It’s been a long time, since I updated my blog. I know, I am sorry!
In the meantime I moved over from good ol’ Munich to Dublin. My plan is to stay here for at least a year (although everyone I talk to tells me, that they planned the same and ended up staying for years – uh oh?!)
But back to the beginning, December 2014, where I parted ways with my old company. I planned to do so for quite a while and when my former school mate Steph Ohwhat asked me, if I wanted to spend a year abroad in Dublin, it was a very welcoming idea. In January I started applying, enjoyed my sweet spare time with a bit too much reality TV and finally found a new position in February. In only one and a half week I prepared everything for the big trip and flew over to the emerald island.
The first week was a bit overwhelming – leaving the plane and being greeted by a very irish accented taxi driver (whom I payed too much money, ugh), a very cold and windy weather and not exactly knowing how things are working. It took me good three days to get used to the changes and getting started to settle
In about two weeks, after a few more or less successful viewings, I found my apartment in Dublin city center, conveniently located only a few minutes to walk from my office.
While I plan on sharing more of my adventures in Dublin over the time, here are my first tips if you want to head over, too:
What to do before moving
★ find a job
It’s not absolutely necessary to do that before you move, but it surely makes everything less stressful. I recommend sites like monster.ie or irishjobs.ie. You will learn, that you will be in contact with a headhunting agency at first and if you are suited for the position, you applied for, they will forward your CV to the company and come back to you with their answers. They arrange phone or Skype interviews, give you tips for moving and may even call you back after the first day of your new job to know, how you liked it.
★ getting health insurance
Maybe this applies for Germany only, but I arranged for a health insurance for working abroad in Germany, as the irish health insurances don’t cover everything and you may need to pay for things yourself. (For example, mine covers only hospital visits, but no doctor appointments)
★ book flight
Well, obviously you need to get from A to B. Or D. It is possible to go by car and take a ferry, but it takes sooo long. To bring more stuff with me, I simply booked additional luggage (70€ well spend). Tip: Check online, if there are currently any deals for your airline!
★ contact your bank
Your bank needs to know, it’s really you, who is suddenly withdrawing all that cash overseas and not some shady card thief! You also may need to unlock your bank account for oversea withdrawals.
★ check your equipment
Keep in mind, that the UK has different sockets, so buy an socket adapter in advance or before departing at the airport. Also check, if there are any differences in Volt usage (hair stylers and such).
★ visit your hairdresser for the last time
Arrive in your new destination in style. I didn’t have the time to find a new hairdresser before my first day at work with all the formalities going on. Plus, if for example, you want to dye your grown out roots, you need to make a skin test at every hairdresser beforehand, meaning they will apply the product on your skin and if nothing happens for two days, you can show up again for an appointment. While this is for their personal insurance, it’s also your latency.
what to do after moving?
★ get a PPS number
You need a PPS number to be able to do the next steps (finding an apartment, getting a bank account,…). Show up at their office in the morning with your ID card, your contract of employment and a prove that you are living in Dublin, such as a bill. (Fun thing, since you need a PPS number to get an apartment. I stayed with my school friend for the first two weeks, so I got a bill from them and switched addresses, after I found my own residence.) The process itself is easy, show the stuff to the desk lady (/guy), get a ticket number and wait until said number appears on the screen in the waiting area. After filling out a form, you are done and wait for a week, until they send a card with your PPS number to the address you stated as your current residence.
★ search for an apartment
There are many sites, but daft.ie is the most popular. Right now, rent prices have gone up a bit, so a shared apartment may be a good option to save some money. Be prepared, that the pictures online are not always the reality and that although they write “central heating”, it’s often “electric heating”. (The latter is the most common, but also the most expensive).
The first apartment, I viewed, wrote nice things like “build in wall TV”, “luxurious and modern” and “with “basketball court”. Arriving there I was greeted by the smallest flat, I have ever seen; missing the TV and glamour, and the basketball court in the backyard was full of waste.
★ get a bank account
This will be the hardest challenge. This should’ve been Odysseus’ last trial. No, I am exaggerating, but it was a bit annoying. Again, you will need a prove of address aka bill and your ID card to make an appointment. Since I just moved into my own apartment, I didn’t have a bill, so my employer had to write me a letter, that stated, that I was, in fact, living and working here.
★ mobile phone card
I recommend getting a TESCO mobile card, since it’s cheap and you can just easily switch the SIM cards from your mobile phone.
Once done with all the formalities, it’s finally getting more fun, as you can enjoy strolling through the city without to-do lists in the back of your mind.
It’s a bit of work at first, but it won’t take longer than a month to go through all the stuff.
It definitely doesn’t feel like “just a month” for me, after so much happened. On the good side, now I am mostly used to how things work over here and go with the flow.
What’s it for you? Do you plan to spend a year abroad, too?
Are there more things you want to know about going to Dublin?
Enjoy your Eastern!
So long,
See you next time!
Miss Red Misaki 