GETTING AROUND

TRAM

The tram system is operated by Üstra.  You can purchase a Jobkarte (subsidized annual card) through the school. This costs 30,40 euros per month and will be deducted from your monthly salary. Be sure to carry a valid ticket or pass to ride at all times as they carry out frequent checks performed  by unmarked riders.

Individual tickets and daily returns can also be bought at machines located on each tram platform and the üstra main office.

Children under 6 travel free of charge.

BIKING

Biking is a fantastic way to get around the city. Be sure to use the bike lane, never walk in a bike lane or cross it accidentally without looking and when you cross the street watch out for cars, bikes and people coming from a number of directions. Also take care not to get your wheels stuck in the tram lines if you traverse them. 

You can take your bike on the tram at the weekends and on public holidays at any time of the day. However it is prohibited to take your bike on the tram before 8:30 am and between 15:00 - 19:00 Monday-Friday. 

BUYING A BIKE

Oddly old bikes are harder to get hold of in Hannover than new bikes. Second hand/used bikes are sometimes available on ebay. Here is is a relevant link.

We can put something out in the first newsletter requesting if anyone has any for sale. Departing staff have already sold their bikes to new staff they built an online relationship with in the Spring or they have taken them with them.

Reliable new bikes stores: B.O.C and Stadler have a couple of main tram line locations . As you would expect a quick Google will yield a number of other shops.  A new city bike that is in the cheapest line will still set you back nearly €250-€300.

Amazon.de has new bikes that you could have delivered for a variety of prices.

DRIVING

Can I drive on my current  license? Maybe. All new residents can use their current license for 6 months after arriving. If your license is from a EU member state, you don’t have to change it for a German one. If your license is from North America, you can get a German license without a test if your license is from one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta, British Colombia, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon. For some other states in the USA you have to do a written test, and everyone else has to do the practical and the written test. But both these can be done in English.

If you have an EU license it is legal for you drive in Germany. You may wish to obtain an up-to-date copy of your EU license to drive before you arrive to avoid the lengthy and involved process of obtaining your German license. For more information on driving visit this link.

Watch out not to violate short term parking restrictions as your vehicle is likely to be removed. 

It is also illegal not to change your tires from summer tires to winter tires as the season changes and back again. Taking your car in is a quick and easy process. You can take your other tires home or pay a fee to have the garage keep them over the season and refit them when you change again.