overseas!
The ONLY company I’d recommend turning this dream into a reality is Bavarian Motor Cars. I’ve been working with this company from the very beginning. Since 2014, they’ve sponsored all my events, they’ve put my friends in new cars, and they’ve become family for my wife and I.
This is what you can expect when you walk into a BMW dealership right outside of base.
Here’s the deal, if you just want to start fresh with a new car for your family, you have to check out all the special offers they provide:
– Tax Free, military discounted offers
– Pre ordered, custom builds guaranteed to be ready before you even arrive
– VIP delivery service (Free one night stay in a beautiful 4 star hotel, or get it delivered right to the base with that red ribbon 😉)
– Stateside trade ins, meaning they can trade in your old car while you’re still in the US
– Loaner car programs & much more!
If this is something you’re interested in, I highly recommend checking their inventory or contacting one of their representatives with your questions.
Tell them “DTV” sent you!
Spearheaded by two of England’s finest; brother’s David and James Sweeney are co-founders of Used Car Guys.
We’re two brothers with a history of car sales and customer service, working alongside the U.S. Military in Germany for over 23 years. We are from a large Irish family and grew up in Cambridge, England – check it out!
Family First, Community Always!
Used Car Guys was founded in January 2012 on the principles of providing great quality cars, superior customer service and being all-round good guys.
We want to be the car dealers that you would recommend to your boss, your buddies and your grandparents. We wanted to build the company our mum would be proud of and the company that you would recommend to your mum – And plenty of people have recommended them.
Get your FIRST LOOK 👀 of Used Car Guys here!
To speak to them directly, go to their contact page.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or message them directly on Whatsapp 0172 7129046.
POV Shipping
Bringing that 2nd POV overseas? Need to get your cars safely back home in the US?
With nearly 40 years of experience and over 100K+ customers, Shipoverseas is “America’s #1 International Car Shipping Company.”
And Germany is their most frequent destination for military POV shipments!
As a military member, you don’t have to worry about import/duty taxes for your POV. Shipoverseas will walk you through the process of shipping your car (or anything else you want to ship) to & from the US.
Their services to military members include:
– Cars, RVs, motorcycles, boats, motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles, and heavy machinery shipments to Europe, Latin America, Africa & the Middle East
– Cost effective “RoRo” (Roll-On Roll-Off) shipping
– Breakdown of costs (handling charge, storage fees, marine insurance, etc)
– US customs clearing & shipment preparation checks
The best way to get started is to Request a FREE Quote, or you can contact them directly with your specific questions.
Get a $50 Military Discount when you put “DTV” in the “Additional Notes or Instructions” section of the Online Quote! 🫡🇺🇸
USA Tel: (858) 547-0840
Toll Free: (888) 805-4994
SMS Text Message: (858) 451-7281
Insurance
Since 2014, Milinsure has been providing competitive car insurance to US military & NATO families all over Germany. And it couldn’t be any easier to get yourself a quote…
Finding the right auto insurance agency while living overseas can be tricky. You need a trust worthy insurer who can get you answers right away (in your new time zone), in English, and can cover you all over Europe.
Because let’s be honest, you’re definitely going on a few road trips while living abroad 😉
I spoke with Mark Judge, your Kaiserslautern representative, who gave me a FREE, full coverage quote in minutes over the phone. And my total premium was less than what I’ve been paying through USAA!
With Milinsure, you can expect:
– Convenience: Call or text via Whatsapp for a quote in less than 5mins. You can have a whole new vehicle insurance policy set up, signed via digital contracts, with insurance cards in your inbox, in less than 20 minutes.
No more waiting 24hrs for your insurance policy to be sent to vehicle registration.
– English Speaking: No matter what time of day, or which location you’re at, your customer service representative and 24hr hotline for roadside assistance will speak your language.
– 24hr Europe-Wide Roadside Assistance on every policy!
To get started with your FREE quote, call or text Mark today!
And don’t forget to ask about your military & multiple car discounts!
Mark Judge 📧 info@milinsure.com 📱 +4917693136972
Hotels/Temporary Lodging
Welcome to your fairytale, an all-season pass to Germany’s most premiere Armed Forces Recreation Center situated in the beautiful Bavarian alps of Garmisch-Partenkirchen!
Edelweiss Lodge & Resort is the perfect vacation get away for eligible service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and other authorized users.
This is by far my favorite destination in Germany, and they have it all! Get your FIRST LOOK 👀 here.
Celebrate in true festival fashion with events like the Munich Oktoberfest, take advantage of the skiing or snowboarding in the winter season high above the Bavarian alps, or visit iconic historic castles that inspired Walt Disney.
This Resort gives you & your family an opportunity to play in Germany’s most scenic outdoor playground. Climb, bike, or glide your way through one of their alpine adventures.
The sky is truly the limit: “Ride the Alps” on your motorcycle, take horse drawn carriage rides through the city, or try a gondola ride to the “Zugspitze,” Germany’s mightiest mountain.
To get started, explore their spacious room options (including the cabins – Vacation Village and Campground), choose your dates and get ready for memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
📍 St. Martinstrasse 120, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany 82467
📱 From USA: (011-49) 8821-9440, From Europe: (49) 8821-9440
📧 vacation@edelweissresort.zendesk.com
♿️ Wheelchair accessible
🐕 Pet friendly
Language & Culture
I remember I couldn’t wait to start learning German when I first got here. I thought I would for sure be fluent within a couple years, but quickly realized that all I needed was “Survival German.”
Listen, unfortunately your time is short in Germany (3yrs for AD, and 5yrs for Civilians).
Don’t expect to be fluent in a few short years, instead learn the basics through a crash course with Nadja!
For years, Nadja has been helping military families with “Survival German” by creating an all in one course that covers everything you need to know for your short time here (#survivalskills).
Her comprehensive course includes:
– Pdf printouts, videos, modules, quizzes, exercises, and even flash cards (also available on your phone!)
– The basics: pronunciation & vocab, greetings, important phrases, alphabet, numbers, etc
– Important topics: At a restaurant, grocery store, German brands, transport, emergencies, travel, etc
I’ve taken the course, I can tell you this is exactly what I was looking for when I first got here. The course allows you to set your own tone and provides you with the perfect resources to learn when ever and where ever you are.
And… she has a military discount! Use the coupon code, “MilitaryDTV” at checkout for $100 OFF!
Learn more about the course on Facebook, hear from students, and take advantage of her course before you even arrive here!
Travel
If you’re like me, your Euro plan is to make long lasting memories by visiting as many countries as possible with your family.
Well then, let me introduce you to EuroTrip Adventures.
This budget friendly travel company provides unique opportunities for you to see all of Europe!
Primarily through extended bus travel, but they also offer a handful of flights to top European destinations.
And they’re super convenient for military personnel with pick up locations in:
– Grafenwoehr, Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden, and Stuttgart
Other locations include:
– Nuremberg, Munich, Ingolstadt, Mannheim, and Frankfurt
I’ve been on a ton of their trips, so naturally, I made an entire review blog of them here.
Get to planning with their upcoming destinations here, check out all their reviews, or contact them directly with your questions.
EuroTrip Adventures: +49 172 4557667
Budget friendly military airfare! For your official military travel, leisure travel, or if you just want to price match airfare (even with SATO), Sascha and his team are here to help!
They provide the best rates I can find to/from the states, and fantastic customer service (check out the reviews).
Who can fly with US Flights24?
– US service members, Government employees, Civilian contractors, Veterans, Retirees, & they even have non-military special rates
Although their main offices are in Grafenwoehr & K-Town, US Flights 24 can help you with your travel plans no matter where you’re stationed.
Here’s what you can expect when you walk into their office.
The best way to find competitive rates is to get a hold of their team directly through email, or “WhatsApp them” with your flight information.
I created an entire “how to” video blog with their company here.
PS: Get €30 Off your first flight when you mention “DTV”
US Flights24: +49 1704705597
Restaurants
Whether you’re dining at the pub, catering, or just need a quick bite from their food truck, Anchos is going to deliver nothing but mouth watering satisfaction.
The kitchen team is lead by Rainer Matz, an award winning “Grillmeister” who was once the executive chef in the MGM Grand.
But I don’t need to brag about the quality of the food, it’ll be clear after your first bite.
Anchos is a family run business who serves a mix of American, Mexican, & German dishes. After years of cooking in Vegas, you’ll find a range of popular food items such as real American style Burgers, German Schnitzel, and Mexican Birria!
And they’re all equally delicious! See for yourself! 👀
If you’re in a hurry, stop by the food truck for lunch right outside the Ramstein west gate – Reichswaldstraße 1, 66877 Ramstein-Miesenbach.
For a more relaxed experience, make reservations to sit down in the pub for dinner. You can even catch them for brunch on the weekend! As always, tell them DTV sent ya!
🚙 Dedicated parking
🗣️🇺🇸 English speaking
💳 Cash & card accepted
Banking
Service Credit Union & Community Bank
Every base in Germany has these two on-base banking options.
These banks will have ATMs on-base (only) and also at Edelweiss Lodge & Resort.
You don’t need to cancel any banking in the US while living in Germany (unless your lienholder won’t allow you to ship your POV overseas).
Both banks are convenient, have great customer service (especially over the phone), and speak English for any in-person banking needs.
For example, I have my main bank accounts and insurance through USAA, but I pay my German house rent and monthly phone bills through Service Credit Union.
But… you don’t HAVE TO use these banks! In fact, you’ll find that the conversion rates for these banks can be a lot higher than a German bank off-base such as Volksbank.
Transportation
KMC RoadRunner Airport Shuttle
Getting to & from the airport is always a hassle, especially when you first arrive to the KMC!
This is exactly why the team at “KMC RoadRunner” created an exclusive airport shuttle service for you and your family.
Stop thinking about how to get to/from the airport, where you’re going to park, and how much you’re going to spend on leaving your POV in the parking lot.
The professionals at KMC RoadRunner have you covered.
They specialize in:
– Private or shared transportation
– Luxury & Comfort with a High End Fleet of Mercedes Vehicles [Take a Look]
– On Board Amenities like Wifi & Cold Drinks
– Easy Online Booking with Flat Rate Fees & Contactless Payments
– Pick Up Anywhere w/in 15 miles of Ramstein (Landstuhl, Weilerbach, Kaiserslatuern, etc)
– English speaking & On-Base Access
– Flexible Cancellation
Large family? Pets or Child Car Seats? No problem, their largest van seats up to 8 people with plenty of space for all your luggage.
No matter if you’re traveling to/from Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt-Hahn, Saarbrucken Airport, or even the Luxembourg Airport, the KMC RoadRunner can accommodate your request.
For a cost effective route, get some buddies together and check out their shared ride option!
Are you a new incoming family? If you’re just now PCSing to the KMC, make sure to get this ride reimbursed as a transportation expense 🫡
But you don’t have to take my word for it, they’ve got plenty of happy customers that’ll tell you all about their experience.
To get started, secure your ride through their online booking tool, send them a message via email, on Facebook, or WhatsApp them with your questions: +49 1573 8394914 .
*Use discount code “DTV10” for 10€ OFF your private shuttle to/from Frankfurt to the KMC!
Real Estate
Whether you’re renting, buying, or you just need temporary lodging assistance, real estate is the most common topic I encounter from military families PCSing to Germany (take a look at some local options).
Military families are looking for a trusted representative “on their side” who can put them in a home that fits their specific family needs.
Sounds like you need a tall glass of “German Aid”
German-American, Tina “Lilly” Lillicotch-Busch has been working within the KMC community since 2005. However, PCSing to Germany on short notice, with a ton of family, and a long list of “to do’s” is all too familiar to her. She went through the same “PCS feelings” you went through many years ago.
Which is exactly why she’s so passionate about helping you transition here!
And that’s coming straight from the experience of her customers.
Not only can she work with you (before you arrive) on your TLA/real estate options, but her services also include:
– Relocation & Transition Assistance: Getting familiar with the local area (current off base housing/TLA availability)
– Translating & Consulting Services: Translating documents, in-person interpreting, business registration, etc.
– Community Partnership: Events, sponsorship, USO host nation advisor, etc.
The best way to utilize Lilly’s many helpful services is to contact her directly from her website, connect with her online, or just give her a call! +49 173 3647569
Health & Beauty
Jamie Carbaugh is a military spouse, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor who is passionate about shifting the culture of fitness and exercise for you!
And you’ve probably never thought about fitness the way she does… 🤔
If exercise has become a source of shame and punishment for you (or maybe too much testosterone in the on base gym after work? 😳), then allow her to be your guide to walking back to a place of joy & compassion.
Jamie trains in a way that doesn’t focus on how you look (there’s no before/after pictures or measurements), but she wants you to focus on how exercise makes you feel so that you will learn to enjoy it on your own terms.
– No timelines for completion
– Resting is NOT a sign of weakness
– It’s OK to not look forward to it
– It’s OK to miss days or modify
– Explore the space between “Go Big or Go Home”
To learn more about this alternative way of exercise, check out her super active Instagram, choose your level of online fitness and then try her FREE “10 minutes for 10 days here!”
Coming Soon…
Cheat sheet for:
More restaurants, Car Rentals/Junking/Towing/Detailing, Health & Beauty, Pet Services, Hotels & Temporary Lodging, Real Estate, Translators, Transportation, Home Based Businesses, Entertainment, & so much more!
*Did I miss a business that needs to be shared with the American community? I want to hear about it!
FREE Stuff for your PCS to KMC Germany
If you’re moving to the KMC area, you have to take advantage of all my FREE stuff.
It literally cost nothing and will be super valuable to you during your PCS to Germany.
1) FREE PCS to Germany checklist
No matter if you’re Active Duty or Civilian this checklist will go over the most important and most expensive items to take care of first!
In fact, this checklist is applicable to ALL military installations in Germany, and it’s a living document – which means it’s ALWAYS relevant to you and your family.
2) FREE Guide – 30 things you MUST Know before PCSing to Germany with the US military
This is by far my most popular download (and blog post) on the internet.
The title gives it away.
I’ve been here since 2014, so I categorized the 30 most important “things” you MUST know.
After downloading the guide in #2, watch the corresponding webinar where I literally break down each topic.
You might want to take out a pen and paper for that one because it’s PACKED with helpful information.
For more content on PCS prep, travel, or local life as an American living in Germany, subscribe to the channel and I’ll catch you in the next one!
PCS to Germany: Cheat Sheets
Grafenwoehr | Vilseck | Hohenfels | Garmisch + Edelweiss L&R | Stuttgart | Ansbach | KMC + Baumholder | Wiesbaden | Spangdahlem
*Stay tuned for additional cheat sheet information
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