Tips/ Tricks/ Hints for European living

So, I figured I would write a brief advice blog for those looking to live and work in Europe. This does not include any legal advice for what documents are needed etc. This is just a small bit that I've garnered from experience and reading from others.

1. Always take every important document with you to every government authority appointment, you never know what they may need and this will save you time. Some authorities have walk in times, but always go for an appointment if you can do it.
2. Don't expect family and friends back home to understand how difficult, complicated, and sometime lonely an expat lifestyle can be. You will lose touch with many people, but you will also know who your true friends are. That being said, it can also be exciting, rewarding, frustrating, and eye-opening.
3. Become a 'yes' person, accept as many social offers as you can, because this is the best way to make new friends.
4. Follow the crowd... street food can be good, especially if there's a bunch of locals enjoying the food.
5. Have no fear about asking questions. There will always be someone willing to help or explain local customs. You also will probably get some interesting stories along the way.
6. Don't bring massive suitcases with you. You will hate lugging them around airports and train stations. Remember that you can always buy what you need.
7. Along those lines, always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. Luggage frequently gets delayed, and you will be grateful after a long-haul flight to have a change of clothes. The same rule goes for any power cord. If you have a device (like a computer), that cannot last for up to 4 days without being charged, carry the power cord.
8. Beer is cheaper than water. Literally (especially in Germany).
9. Don't be afraid to travel alone. I've been all over, and its less stressful sometimes to not be traveling with others.
10. Bring fabric bags to the grocery store or supermarket to avoid being charged for plastic bags.
11. Most things are closed on Sundays, this includes grocery stores.
12. Be prepared for a slower paced life. If something doesn't get done today, it will get done the next day, or the day after that. Stressing about it will not get it done faster.
13. Make sure you make an effort to see local sites of interest, especially the UNESCO sites.
14. Get out of your flat and interact with the locals and practice your language skills. It can be as simple as watching local TV or buying bread in a bakery. You can also try to eliminate all English from your life to try to learn the local language.
15. Learn to use public transport systems whether it be a bus or a train. Trains are a fabulous way to go for weekend trips.
16. Make sure you have a bank account which does not charge extra for withdrawals from ATMs.
17. In most countries, credit and debit cards are not a method of payment. Debit cards usually have to be Maestro and have a local account, and most banks charge monthly fees. Assume that you have to pay for everything is cash, in bills smaller than 100 Euro, and things will be fine.
18. On more practical note, things that I would recommend bringing/ keeping in mind for travels:
1. Bring your owe ibuprofen, it's more expensive abroad and it's harder to get. Ditto goes for vitamins and any prescriptions you may need. Check with the particular country's laws before bringing in anything though.
2. Stick deoderant, hard to find, usually they only have the spray on variety in your local market.
3. If you like top sheets, bring one, they are almost impossible to find (I'm still looking).
4. Bring cobblestone worthy walking shoes (and I'm not talking tennis shoes). The make cute shoes here, but they do not have good, comfy support in them.
5. Learn to hang dry your clothing, dryers are a creature comfort that are not easily found and they will not hold the same capacity as yours in the US.
6. If you don't know the language, at least learn the basic pleasantries like hello, good bye, please and thank you.
7. Some countries are more formal. Learn before you go some of the local customs etc.
8. Try to plan weekend trips in advance, this will save you lots of money. Also, learn when the holidays are, because there are many more in Europe than in the US, and things will be closed during them.
9. Expect to get lost. Even with the best map, I have yet to find a European city built in a grid layout. This means maps can get confusing, and objects may be closer than they appear on it.
10. Own an umbrella, expect it to rain, and when it doesn't, be pleasantly surprised.
11. Use extreme caution when carrying your passport, it is your lifeline. I recommend scanning a copy and keeping it in a secure e-mail account. Keep a printed copy with a close relative, and a second one in your flat, just in case. It will make life a lot easier if something is lost.
12. Get good insurance. Sometimes the 'good' travel insurance is just plain horrid.
13. Pocket dictionaries are the best thing invented, invest in one and use it when necessary. 

I hope this helps someone!