Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

"LEARN THE LANGUAGE!! Never move to a country where English is not the Mother tongue and expect it to be easy as English is the world language, because barriers will be faced on every corner. Ensure that you have checked out your qualifications, and determine their German equivalent. Accept culture differences and do not resist intergration. For English readers, stock up on OXO cubes, Cornish pasties, Scampi fries etc, etc... For American readers: Beware most German beer is 4.9% vol. Enjoy!," remarked one expat who made the move to Nordrhein-Westfalen.

"Nordrhein-Westfalen is one of sixteen federal states in Germany and is located in the western part of the country. It has a population of around 18 million and is home to some of the country's largest cities, such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Aachen. Nordrhein-Westfalen offers many tourist attractions, including the Rheinland with its castles and vineyards, the Sauerland with its forests and lakes, and the Eifel with its volcanic activity. You can also find many cultural and historical sites in the area, such as the Aachen Cathedral and Castle, the Zeche Zollverein Industrial Complex in Essen, the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe and the museum at Olpe. For retirees, Nordrhein-Westfalen is a great place with affordable housing, a diverse range of activities to enjoy, and excellent medical care. The cost of living and taxes are slightly higher here than in other parts of Germany. When you move to and live in Nordrhein-Westfalen, you will need to register with their resident's office and have your passport and residency papers. You may also need to learn some of the regional German dialects, just so you can communicate with the locals more easily," explained one expat living in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.