Warning: Be aware that organized crime and smugglers continue to use the same social media tools as everyone else. Be vigilant against disinformation and offers that seem too good to be true. Also make sure if you sign a mobile phone or internet contract you understand you are committed to the provider for the duration and cannot change plans. Finally, when wiring money home, read the fine print to avoid heavy hidden fees.
Radio Programs for Refugees:
In English and Arabic: http://www1.wdr.de/radio/podcasts/fhe/fhe-refugee-radio-100.html Refugee Network: https://www.facebook.com/refugeeradionetwork/ For Eritrean Refugees: http://erena.org/
Social Networks: Most popular among asylum seekers: What’s app, Viber, and Facebook. Facebook is the most popular social network among Germans.
Mobile Phones: Germans call these phones “Handy”. You may sign up for a subscription contract with a major provider like Telekom, Vodafone and O2.
Prepaid plans can be very flexible, and cheap. The site below compares plans by Fonic.de, Allnet, Blau.de and Fyve.de – to get SIM cards for these you can either order the SIMs or you can visit your nearest gas station. Once you put the SIM in your phone and set it up, you’ll have your connection in about an hour. http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.com/?p=2950
Landline in Your Home: Go to the nearest T-Punkt, fill out the forms, which are in German and pay apx. 70 Euros. If you are taking over a connection from the previous renter it is free. You may also avoid the charge if you sign up for extended service. Ask. http://www.newcomers-network.de/germany/newcomersguide/telecom_internet_utilities/choosing_a_provider.php
Internet Services: See which companies serve your area - put your postal code into the Toptarif site: http://www.toptarif.de/internet/internetanbieter
You may save money by combining your landline with internet service. Use a German company (Deutsche Telekom) or a third party. Third parties vary by region, and are more expensive, but easier to cancel. Ask your neighbors. http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.com/?p=2998
You may chose between cable and DSL. DSL boxes are expensive, about 160 Euros. You may also rent them from the provider. DSL companies include Alice, 1 on 1, Kabel Deutchland and Unity Media. A starting point for researching the quality, speed and value of their packages is http://dsl-germany.com/en/main.php
Cable companies: Be sure you have cable in your home first! These include Kabel BW, Kabel Deutchland, Unity Media, Telecolumbus. More: http://www.kabel-highlights.de/kabel-angebote
High Speed: Some people find “surf sticks” a useful work-around when their Internet connection is slow. You can buy these at low cost from major mobile companies like Vodafone, 02 and Telekom.
Wiring Money Home: Many companies involved with cash transfers charge high fees and commissions! Read the fine print, and do everything you can to transfer funds through a legitimate bank, or via peer-to-peer services before using companies like Western Union.
Check out and compare the following peer-to-peer services: TransferWise PayPal Skrill Neteller
Libraries, Internet Points, Copy Shops: Most local libraries offer internet access and internet and copy shops in cities and university towns will often print materials for you for a small fee.