It is our routine to call our family in India and we were discussing today the differences in the experiences while living in all these countries. We are also asked a lot of times here in Germany as well why you left the USA. And on Instagram, I was requested to give my views on this. So, let’s jump to all these topics.
1.Money/Salary/Pay
There may be a lot of reasons for immigration for any individual but how much you earn is the topmost priority and will always remain. The salary for an IT individual in India is very less in comparison to the same individual in countries like the USA, and Germany. But usually, people forget that the expenses of living in foreign countries are also high. We forget this fact and always compare the salary to the Indian one. But still, it is an important factor for us as Indians because we can help our family in India because of this difference.
I will come to the real calculation, most of the people in IT on an average earn in a month like 4000$(in the USA in hand) or 3000Euros (in Germany in hand). This is approximately 3 lakhs rupees in India. House rent on average is 800$ or 800 Euro (less in case of students), comparatively higher in Germany or Europe(even 1500 euros). Grocery is cheaper in Germany than in the USA, on an average 300Euros (Germany) for a couple per month and it was more than 500$ (USA).
But still, you can save more in the USA than in Germany because of the reduced in-hand salary. This 3000$ salary comes in Germany after a reduction of taxes (14-50% of the income), public health insurance in Germany including social security (approx.1000 euros/ month). While in the USA, you do not pay social security until you hold a green card and health insurance is nearly 500$ a month. Also, the taxes were also not so high. No doubt in Germany there are unemployment and disability benefits that are not there in the USA.
2. Health of an individual in Germany vs USA vs India
There is a difference in the perspective of people related to health in different countries. In Germany or Europe, you will see less obesity. You will see people walking or running even on the streets and they are fit in comparison to the people in the USA. People prefer to walk rather than travel in cars. The quality of food is better in Germany than in the USA. We observed a better quality of milk, bread, vegetables, etc. People in Germany prefer to eat more healthy food, prefer to cook at home but US people eat more junk. Indian people have the same healthy lifestyle in general.
Other than that, the health facilities are better in the USA with slight differences in comparison to the ones in Germany as per our experience till now. But this is again my experience, it can be different for you. As per my experience, India has the best healthcare, affordable, easily reachable, and effective.
3. Lifestyle
So, in my mind, when it comes to the USA, they have wide roads, big apartments, more savings, affordable electronics, excellent customer service, advanced technology, easy availability of any product, and no language issues for us. When it comes to Germany, they have better stability (no green card issues), spouses can work, more savings than in India, excellent transport, more travel options, and no speed limits.
But there is one major difference in their lifestyles. Germans consider it to be equally important to spend time with family while working. A lot of shops close early. Sundays are closed even grocery stores. Here people have a life of their own.
While in both, there is nature still preserved which is missing in India. There is no city like a complete concrete jungle. There are still parks and a lot of natural places to spend time. The pollution level in India is dangerous and one of its contributing factors is the ever-increasing population.
4. Services
Germany is far behind in this area in comparison to both India and USA. Everything is hard starting from renting a house, opening a bank account, and having internet or electricity. And each activity feels like you are giving some interviews here. Taking the house as an example, here you do not decide if you can rent this property or not but the owner decides whether he wants to give it to you or not. I am now able to open a bank account in a German bank after six months.
One contributing factor to this experience is that everything comes in the postbox which creates a lot of delay in every process. The second one is the language barrier, this is a problem when you want to talk to the people at the ground level. The third one is poor customer service like if you are having a problem in your internet. They will arrange an appointment whenever possible. And the person will come according to his availability. There is no such situation as an emergency.
The dining experience in the USA is excellent due to its great customer service. People greet you nicely if you do not like your food you can request them for a new one free of charge. While in Germany, it is different. I would like to tell you about my experience with this in Germany. We ordered Thai food in one restaurant in Berlin. It was delicious but it was served in some bowls where the coating was melting down in food. When we complained about it, she said OK and did nothing. In the USA, they would not charge for our food. While in India, customer service hardly matters to people.
5. Work Culture in Germany vs USA vs India
If you have worked in India and then come to USA or Germany. You will love your life. But this does not apply while working in Indian companies in foreign countries. And I am always talking about the IT field here. There are flexible work timings and that does not mean that this exists in job listings only but it is a reality. There is no or less micro-management which I absolutely love. If you are giving them the work or output they want, then there is no problem which is quite opposite in India.
There are no fights while taking leaves or leaves creating a negative impact while counting your performance like in India. Even companies encourage vacation. There is 28 day of paid vacation offered in my company. One thing more is that if you are sick, then that means you are sick. You do not need to check the work and there are no calls to ask this or that. This is the most important reason for coming to Germany for both of us. Because here it is the best.
So this is Germany vs USA vs India from my point of view. Let me know in the comments your views as well.
Check out my related posts:-
Why I chose immigration:-
https://www.theexplorerdiary.com/why-i-chose-immigration/(opens in a new tab)
Planning to settle abroad. Things you must know:-
https://www.theexplorerdiary.com/planning-to-settle-abroad-things-you-must-know/(opens in a new tab)
Complete guide to building an initial home in Germany:-
A guide on grocery shopping in the USA for Indian buyers:-
11 ways to enjoy weekends if staying in the USA
https://www.theexplorerdiary.com/11-ways-to-enjoy-weekends-if-staying-in-usa/(opens in a new tab)
A very good comparison of Income- Expenditure, Life Style, Food, Culture etc. of USA,Germany & India certainly beneficial for newcomers in these countries. Keep on exploring.
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